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Implant Overdentures
An implant overdenture is a complete denture retained on implants by Locators or a bar, which the patient can remove and insert. We choose the retainer type with you based on the number and angle of implants and the space available for the denture, and plan retainer placement to the approved tooth set-up.
Indications
When to choose it
- Lower complete denture with insufficient retention
- Locator-retained denture on two or more implants in the mandible
- Multi-implant bar prosthesis in the maxilla where reduced palatal coverage is wanted (according to the dentist's plan)
- Cases where the number of implants or bone support is insufficient for a fixed prosthesis
- Patients who need to be able to remove the prosthesis for hygiene
Points to discuss with the laboratory
- Locators and bars need vertical space; a bar needs more room, and if space is insufficient the denture may be thin and fracture.
- If there is a large angle difference between implants, Locator retention and insert wear are affected; angle-correcting solutions should be considered.
- Retentive inserts wear over time; regular replacement should be explained to the patient from the outset.
For the dentist
Retainer position based on the set-up
Retainers are positioned after the teeth are set. This preserves acrylic thickness within the denture.
Locator or bar selection
A Locator may be more suitable for near-parallel implants in sufficient number, a bar for angled or widely spaced implants.
Pick-up or laboratory assembly
Depending on the case plan, retentive inserts are attached to the denture in the laboratory or picked up chairside by the dentist.
Materials
| Material | Brand | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Denture teeth (Vivodent, Yamachi, Ortalux) | Ivoclar, Yamachi, Union Dental | Tooth set-up |
| Acrylic (Vertex, Biodent Plus) | Dentimex, Dentsply | Denture base |
| Bar framework | – | Laser sintering or CAD/CAM |
| Locator abutment and retentive inserts | – | Components compatible with the implant system |
| Framework alloy (Shera, Magnum) | Shera, MESA | Metal reinforcement within the base where required |
Manufacturer and CE details of materials are on the Quality page.
What we need when you send a case
- Implant system, positions and existing abutment type (including Locator height)
- Abutment-level impression or scan; functional impression with border moulding
- Bite registration: vertical dimension, midline, smile line
- Opposing arch impression
- Existing denture, if available (for reference)
- Retainer preference: Locator or bar, desired level of retention
Production process
- Master modelA custom tray is made if needed, and a master model with implant analogues is produced from the impression.
- Record baseVertical dimension and midline are recorded with a wax-rim record base.
- Tooth set-up try-inThe set-up is tried in the mouth for aesthetics, phonetics and occlusion.
- Retention planThe bar is designed to the approved set-up, or Locator housing positions are defined.
- FinishingThe denture is polymerised, retentive inserts are placed and it is polished.
Photographs
Frequently asked questions
How many implants are enough in the mandible?
A Locator-retained overdenture on two implants is a common plan in the mandible. Bone condition, the opposing arch and patient expectations may require more implants. The decision rests with the dentist's surgical and prosthetic plan.
Should I pick up the Locator components in the mouth?
The chairside pick-up technique connects the parts according to the final seating of the denture on the tissue and is often preferred. Laboratory assembly is also possible; in that case the impression must accurately reflect the tissue detail. State your preference on the Rx form.
Bar or Locator?
A Locator needs less vertical space and is easy to clean. A bar splints the implants together and helps share load on angled or short implants; it needs more space and careful hygiene.
Frequently requested with this case
Complete Dentures
A complete denture built stage by stage with a custom tray, wax rim and set-up try-in.
All‑on‑4 / All‑on‑6 Hybrid Prosthesis
Bar-retained acrylic/composite hybrid or zirconia full-arch; screw-retained on 4–6 implants.
Precision Attachment Dentures
Clasp-free combined prosthesis with precision retainers attached to crowns; the fixed and removable parts are planned together.
Send your overdenture case.
Fill in the form or call us. Your case manager responds within 24 hours.