Implant supported dentures combine the convenience of a full denture with the stability and security of dental implants. Two to six implant fixtures are placed into the jawbone, and the denture is designed with special attachments on its underside that clip or lock onto the implants. The result is a denture that stays firmly in place during eating, speaking, and laughing — activities that can be stressful and embarrassing with conventional loose dentures.
There are two main types of implant supported dentures. A removable overdenture clips onto implants via ball, bar, or locator attachments, allowing you to remove the denture for cleaning. A fixed implant denture is permanently screwed onto the implants and can only be removed by your dentist. Both options deliver a dramatic improvement in stability, comfort, and chewing efficiency compared to conventional dentures.
At Secrets Dental & Medical Centre in Southport, we assess each patient individually to recommend the type of implant supported denture that best meets their clinical needs, lifestyle preferences, and budget. Our in-house dental laboratory crafts every denture to the highest standards of fit, function, and natural appearance.
An overdenture implant is a dental implant specifically placed to support a removable overdenture. Typically, two to four overdenture implants are positioned in the jawbone, and the denture is fitted with corresponding attachment components that snap securely onto the implant heads.
The overdenture implant approach is particularly popular for lower jaw dentures, which are notoriously difficult to stabilise with conventional methods due to the shape and movement of the lower ridge. As few as two overdenture implants in the lower jaw can transform a loose, uncomfortable denture into one that feels secure and allows you to eat confidently.
One of the key advantages of the overdenture implant approach is that it is often the most affordable route to implant-retained dentures. Fewer implants are needed compared to a fully fixed solution, and in many cases your existing denture can be adapted to fit onto the new implants, reducing the overall cost further. The denture remains removable for easy cleaning and maintenance, which many patients appreciate.
At Secrets, our overdenture implant treatment includes all planning, surgery, attachments, and denture modification or fabrication in one clear-priced package.
Denture stabilisation is the process of using dental implants to secure a denture that is currently loose or poorly fitting. If you are struggling with a denture that moves when you eat, causes sore spots on your gums, or requires constant adhesive, denture stabilisation with implants can provide an immediate and lasting improvement.
The denture stabilisation procedure is straightforward. Two or more implants are placed into the jawbone in a minor surgical procedure under local anaesthesia. After a healing period, or in some cases on the same day, your denture is fitted with precision attachments that clip onto the implants. The transformed denture sits firmly on the ridge and does not move during normal function.
Denture stabilisation is one of the most life-changing dental treatments we offer at Secrets. Patients consistently report being able to eat foods they had given up, speaking with confidence without worrying about their denture slipping, and a dramatic improvement in comfort. If denture adhesive has become a daily necessity, denture stabilisation with implants could eliminate the need for it permanently.
Mini implant dentures use smaller-diameter implant fixtures to stabilise a removable denture. Mini dental implants are approximately half the width of standard implants, which means they can often be placed in jawbones that have experienced significant bone loss and would not have enough volume to support conventional implants without bone grafting.
The mini implant denture procedure is less invasive than standard implant placement. The smaller fixtures can typically be placed through a small hole in the gum without the need for a surgical flap, resulting in less post-operative discomfort and faster healing. In many cases, mini implant dentures can be fitted and loaded with your denture on the same day as surgery.
Mini implant dentures are an excellent option for patients who want the benefits of denture stabilisation but may not be suitable for conventional implants due to bone loss, medical conditions, or budget constraints. While mini dental implants may not be as robust as standard fixtures for all applications, they provide a significant improvement in denture retention and patient comfort at a lower cost point.
Our team at Secrets will assess your bone volume, general health, and treatment goals to advise whether mini implant dentures or standard implant-supported dentures are the better choice for you.
Permanent dentures, also known as fixed implant dentures or hybrid dentures, are prosthetic teeth that are permanently attached to dental implants and cannot be removed by the patient. Unlike removable overdentures that clip on and off, permanent dentures are screwed directly onto the implant abutments and can only be removed by your dentist for professional cleaning and maintenance.
Permanent dentures offer the closest experience to having natural teeth. They do not need to be removed at night, they do not cover the palate (for upper arches), and they provide the maximum possible chewing force — typically restoring 90 per cent or more of natural biting strength compared to just 20 to 30 per cent with conventional dentures.
A permanent denture typically requires four to six implants per arch to provide adequate support. The prosthesis itself is fabricated from high-strength materials such as zirconia or acrylic with a metal framework, designed to withstand the full forces of normal eating for many years. At Secrets, our in-house laboratory crafts every permanent denture to deliver a natural appearance with individually characterised teeth that complement your facial features.
Permanent dentures represent the premium tier of implant-supported denture treatment and require a higher number of implants, but for patients who want the most natural, worry-free solution, they are unmatched.
Our experienced implant dentists have extensive expertise in denture stabilisation and overdenture cases, offering multiple options from affordable mini implant dentures to premium permanent dentures for every budget. Our in-house laboratory, Southport Dental Services, crafts your dentures on-site ensuring perfect fit, colour, and natural appearance. Many patients can have their dentures stabilised on the same day as implant placement, and we can often modify your current denture to work with implants to save cost.
As a CQC registered practice, we maintain the highest standards of patient safety. We provide transparent pricing and flexible finance plans to spread the cost over affordable monthly payments. IV sedation is available for nervous patients who want a comfortable, anxiety-free treatment experience.
Regular dentures rest on the gums and are held in place by suction or adhesive. Implant supported dentures clip or screw onto dental implants anchored in the jawbone, providing dramatically better stability, comfort, and chewing power. They will not slip, click, or cause sore spots like conventional dentures often do.
For denture stabilisation, a minimum of two implants is usually sufficient for the lower jaw. The upper jaw typically requires four implants due to the softer bone density. Your dentist will recommend the optimal number based on your bone quality and the type of denture being used.
In many cases, yes. If your existing denture is in good condition and fits well, it can be modified to incorporate the attachments needed to clip onto your new implants. This can save time and cost compared to fabricating a completely new denture.
Mini implant dentures use smaller fixtures that can be placed with a less invasive procedure, often with same-day loading. They are suitable for patients with reduced bone volume and typically cost less than standard implant dentures. They provide a significant improvement in denture stability and comfort.
Permanent dentures offer maximum stability and the most natural feel, as they are fixed in place and do not need to be removed. Overdentures are removable, which makes cleaning easier and typically requires fewer implants. The best choice depends on your clinical situation, preferences, and budget. Both options are vastly superior to conventional dentures.
Removable overdentures are unclipped daily for brushing and soaking, similar to regular denture care. Fixed permanent dentures are cleaned in the mouth using special brushes and interdental tools. Regular professional cleaning appointments are essential for both types to maintain the health of the gums and implants.
Costs vary depending on the number of implants and the type of denture chosen. Mini implant dentures are the most affordable option, while fixed permanent dentures are at the premium end. We provide a clear written quote at your consultation, and finance plans are available to spread the cost.
Yes. Denture stabilisation is particularly beneficial for older patients who struggle with loose dentures. The procedure is minimally invasive, especially with mini implants, and can be performed under local anaesthesia. There is no upper age limit as long as general health permits. Many of our denture stabilisation patients are in their seventies and eighties.
Secrets Dental & Medical Centre is located at 147 Liverpool Road, Birkdale, Southport, PR8 4NT. We are easily accessible from Southport town centre, Ainsdale, Formby, and across Merseyside.
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
