Implant-Retained Dentures (aka Overdentures) in Charlotte, NC
If you are tired of traditional dentures that slip, click, or make eating uncomfortable, you are not alone. Many adults in Charlotte and Ballantyne want a solution that feels secure and natural. An implant-retained denture — also called an overdenture — provides that stability by anchoring your denture to implants placed in your jaw. It clicks securely into place and still comes out for cleaning. At West Ballantyne Oral Surgery, board-certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Dr. George Y. Soung places the implants and coordinates the final denture with your general dentist. And you will see Dr. Soung at every appointment — no rotations, no substitutes. We are in-network with major insurance plans including Delta Dental, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Cigna.
Why Implant-Retained Overdentures Work Better Than Traditional Dentures
A traditional denture simply rests on your gum tissue. It is held in by suction and the shape of your ridge, which is why adhesives are so often needed to keep it in place — and why it can still slip while you eat or talk. There is a longer-term problem too: because nothing is transmitting force into the jaw, the bone underneath a conventional denture gradually resorbs, so the fit that worked last year works less well this year.
An implant-retained overdenture solves both problems. Small titanium implants placed into the jawbone give the denture something solid to attach to, so it clicks securely into position instead of resting loose on the gums. Retention and stability improve immediately, adhesives are generally no longer necessary, and the implants help preserve the bone. Most patients tell us the real difference is confidence — being able to eat, smile, and speak without thinking about whether the denture is going to move.
What Makes an Overdenture Different
An implant overdenture clips onto two or more implants. You can remove it for cleaning, but it does not shift during the day. This option works well if you want the convenience of removal without the instability of a standard denture. For patients looking for implant overdenture Charlotte NC treatment, this is often the most affordable route to a stable fit.
Who Is a Candidate for Implant-Retained Dentures
Most adults with enough jawbone to support implants can be candidates. Even if bone loss has occurred, Dr. Soung can often rebuild the area with bone grafting first. He will assess your medical history and oral health during a consultation and explain what is realistic for your situation. Those searching for implant retained dentures Ballantyne NC will find a thorough, personalized evaluation at our office.
Secure, and Still Removable
2 to 4 Implants
Per arch is typical for a retained overdenture.
Clicks Into Place
Seats securely, yet comes out for easy cleaning.
Bone Grafting Available
Moderate bone loss can often be rebuilt before placement.
One Surgeon Throughout
Dr. Soung at every appointment — no rotations, no substitutes.
Implant-Retained Overdentures vs. All-on-4: Which Is Right for You?
Both options restore a full arch of teeth, but they attach differently — and that is the distinction behind the two names. An overdenture is implant-retained: it clicks onto the implants and you take it out to clean it. All-on-4 is implant-supported: it is fixed to the implants and stays in your mouth. The table below highlights the practical differences.
| Feature | Implant-Retained Overdenture | All-on-4 (Implant-Supported) |
|---|---|---|
| Number of implants | 2 to 4 per arch | 4 tilted implants per arch |
| Removable or fixed | Removable by you, for cleaning | Fixed — not removable by the patient |
| Bone grafting typically required | Often yes, especially with fewer implants | Less often, due to angled placement |
| Estimated cost range | Lower to moderate | Higher |
| Best candidate profile | Patients who want a removable option or have moderate bone loss | Patients who want a permanent, fixed bridge |
| Procedure complexity | Less complex, often one stage | More complex, may require advanced planning |
If you are deciding between these two, we also offer All-on-4 implants as a fixed alternative. Dr. Soung will walk you through both possibilities and recommend the approach that matches your oral health and budget.
What to Expect at West Ballantyne Oral Surgery
Your Consultation with Dr. Soung
You will meet Dr. Soung and our team in person. He reviews your medical history, takes a 3D CT scan in our office, and discusses what is not working about your current denture or missing teeth. He then explains your treatment options and what each one involves, in plain language, before anything is decided — so you never feel in the dark.
Implant Placement and Healing
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, with oral or IV sedation available depending on your comfort level. Dr. Soung places the implants into your jaw. You will wear a conventional denture while you heal, and most patients return to normal activities within a few days. The implants then need roughly three to four months to fuse with the bone before the final restoration can be made.
Final Overdenture and Fit
Once the implants have healed, the final overdenture components are completed together with your general dentist, who fabricates and fits the denture itself. Special attachments let it click securely onto the implants — it stays put while you eat and talk, and lifts out easily for cleaning at the end of the day.
Implant Denture Cost in Charlotte, NC
Cost varies based on the number of implants, the type of denture, and whether bone grafting is needed. We provide a clear treatment plan with fees before any work begins. Implant dentures cost Charlotte NC patients often ask about is competitive, and we accept most major insurance.
Insurance and Financing Options. We are in-network with Delta Dental, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, and many others. We will verify your benefits and explain your coverage. For out-of-pocket costs, we offer financing plans. Learn more on our Insurance & Financing page.
Accepted Insurance & Payment Plans
We maximize your benefits and offer flexible financing.
Note: We are also in-network with NC Medicaid and offer customized payment options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Implant-Retained Dentures in Charlotte
The two terms are often used interchangeably online, but they describe different restorations. An implant-retained denture — an overdenture — clicks onto the implants and is removed by you for cleaning. An implant-supported restoration such as All-on-4 is fixed to the implants and stays in your mouth; only your surgeon or dentist removes it. This page covers the implant-retained overdenture option.
Most patients need between two and four implants per arch for an implant-retained overdenture. A fixed, implant-supported hybrid prosthesis usually uses four to six. Dr. Soung will determine the exact number during your consultation, based on your 3D CT scan and the quality of your bone.
Yes. "Snap-on denture" is the everyday term for an implant-retained overdenture. Special attachments let it snap onto the implants and release for cleaning. What it is not is a fixed, implant-supported prosthesis, which stays in the mouth.
With proper care, the implants themselves can last a lifetime. The denture component may need replacement after five to ten years due to normal wear, and the attachment inserts are replaced periodically as part of routine maintenance. Regular checkups with Dr. Soung and your general dentist help extend the life of your restoration.
Many major insurance plans cover part of the treatment. West Ballantyne Oral Surgery is in-network with Delta Dental, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, and others. Our team will verify your benefits before you come in. Contact us for a cost estimate.
Ready When You Are
Whether you are coming in for a wisdom teeth consultation, an implant evaluation, or an urgent situation, we will take care of you. Step into a practice designed with your comfort and ease in mind.