If your dentures feel loose or you worry about them shifting when you talk or eat, you are not alone. Many people find that even well-made conventional dentures can move as the jawbone changes over time. That movement can chip away at daily confidence. Implant-supported removable dentures offer a reassuring alternative. By anchoring your denture to a few strategically placed dental implants, you gain stability, improved chewing, and a more secure feel in day-to-day life. At Sullivan Denture Centre in Surrey, our denturists combine clinical expertise with an on-site laboratory to plan, build, and refine implant-retained solutions with precision and care. This guide explains how implant-supported dentures work, who might benefit, what the typical timeline looks like, and how we coordinate with your dentist or surgeon from start to finish. What implant-supported removable dentures are An implant-supported removable denture is a custom denture that attaches to dental implants, which act as artificial tooth roots. The implants are placed in the jawbone by a dentist or oral surgeon. After healing, small connectors called locators or a slim bar framework are secured to the implants. Your denture then clicks into place on those attachments. You can remove the denture for daily cleaning, yet it stays more stable during eating and speaking. Because implants stimulate the jawbone in a way similar to natural roots, this approach can help slow bone resorption. That often translates to a more consistent fit over time and improved comfort compared with a conventional denture that relies solely on suction and soft tissue support. Who is a good candidate Most candidates share a few key traits, which we confirm during a comprehensive consultation: Adequate bone volume and density in the jaw to support implants, or a treatment plan from your surgeon to build bone where needed. Healthy gums and oral tissues. Any inflammation or infection should be treated first. A medical history that allows for minor oral surgery and implant healing. We routinely review medications and conditions and coordinate with your dental and medical providers as needed. If you have experienced significant denture looseness, sore spots from rubbing, difficulty chewing certain foods, or diminished confidence because of movement, implant retention may be worth discussing. Our team also supports complex cases with advanced digital planning and in-house lab capabilities, which can improve precision in challenging anatomies. How stability, speech, and chewing improve Conventional dentures sit on the gums. Even with a good fit, normal jaw movements and gradual bone changes can lead to rocking and loss of suction. Implant-supported dentures gain retention from the implants, so the denture resists lifting and side-to-side movement. This typically provides: Stability you can feel. The denture engages the locator attachments or bar, so it clicks into a repeatable position and resists displacement during function. Clearer speech. Reduced movement helps maintain consistent tongue and lip positioning, which can support clearer pronunciation of sounds that often challenge denture wearers. More efficient chewing. With less sliding and tipping, you can usually bite and chew a wider range of foods more comfortably, which supports nutrition and confidence. While results vary, many patients report less need for adhesive and fewer sore spots because the denture is not relying entirely on soft tissue for retention. Our collaborative workflow and timeline We take a team-based approach built around your goals, your health, and precise fabrication in our on-site lab. Consultation with a denturist. We review your history, examine your oral tissues, discuss expectations, and take impressions or digital scans as appropriate. If you have a referring dentist or surgeon, we connect directly to coordinate planning. If you are starting fresh, we can help you organize the surgical referral. Digital planning and try-ins. Where beneficial, we use digital scanning and 3D workflows to design your denture and verify esthetics and function before finalizing. A wax or printed try-in allows you to see tooth shape and position, and gives us the chance to refine bite, lip support, and phonetics. