What are implant dentures?
Implant dentures are dentures that attach to dental implants for a more secure, stable fit — they are still removable, making them easier to clean and maintain than permanently fixed options. The implants themselves are small titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone by a dentist or oral surgeon, where they act as artificial tooth roots. At Northern Rivers Denture Clinic, we provide the denture component and work closely with trusted local dentists and oral surgeons who handle the implant placement.
There are two types of implant dentures — implant-retained and implant-supported — and while both use implants for stability, they differ in how the denture is held and how much load the implants carry. This page focuses on implant-retained dentures, the removable option we specialise in at our Tweed Heads denture clinic. Further down, we walk you through the full process — from assessing whether you're a candidate to what's involved in getting your implant-retained denture fitted.
Why choose implant-retained dentures?
Feel more secure
Eat and speak with confidence, especially with lower dentures that tend to move with traditional options.
Less rubbing and soreness
A stable fit means less friction on your gums compared to loose conventional dentures.
More natural feeling
A smaller, less bulky plate makes implant-retained dentures feel closer to natural teeth.
Easy to clean
The removable design means straightforward cleaning and maintenance at home.
At your free 30‑minute consultation in Tweed Heads, we can show you how implant‑retained dentures look, feel and differ from traditional dentures.
Implant retained dentures versus implant supported dentures
The key difference is simple — implant-retained dentures are removable, while implant-supported dentures are fixed permanently in place by your dentist or oral surgeon. Because implant-retained dentures share chewing pressure between the implants and gums, they typically require fewer posts (usually 2–6), which generally makes them the more affordable option — fixed implant-supported dentures often need more implants and sometimes bone grafts, so that conversation is best had directly with your treating dentist or oral surgeon.
Northern Rivers Denture Clinic manufactures IMPLANT RETAINED DENTURES
Advantages and disadvantages of implant retained dentures
Advantages of implant retained dentures
- Feel more stable when eating and speaking than traditional dentures, particularly for the lower jaw where suction can be a challenge.
- Less rubbing and fewer sore spots, as the denture is supported by implants as well as the gums rather than relying solely on gum contact.
- Can give you more confidence with everyday activities like talking, laughing and eating in public, because the denture is less likely to lift or move out of place.
- The implants can help preserve jawbone density, which supports facial structure and a better long‑term fit.
- The removable design makes daily cleaning and maintenance straightforward.
Disadvantages of implant retained dentures
- Implant‑retained dentures cost more than standard dentures because the denture needs special precision implant attachments (item 735), and at least two of these components are required.
- Not everyone is a suitable candidate; your dentist or oral surgeon will assess bone density and overall health before proceeding.
- Treatment takes time — from implant placement to your final denture being fitted can span several months.
- Some people need a short adjustment period while they get used to the different feel of the denture connecting onto implants rather than resting only on the gums.
- As with any surgery, placing dental implants carries some risk, so it is important to discuss your full medical history with your dentist, oral surgeon and our team before deciding.
At your free 30-minute consultation in Tweed Heads, we can talk through whether implant-retained dentures or traditional dentures are the right fit for you, and give you an honest overview of costs and timelines.
How much do implant‑retained dentures cost?
Implant‑retained dentures involve two parts of treatment — the dental implants placed by your dentist or oral surgeon, and the implant denture made by our team.
The surgical implant component is usually the larger part of the overall cost, while the denture itself is the smaller portion.
Below is a guide to typical fees, but your exact costs will depend on how many implants you need. You will receive written quotes from both your oral surgeon and our clinic before you decide.
Dental implant fees (oral surgeon component)
| Description | Cost |
| Surgical insertion of implant - per implant (includes bone graft) | $4000 |
| Hospital admission for uninsured patient | $1000 |
| Anaesthetist fees | $4000 |
* Quoted by Tweed Heads oral surgeon (2026)
Why choose Northern Rivers Denture Clinic for implant‑retained dentures?
Local Experience
Extensive experience planning and making implant‑retained dentures for Tweed Heads patients who want a more secure alternative to traditional dentures.
On-Site Lab
All implant‑retained dentures are designed and made in our on‑site Tweed Heads Dental Laboratory, so we can fine‑tune the fit and appearance with you.
Team Coordination
We coordinate closely with trusted local dentists and oral surgeons who place the dental implants, keeping your treatment plan clear from start to finish.
Clear, Flexible Pricing
You receive clear written quotes and item numbers before you decide, with interest‑free payment plan options available for eligible patients at our Tweed Heads denture clinic.
