Clip-on dentures: a denture that stays put

How it works

An implant is a small titanium post placed into the jawbone. Once it has healed and bonded with the bone, the Oral Health Foundation explains, it can hold a single crown, a bridge or a denture.

For a clip-on denture, two to four implants are placed. Each has a small attachment on top, and matching clips or sockets are built into the underside of the denture. The denture clicks on firmly and unclips for cleaning.

Compared with a normal denture

Compared with fixed teeth

Fixed teeth (a full arch screwed onto four to six implants) never come out, but they usually need more implants, more bone and a bigger budget. A clip-on denture:

• usually needs fewer implants
• can work with less bone
• is easier to clean, because you take it out
• usually costs less

Read our comparison of fixed teeth and dentures.

Who it suits

Clip-on dentures are often a good fit if you:

• wear a full lower denture that won't stay in
• are happy to take your teeth out to clean them
• want more security without the cost of fully fixed teeth
• are healthy enough for minor surgery

Tell your dentist if you smoke, have diabetes, or take medicine for bone strength. These don't always rule implants out, but they need to be planned for.

The treatment, step by step

1. Assessment: an examination, your medical history and an X-ray or 3D scan to check your bone.
2. Implants placed: under local anaesthetic. You usually keep wearing a denture, adjusted to fit, while they heal.
3. Healing: the implants bond with the bone. The Oral Health Foundation says this usually takes around four months.
4. Clips fitted: the attachments are connected and your denture is fitted with clips.

Looking after a clip-on denture

• clean the denture every morning and evening, as you would any denture
• clean around each implant carefully every day, with a soft brush or interdental brush
• take the denture out at night unless your dentist advises otherwise
• keep regular check-ups, so the clips can be checked and replaced when worn

Plaque around implants can cause a gum infection called peri-implantitis, so daily cleaning matters.

Common questions

How many implants does a clip-on denture need?

Often two for a lower denture and more, often four, for an upper denture, because the upper jaw bone is usually softer. Your dentist will recommend a number based on your bone and a scan.

Can my current denture be converted?

Sometimes. An existing denture can occasionally be adapted to clip onto implants, but often a new denture is made so it fits the implants properly.

Does it still cover the roof of my mouth?

An upper clip-on denture held by enough implants can sometimes be made with less palate coverage, which many people find more comfortable. Ask your dentist whether that's possible for you.

Do the clips wear out?

Yes. The small clips or inserts inside the denture wear with use and are usually replaced from time to time. Ask what that costs and how often it's likely to be needed.

Sources

1. Oral Health Foundation — Understanding dental implants (implants can hold a denture)
2. NHS — Dental treatments (implants can support some types of denture)
3. NHS — Dentures (false teeth)

Checked October 2026. Where we give our own view as a clinic, we say so.