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.
- Often a smaller, less bulky plate, making your mouth feel more natural and helping food taste better.
- 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 denture costs are higher than standard dentures because dental implants and additional appointments are involved.
- 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.
- Implants and dentures on implants still require daily cleaning and regular professional checks to stay healthy and stable.
- 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 are implant retained dentures?
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 dental Heads lab, 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.
Denture implants procedure – Where do I begin?
You will need to make separate appointments with your dental prosthetist and your oral surgeon. Your oral surgeon will assess your suitability for implant dentures based on your general health and dental requirements. Only the process for implant retained dentures is described here, since Northern Rivers Denture Clinic does not supply implant supported dentures. For your convenience, we offer a mobile denture service for the denture aspect of the procedure, to alleviate the burden on less mobile patients.
The surgery phase of implant retained dentures process
To begin the process, you will attend your oral surgeon for two separate surgical procedures between 3 to 6 months apart. The first procedure is to implant the metal posts into your jaw, while during your second appointment excessive gum tissue will be removed to expose the top of the implanted posts allowing for the implant retained denture to be attached. There is a difference in healing time between implants, depending on whether they are placed in the upper jaw or lower jaw. This is due to differing bone thickness in upper and lower jaws and the time it takes for the posts and bone to integrate.
However, you don’t need to be concerned about being without teeth during this time. Your dental prosthetist can make you a temporary ‘placeholder’ denture to replace missing teeth. Alternatively, you can continue to wear your complete denture if you have one.
The denture phase of the implant retained dentures process
Once your mouth is sufficiently healed, the second phase of your implant retained denture process will begin. You will see your dental prosthetist who takes impressions of your gums from which a plaster model is constructed. A wax model complete with teeth, is made from this model and tried in your mouth to determine best fit and appearance. At this point you will get a good idea of what the end result will be and final adjustments will be made. Your new permanent implant retained denture will then be completed and fitted. You can expect the described process to take place over approximately four appointments.
Do I have a choice of denture with implants?
Northern Rivers Denture Clinic is happy to advise on your denture options available for denture implants. Our comprehensive range can be viewed as actual models so you can see and feel them to get a sense of what to expect. For more information on our range of full dentures, visit our full denture page by clicking the button below.
Frequently asked questions
Are implant supported dentures removable?
Not all denture implants are the same. Implant supported dentures are screwed in and fixed. They cannot be removed except by your dentist. On the other hand, you can easily remove the implant retained dentures yourself for cleaning and maintenance.
How many implants are required for dentures?
The number of posts you require will differ according to your choice of denture implant type, your degree of bone density and whether you need full denture implants to replace all your teeth or upper or lower partial denture implants to replace just a few. Generally, 2 – 4 posts are required to secure an implant retained lower denture which is the most common.
What is implant retained denture?
An implant retained denture is a removeable prosthetic device which is secured in the mouth by clipping on to surgically implanted metal posts in your jawbone.
How much do permanent implant dentures cost?
The price of implant dentures varies according to which of two types you choose: the removeable implant retained denture or the non- removeable implant supported denture. The implant supported denture is fixed into your mouth and incurs greater expense. Conversely, the implant retained denture requires less healing time and is more time and cost effective. Since two separate health clinicians are required to complete the denture implant process, you will need to get two separate quotes. Our Tweed heads based clinic covering Banora Point andTweed Heads South denture requirements, only manufactures the implant retained denture.
Be aware that any surgical invasive procedure carries risks. With this in mind, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner, before proceeding.
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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