Implant-Supported Lower Dentures in Adelaide
- Dr Andrew Chan
- Dec 26, 2025
- 6 min read
Updated: Jan 2
A Stable, Long-Term Solution for Missing Teeth, Failing Teeth, and Loose Lower Dentures
Missing Teeth
When all the lower teeth are missing, an implant-supported lower denture is one possible treatment option. Other options include:
Traditional lower dentures
Failing Teeth
When most of the lower teeth are missing or failing, and implant-supported lower denture is one possible option. Other options include:
Salvaging any salvageable teeth and replace whats missing (with dental implants, bridges, or partial dentures)
All-On-4 implant bridges
Traditional lower dentures
Teeth that are badly broken, loose, or repeatedly infected can have a major impact on chewing, speech, appearance, and confidence. Over time, failing teeth often become painful, unreliable, and increasingly costly to maintain. If teeth continue to deteriorate, eventually there comes a point where it is no longer feasible or practical to keep maintaining them. For many patients in Adelaide, reaching this stage means it’s time to consider a more definitive, long-term solution rather than ongoing patch-up dentistry.
Implant-based treatments, including implant-supported lower dentures, are specifically designed to restore function and stability when natural teeth can no longer be predictably saved.
Loose Lower Dentures
Loose lower dentures are one of the most common—and frustrating—problems for patients with missing teeth and traditional lower dentures. Difficulty chewing, denture movement, sore gums, and lack of confidence are frequent concerns we see in our Adelaide patients.
A lower implant-supported denture (also called an implant-retained overdenture) are a proven and predictable treatment that dramatically improves denture stability, comfort, and function—without the cost or complexity of a fixed implant bridge.
This article explains how implant-supported lower dentures work, who they are suitable for, alternative treatment options, and answers the most common patient questions.
What Is a Lower Implant-Supported Denture?
A lower implant-supported denture is a removable denture that clips securely onto dental implants placed in the lower jaw.
In most cases:
Two dental implants are placed in the front of the lower jaw
Small metal attachments, 'male buttons' are fitted to the implants
Matching clips 'female buttons' inside the denture allow it to “click” firmly into place
This prevents the denture from lifting or sliding while eating or speaking, while still allowing it to be removed for easy cleaning.
How Is an Implant-Supported Denture Different From a Normal Traditional Denture?
Traditional lower dentures rest passively on the lower gums and have no retention, which is why they are often so unstable. They slip and move around very easily. They rub on the gums and easily fall out during coughing, laughing, sneezing, and chewing. Patient need to learn how to use their cheek muscles and tongue to constantly hold them in position.
Are significantly more stable
Improve chewing efficiency
Reduce gum soreness and pressure points
Increase confidence when speaking and eating, coughing, laughing, sneezing and smiling
For many patients, this treatment is genuinely life-changing.
How Many Implants Are Needed?
Most lower implant-supported dentures are supported by two implants, which is considered the international minimum standard of care.
In some cases, additional implants may be recommended if:
Bone quality is reduced
Bone volume is limited
Extra stability is required
The number of implants required is determined after examination, scans, and surgical assessment.
The Implant-Supported Lower Denture Treatment Process
The complete treatment process usually takes about 4 to 5 months.
1. Planning & Assessment
Your existing denture (if you have one) is assessed. If you don't have an existing denture, a new denture is planned and designed by a prosthetist. A prosthetist is a denture technician. The ideal denture shape, position, and bite are planned.
2. Implant Surgery
Two implants are placed into the lower jaw.
