There’s nothing quite like the frustration of dentures that just won’t stay put. Whether they’re slipping during a conversation, clicking while you eat, or causing sore spots on your gums, traditional dentures can make everyday life harder than it needs to be.

Enter implant-retained dentures. Think of them as the secure, upgraded version of conventional dentures—like switching from Velcro shoes to custom-fitted sneakers. At Akemi Dental Specialists, we’ve seen firsthand how much of a difference this treatment can make. If you’ve been living with removable dentures or are exploring your tooth replacement options, this blog is for you.

Let’s break down what implant-retained dentures are, why they’ve become such a popular option, and whether they could be right for you.

What are implant-retained dentures?

In simple terms, implant-retained dentures are dentures that snap into place using dental implants. These implants are small titanium posts placed into your jawbone, where they fuse with the bone over time—essentially becoming new roots for your teeth.

Unlike traditional dentures that sit on the gums and rely on suction (or messy adhesives), implant-retained dentures click onto these implants, offering far greater stability and comfort. Depending on your case, you might need two, four, or more implants to support the denture.

There are also two types:

• Bar-retained dentures, where a thin metal bar is attached to the implants and the denture snaps onto the bar.
• Ball-retained (or stud-attachment) dentures, where each implant has a ball-shaped attachment that fits into a socket on the denture.

Both options offer a world of difference in fit, function, and overall satisfaction.

Why do people choose implant-retained dentures?

The number one reason? Confidence. People are tired of living in fear that their dentures will fall out mid-sentence or shift every time they eat something chewy. Implant-retained dentures are stable. They don’t slide. You can laugh, eat, and talk without a second thought.

They’re also more comfortable. Since they’re anchored by implants, they don’t press down on the gums in the same way, which means less irritation and fewer sore spots. And for many, they feel more natural—closer to real teeth than removable dentures ever could.

Another major bonus is bone preservation. When teeth are lost, the jawbone tends to shrink over time. Implants help stimulate the bone, which helps prevent that sunken, aging look that can happen with long-term denture wear.

How do implant-retained dentures differ from traditional dentures?

This is one of the most common questions we hear, so let’s break it down:

Traditional Dentures

1. Rests on gums, may slip
2. May cause gum soreness
3. Limited chewing ability
4. No jawbone stimulation
5. May need frequent adjustments
6. Adhesive required

Implant-Retained Dentures

1. Anchored by implants, very stable
2. Less irritation, more secure
3. Can eat more foods with confidence
4. Helps preserve bone and facial structure
5. Long-lasting with proper care
6. No adhesive required

If you’re already wearing dentures and feel like they’re holding you back, implant-retained dentures could offer the freedom you didn’t know you were missing.

Are implant-retained dentures permanent?

Not exactly—but they’re pretty close. Unlike dental bridges or single-tooth implants that are fixed and non-removable, implant-retained dentures are still removable by you for cleaning and maintenance. However, they’re so secure that many patients describe them as feeling permanent.

There’s also a version called implant-supported dentures, which are often fixed in place and can only be removed by a dentist. These are more like traditional implants and tend to require more implants for support.

Still, for most people, implant-retained dentures strike the perfect balance: stable, comfortable, and easy to care for.

How long does it take to get implant-retained dentures?

The timeline for getting implant-retained dentures can vary from person to person. It depends on several factors, including your oral health, whether you’re replacing existing dentures, if you need any teeth extracted, or if your jawbone needs strengthening through a bone graft.

But in general, here’s what you can expect:

1. Consultation & Planning: It all starts with a comprehensive evaluation. During your consultation at Akemi Dental Specialists, we’ll take detailed scans and X-rays of your mouth, assess your bone structure, review your dental and medical history, and talk through your goals. This step is crucial—it helps us build a customized plan for your smile, ensuring your results are both functional and natural-looking.

2. Tooth Extractions (if needed): If you still have teeth that need to be removed before getting dentures, this step will come first. Depending on your situation, healing from extractions can take a few weeks before we move on to placing implants.

3. Bone Grafting (in some cases): If your jawbone has weakened due to bone loss (common if you’ve had missing teeth for a while), we may recommend a bone graft to create a strong foundation for your implants. This step can add a few months to the overall timeline, as the graft needs time to integrate with your natural bone.

4. Implant Placement: Once your mouth is ready, we’ll place the dental implants into your jawbone in a minor surgical procedure. This part sounds more intense than it is—most patients are surprised by how manageable it is with local anesthesia and proper aftercare.

5. Healing Period (Osseointegration): This is the most important (and often the longest) phase. Over the next 3 to 6 months, your implants will gradually fuse with your jawbone in a process called osseointegration. This is what gives the implants their strength and durability. While you’re healing, we may provide you with temporary dentures so you’re not without teeth.

6. Abutment Placement: After your implants have fully integrated, we’ll attach small connectors called abutments to the implants. These serve as the base for your new dentures. In some cases, abutments are placed during the initial surgery, but often this step comes after the healing period.

7. Denture Fitting & Placement: Once everything is healed and in place, we’ll take impressions and begin creating your custom dentures. These are designed to snap securely onto your implants and fit your mouth precisely. After a few adjustments to fine-tune comfort and alignment, your new implant-retained dentures will be ready to wear.

In total, the process can take anywhere from four to nine months, depending on the complexity of your case. While that might seem like a long time, it’s a process that leads to long-term comfort, stability, and confidence. And for most of our patients, the results are more than worth the wait.

At Akemi Dental Specialists, we’ll guide you through every phase—from that first scan to the moment you snap in your final denture. You won’t just be getting new teeth—you’ll be reclaiming your smile, your confidence, and your freedom to eat, laugh, and live without worry.

Is it worth getting implant-retained dentures?

Absolutely—especially if you’re frustrated with the limitations of traditional dentures. Patients often tell us it’s one of the best decisions they’ve made. They’re able to eat the foods they love, smile in photos again, and speak without worrying.

If you’ve been feeling like your current solution just isn’t cutting it, or you’re ready to replace missing teeth with something more secure and natural-feeling, this could be your answer.

Ready to feel like yourself again?

There’s a big difference between “getting by” with dentures and actually enjoying life with your smile. At Akemi Dental Specialists, we’ve helped countless patients make the transition to implant-retained dentures—and we’d love to help you too.

Book a consultation today and let’s talk about what’s possible. Your future self will thank you.