Who are implant dentures suitable for?
Implant-retained dentures can be a life-changing option for many full denture wearers — but they're not the right fit for everyone. You may be a good candidate if you:
- Currently wear full dentures and find them loose or uncomfortable, particularly in the lower jaw.
- Want the security of implant dentures without committing to a fully fixed "screw-in" bridge.
- Have sufficient healthy jawbone to support dental implants, or are open to discussing bone-grafting options with your dentist or oral surgeon.
- Are in generally good health with no medical conditions that would affect your suitability for implant surgery — your dentist or oral surgeon will assess this with you.
- Are a non-smoker, or willing to reduce or quit smoking, as this can significantly affect healing and implant success.
At your free 30‑minute consultation in Tweed Heads, we can look at your existing dentures, talk through your medical and dental history, and let you know if implant‑retained dentures are the right option for you.
How the implant‑retained denture process works
1. Start with two teams
You will see both an oral surgeon (or implant dentist) and our dental prosthetists. The surgeon places the dental implants, and Northern Rivers Denture Clinic designs and makes the implant‑retained denture. We focus only on implant‑retained dentures, not fixed implant‑supported dentures.
2. Surgical phase – placing the implants
Your oral surgeon first places small metal posts (dental implants) into your jawbone. A second minor procedure is usually needed a few months later to uncover the tops of the implants so the denture can attach to them. Healing times vary between upper and lower jaws because the bone is different in each.
3. You are not left without teeth
While the implants heal, you are not left without teeth. In most cases you can keep wearing your existing denture with adjustments, or we can make a temporary “placeholder” denture to use during this stage.
4. Denture phase – designing your implant‑retained denture
Once your mouth has healed, we take detailed impressions and create a wax try‑in denture so you can see how the teeth will look and feel. This stage usually takes around four appointments to get the fit, bite and appearance right.
5. Fitting your new denture
We then fit the final implant‑retained denture with the precision implant attachments inside it, so it can clip securely onto the implants. You’ll be shown how to put the denture in and out and how to look after it, and we review you to make any fine adjustments as you get used to the new feel.
Frequently asked questions about implant‑retained dentures
Can my existing dentures be converted to implant-retained dentures?
In some cases, an existing full denture can be modified to clip onto implants by adding precision attachments, but not every denture is suitable. It depends on the age, fit and strength of the denture, and the position of the implants. At your free consultation we can examine your current dentures and let you know whether conversion is realistic, or whether a new implant-retained denture would give a better long-term result.
Are implant-retained dentures removable at night?
Yes. Implant-retained dentures are designed to clip on and off the implants, so you can remove them at night and for cleaning. Most people follow a similar routine to normal full dentures — taking them out to sleep (unless your dentist or oral surgeon advises otherwise) and cleaning both the denture and the gums and implant areas each day.
Do implant-retained dentures feel different to normal dentures?
They usually feel more secure because they attach to implants rather than relying only on suction and the gums, especially in the lower jaw. You will notice a different sensation when clipping the denture on and off, and there is often a short adjustment period while your mouth gets used to the new level of stability. Most people adapt quickly and feel more confident eating and speaking.
Do I have a choice of denture with implants?
Yes. At Northern Rivers Denture Clinic we can show you the different denture styles that can be made to sit on implants, using real models so you can see and feel what they are like. If you'd like to explore your options for full dentures in more detail, you can also visit our full denture page.
How do I look after implant-retained dentures?
Implant-retained dentures need a simple daily cleaning routine and regular professional check-ups. You will remove the denture to brush it, gently clean around the implant attachments in your mouth, and attend periodic reviews so we can check the fit of the denture and the condition of the implants and gums. It is also worth knowing that the small attachment clips that connect your denture to the implants will need replacing periodically — we will keep an eye on these at your check-ups and show you the exact cleaning technique at your fitting appointment.
Because implant placement is a surgical procedure, it's important to feel fully informed before you commit. We always encourage patients to seek a second opinion from a qualified health practitioner if they have any doubts.
Call (07) 5536 4241
Free 30-minute Consultation
at our Tweed Heads denture clinic
We believe in informed decisions. That's why we offer free 30-minute consultations to all our patients, new and existing. During this no-pressure appointment, we'll discuss your denture needs and goals, provide a personalised treatment plan and clear cost estimate, with no obligation to proceed. We want you to feel comfortable and empowered.
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