Some patients require bone reshaping (“bone reduction”)
Surgery may be performed under a local anaesthetic or a general anaesthetic
The implants are buried under the gum (and not visable) while they heal
3. Healing Phase
2 weeks of soft tissue healing: no lower denture can be worn whilst the soft tissues heal
3.5 months of hard tissue healing: a conventional lower denture may be worn whilst the titanium implants fuse with the surrounding bone
4. Implant Exposure & Denture Connection
After 4 months of healing is complete:
The implants are exposed
'Male button' components are placed on the lower dental implants
The denture is modified or remade so it securely clips onto the lower dental implants
Pros & Cons of Implant-Supported-Dentures
Advantages of implant-supported dentures
Moderate cost (much cheaper than All-On-X implant bridge)
Moderate procedure
Easy to clean
Well tolerated by the vast majority of patients
Disadvantages of implant-supported-dentures
Removable
Some patients do not want a removal device; in that case, an All-On-X implant bridge is the only option
Alternative Treatment Options for Missing Lower Teeth
Not every patient is suited to the same solution. During consultation, we also discuss alternative options, which include:
Traditional Lower Denture
Least expensive option
Often very unstable and uncomfortable in the lower jaw
Can work well in the upper jaw
Limited chewing ability
The vast majority of patients find a traditional lower denture intolerable
Rarely recommended in the lower jaw
All-On-4 Fixed Implant Bridge
Fixed (non-removable) implant bridge supported by 4 or more dental implants
Excellent stability and function
Higher cost and more complex surgery
All-On-X bridges are difficult to clean
No Denture / No Replacement
Avoids prosthetic treatment
Severely reduced chewing ability, dietary limitations, and jawbone shrinkage
Loss of soft tissue support, and facial shape changes
A personalised assessment is essential to determine which option is most appropriate for your needs, anatomy, and expectations.
What Results Can You Expect from Lower Implant Supported Dentures?
Stability & Function
Most patients can return to a near-normal diet, although extremely hard or sticky foods may still be challenging.
Speech
Temporary speech changes (such as a mild lisp) are common initially and usually resolve within days to weeks.
Comfort & Tolerance
The vast majority of patients tolerate implant-supported lower dentures very well. A small percentage may struggle with any type of lower denture.
Maintenance and Long-Term Care
Implant-supported lower dentures are easy to clean and maintain. This is one of their main advantages.
Daily care includes:
Removing the denture and rinsing after meals (only if required)
Brushing the implants and gums with a soft toothbrush evening and night
Cleaning the denture nightly with mild soap and water
Removing the denture and leaving it out at night
Component Wear Over Time
Denture clips wear and need periodic replacement
Denture teeth will eventually wear after many years
Denture components are serviceable and replaceable
Smoking and vaping significantly increase the risk of implant complications and are strongly discouraged.
Implant-Supported Lower Dentures
Are implant-supported lower dentures painful?
Most patients experience mild to moderate discomfort after surgery, which is easily managed with over-the-counter pain medication, such as paracetomol and ibuprofen.
How long do implant-supported dentures last?
With good care, implants can last decades (or more likely a lifetime). Denture clips and teeth will wear over time and require maintenance or replacement.
How long does the treatment take?
The full process typically takes about four months from surgery to final denture connection.
Can I eat normally with an implant-supported denture?
Most patients return to a near-normal diet, although very hard or sticky foods may remain difficult.
Are implant-supported dentures better than normal dentures?
In the lower jaw, absolutely - yes. They are far more stable, comfortable, and functional than traditional lower dentures.
In the upper jaw, implants are often not required and often will not add much to comfort or stability. In the upper jaw a traditional full denture is satisfactory for most patients.
Who is not suitable for implant-supported dentures?
Heavy smokers, patients with uncontrolled diabetes, or significant medical conditions may not be suitable. This is assessed during consultation.
Final Thoughts
A lower implant-supported denture is one of the most predictable and effective treatments for stabilising a lower denture. For many patients, it restores confidence, comfort, and the ability to enjoy food again and enjoy life with confidence.
A personalised consultation is the best way to determine whether this treatment is right for you. To learn more about lower implant-supported dentures adelaide, contact our practice to talk to one of our expert dentists today.
Contact Us Today
If you’re struggling with an unstable lower denture or missing teeth, a lower implant-supported denture may be a reliable long-term solution. The first step is a personalised consultation tailored to your needs.
At Adelaide Tooth Removals & Dental Implants, our experienced dental team provides comprehensive assessments to determine whether implant-supported dentures are suitable for you. Your consultation includes a clinical examination, digital imaging if required, and a clear explanation of all available treatment options.
480 Specialist Centre 480 North East Road, Windsor Gardens, SA 5087, Australia
📞 Phone: (08) 8164 5546
📆 Book Online: https://adelaidetoothremovals.com.au/contact-us
Take the next step toward improved comfort, denture stability, and confidence with trusted dental implant care in Adelaide. Our friendly team is ready to answer your questions and help you schedule a consultation.
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