Patient Guide for Your New Overdenture (Implant-Retained Denture)

Q: My denture feels loose, but I can still hear it "snap." What's wrong?

This is a normal and expected part of long-term use. The small nylon inserts inside your denture that grip the attachments are designed to wear out over time, much like the tread on a tire. When they wear down, the denture will feel less retentive. This is not a sign of a problem with your implants. Replacing these inserts is a quick and simple procedure we do in the office during your maintenance visits.

Q: Why is cleaning the metal attachments in my mouth so important?

Your implants are like a permanent foundation, but they can still get a form of gum disease called “peri-implantitis.” This infection attacks the bone supporting the implants and is the #1 cause of implant failure. Meticulously cleaning all the plaque off the attachments every single day is the only way to prevent this and ensure your implants last for many years.

Q: Now that I have implants, can I eat anything I want?

Your chewing ability will be dramatically better than it was with a conventional denture. Clinical studies show that an implant overdenture can restore 40-60% of your original chewing power, allowing you to eat a much wider variety of foods. However, it is still a denture resting on your gums. You should still avoid extremely hard or sticky foods to protect the denture and the attachments.

Q: How often do I need to come in for check-ups?

Maintenance is the key to success. We will need to see you for regular check-up and cleaning appointments, typically every 6 months. At these visits, we will professionally clean your denture and attachments, check the health of your gums and implants, and replace the small nylon inserts as needed to keep your denture fitting securely.

Care for Your New Restoration

The Adjustment Period

Congratulations on your new implant-retained overdenture! This is a significant upgrade in stability and function. As with any new prosthesis, there will be an adjustment period.

What to Expect:

A New Feeling: Your new overdenture will feel much more secure than a traditional denture, but it will still feel bulky at first. Your tongue and cheeks will adapt to it within a few weeks.
Speaking & Eating: You may notice a slight change in your speech initially. Reading aloud will help you adapt quickly. When eating, start with soft foods and learn to chew on both sides at once to keep the denture stable, even though it is snapped in place.

Bite Adjustment Information

Our goal is to make your new overdenture perfectly comfortable. While the implants provide stability, the denture base still rests on your gums, and minor pressure spots are common as you get used to it.

A sore spot is not something you should “get used to.” It is a clear signal that a specific area of the denture needs a simple adjustment.
CRITICAL INSTRUCTION FOR ADJUSTMENTS: If you schedule an appointment for an adjustment, you MUST wear your denture for the full 24 hours preceding your appointment. This is the only way to create a visible mark on your gums that shows us the exact location of the pressure point, allowing us to make a precise adjustment.

Permanent Prosthetic / Denture Care

The long-term success of your implants and your overdenture depends entirely on your commitment to daily cleaning and maintenance.

How to Insert & Remove (The “Snap”)

Insertion: Use your fingers and thumbs to line up the inserts inside your denture with the attachments in your mouth. Press down firmly and evenly until you hear and feel a distinct “snap.” NEVER bite your denture into place.
Removal: Place your thumbs under the rim of the denture on both sides in the back and push gently upwards to “unsnap” it. Always disengage both sides before trying to remove it completely.

Daily Cleaning (CRITICAL – Two Parts)

You must clean both the denture and the attachments in your mouth every single day.

Cleaning the Denture:
- Every time you remove it, brush the entire denture with a soft brush and mild dish soap (like Dawn). Pay special attention to cleaning out the inside of the “snap” attachments.
- Always clean your denture over a sink filled with water to provide a cushion in case you drop it.
Cleaning the Attachments in Your Mouth:
- This is the most important step to prevent implant failure. You must meticulously clean around the implant attachments that are in your mouth.
- Use a small, soft toothbrush or a special “end-tuft” brush to scrub all surfaces of the metal attachments, especially where they meet the gum line. This removes the plaque that can lead to gum disease around your implants (peri-implantitis).

Daily Wear & Storage

Give Your Gums a Rest: You must remove your denture for at least 8 hours every day, typically while you sleep.
Soak When It’s Out: Whenever your denture is not in your mouth, it must be kept moist in water or a denture soaking solution.
Keep Away from Pets: Dogs love to use dentures as chew toys. Always store your denture in its case and in a safe place.