Implant Dentures London: Secure, Stable Tooth Replacement.
No more denture adhesive. No more slipping. Implant-retained dentures combine the affordability of a denture with the stability of dental implants, letting you eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
Investment

What Are Implant-Retained Dentures?
Implant-retained dentures (also called overdentures) are removable dentures that clip onto dental implants placed in your jawbone. Unlike conventional dentures that rely on suction or adhesive, implant dentures lock securely into place using special attachments called locators.
This is particularly beneficial for lower dentures, which often lack the suction that upper dentures achieve against the palate. By placing as few as 2 implants in the lower jaw, we can transform a loose, uncomfortable denture into one that clicks firmly into position.
The Problem with Conventional Lower Dentures
Upper dentures can achieve reasonable retention through suction against the palate. Lower dentures have no such advantage — the tongue displaces them, lip muscles push against them, and denture adhesive is often unreliable. This can significantly affect eating, speaking, and confidence.
Benefits of Implant-Retained Dentures
Improved Chewing
Restores significantly more bite force than conventional dentures, allowing a wider range of foods.
Bone Preservation
Implants provide stimulation to the jawbone, which may help slow the bone resorption that occurs after tooth loss.
Palate-Free Option
For upper dentures, implants can allow removal of the palate plate, improving taste sensation and comfort.
No Adhesive Needed
The locator attachments provide secure retention without the need for denture adhesive.
Who May Benefit from Implant Dentures?
Implant-retained dentures may be suitable for patients who experience the following concerns.
Loose Lower Dentures
Dentures that move during eating or speaking, causing discomfort and reduced confidence.
Sore Spots & Irritation
Recurring pressure points caused by denture movement against the gum tissue.
Difficulty Eating
Avoiding certain foods because conventional dentures cannot provide sufficient bite force.
Adhesive Dependence
Relying on adhesive daily, which can be inconvenient and uncomfortable.
Bone Loss Concerns
Progressive bone resorption making conventional dentures increasingly difficult to fit.
Gagging with Upper Dentures
Some patients find palate coverage triggers a gag reflex. Implants may allow palate removal.
Suitability depends on individual factors including bone volume, general health, and oral hygiene. A clinical assessment and CT scan are required to determine whether this treatment is appropriate for you.
How Implant Dentures Work
The treatment process typically involves four stages.
Assessment & Planning
- Clinical examination and CT scan
- Assessment of bone volume and density
- Discussion of options, risks, and costs
- Written treatment plan provided
Implant Placement
- Performed under local anaesthetic
- 2–4 implants placed into the jawbone
- Healing caps placed on implants
- Existing denture adjusted for wear during healing
Healing Period
- Approx. 3 months for osseointegration
- Regular check-ups to monitor progress
- You continue wearing your existing denture
Locator Fitting
- Locator abutments attached to implants
- Corresponding clips fitted into denture
- Denture clicks securely onto implants
- Bite and comfort checked and adjusted
Aftercare & Recovery
Following implant placement, proper aftercare is essential for successful healing.
First 24 Hours
Some swelling and minor discomfort is normal. Rest and apply ice packs as directed.
Days 2–7
Swelling typically peaks at day 2–3 then subsides. Soft diet recommended.
Weeks 2–4
Gums continue to heal. Gradually return to normal diet. Attend follow-up appointment.
3 Months
Osseointegration assessment. Proceed with locator fitting if healing is satisfactory.
Do
- Take prescribed pain relief as directed
- Use warm salt water rinses from 24 hours after surgery
- Eat soft foods during the initial healing period
- Keep the area clean with gentle brushing
- Attend all follow-up appointments
Don’t
- ✕ Smoke — this significantly increases the risk of implant failure
- ✕ Rinse vigorously in the first 24 hours
- ✕ Eat hard, crunchy, or very hot foods during healing
- ✕ Drink alcohol for 48 hours after surgery
- ✕ Disturb the surgical site with your tongue or fingers
Long-Term Maintenance
Remove your denture each night for cleaning and clean the locator attachments with a soft brush. The locator inserts (nylon clips) wear over time and may need replacing approximately every 12–18 months — this is a quick chairside procedure. Regular dental check-ups are essential to monitor the health of your implants and surrounding tissues.
Risks & Considerations
All surgical procedures carry some risk. We believe in providing transparent information so you can make an informed decision.
Implant Failure
A small percentage of implants may not integrate with the bone. Risk factors include smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, and poor oral hygiene. If this occurs, the implant can often be replaced once the site has healed.
Infection
As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection at the implant site. Careful aftercare and good oral hygiene significantly reduce this risk.
Nerve Proximity
There is a small risk of nerve injury in the lower jaw. CT-guided planning is used to minimise this risk. Permanent nerve damage is rare.
Bone Insufficiency
Some patients may not have sufficient bone for implants without additional procedures such as bone grafting. This is identified during your CT scan assessment.
All risks and potential complications are discussed in detail during your consultation. A full written treatment plan, including risks and costs, is provided before any treatment begins, in accordance with GDC Standards for the Dental Team.
Implant Denture Costs
The total cost depends on the number of implants required and the type of denture. We provide a full written estimate after your clinical assessment and CT scan.
Membership Savings
Join our membership for £20/month and receive 50% off all treatment fees. Learn more.
| Item | Standard | Member |
|---|---|---|
| Dental Implant (Per Unit) | From £2,950 | From £1,475 |
| Locator Abutment | POA | POA |
| Overdenture (Prosthetic) | POA | POA |
Final costs depend on individual clinical assessment. A full written estimate is provided before treatment begins.
Patient Experiences
Lower Denture Stabilisation
Concern: Patient had been avoiding social meals because her lower denture moved when eating and speaking.
Treatment: 2 implants placed in the lower jaw, with locator attachments fitted to her existing denture after healing.
Outcome: The patient reported significantly improved stability and confidence when eating and socialising.
Individual results may vary. A clinical assessment is required to determine suitability.
Upper Palate-Free Denture
Concern: Long-term upper denture wearer experienced gagging and reduced taste sensation due to palate coverage.
Treatment: 4 upper implants placed, allowing the palate of the denture to be removed.
Outcome: The patient reported improved comfort, better taste, and no further gagging issues.
Individual results may vary. A clinical assessment is required to determine suitability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Smile Gallery
See the remarkable improvements we've achieved for our patients
BEFORE
AFTERRestoring a Chipped Front Tooth
Composite Bonding
BEFORE
AFTERTransforming Discoloured & Chipped Teeth
Composite Bonding
Visit Smile Dentist
Conveniently located in the heart of South Kensington.
Address
20 Old Brompton Road
South Kensington
London, SW7 3DL
Phone
020 7183 2362Opening Hours
Mon–Fri: 9am–6pm
Sat–Sun: 10am–4pm
Ready to Discuss Implant Dentures?
Book a consultation to find out whether implant-retained dentures are suitable for you. We will assess your situation, explain all options, and provide a written treatment plan with costs.
20 Old Brompton Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 3DL
Registered & Regulated
Our team are fully registered and regulated for practice in the United Kingdom. Our patients should expect nothing less.
Meet The Experts
Our hand-picked team of clinicians is dedicated to the art and science of your smile.






