CALL US NOW :
(716) 772-7500
EMAIL ADDRESS :
info@drkaplansky.com
LOCATION ADDRESS :
8038 Rochester Rd. Gasport NY
(716) 772-7500
info@drkaplansky.com
8038 Rochester Rd. Gasport NY
Implant-supported dentures are fixed or removable prosthetics anchored by dental implants instead of suction or adhesive. As few as two implants per arch can dramatically improve denture stability — eliminating slipping during eating and speaking, preserving jawbone, and ending the daily reliance on adhesive paste. CBCT-driven digital planning determines whether an overdenture or a fixed TeethNow zirconia bridge is the right fit for your anatomy.
Dr. Igor Kaplansky, DDS — Diplomate ABOI/ID, Fellow AAID/FICOI/FAGD, ZAGA Center Certified
Not all implant-supported prosthetics are the same. The key clinical distinction is removable versus fixed — and both have legitimate applications, depending on your anatomy, goals, and budget. A CBCT scan and consultation at the practice will determine which approach is right for you.
Snaps onto 2–4 implants using ball or bar attachments. The overdenture is removable for nightly cleaning. During the day it locks firmly to the implants — no adhesive, no slipping — and represents a significant upgrade over a conventional denture in stability and jawbone preservation.
Permanently attached to 4–6 implants per arch. Not removable by the patient. Feels and functions most like natural teeth. No palate coverage on the upper arch. Zirconia delivers ceramic-level durability — not acrylic compromises.
| Factor | Fixed Implant Bridge (TeethNow) | Overdenture (Snap-In) | Conventional Denture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Implants required | 4–6 per arch | 2–4 per arch | None |
| Removable by patient | No — permanently fixed | Yes — nightly removal | Yes |
| Slippage risk | None | Minimal — locked to implants | High — relies on suction/adhesive |
| Bone preservation | Yes — implants stimulate bone | Yes — implants stimulate bone | No — bone continues to resorb |
| Palate coverage (upper) | No — open palate | Yes — covers palate | Yes — covers palate |
| Material | Zirconia | Acrylic with attachments | Acrylic |
An overdenture (implant-retained removable denture) snaps onto 2–4 implants and can be removed for cleaning. A fixed full-arch implant bridge — such as TeethNow — is permanently attached to implants and cannot be removed by the patient. Fixed bridges generally feel more like natural teeth, but overdentures are a lower-cost entry point that still dramatically outperforms a conventional denture.
A lower-arch overdenture typically requires 2 implants. An upper-arch overdenture typically requires 4, because upper-jaw bone is less dense than lower-jaw bone. Full-arch fixed bridges in the TeethNow zirconia system generally use 4–6 implants per arch. The exact count depends on your bone anatomy, confirmed by a CBCT scan during your consultation.
Yes. The implant attachments lock the denture in place during eating and speaking. Patients report being able to eat foods they could not eat with conventional dentures. The denture is removed for nighttime cleaning, not throughout the day.
In some cases, an existing denture can be retrofitted with implant attachments — a process called denture conversion. Whether this is appropriate depends on the fit, condition, and age of your current denture. Dr. Kaplansky will evaluate your existing prosthetic at the consultation.
Soreness and swelling are normal for several days after surgery. A soft-food diet is recommended during healing. IV sedation is available for patients who want to be unaware during the procedure. Once the implants integrate (typically 3–6 months), the overdenture attachments are placed and the full benefit of the implant retention is realized.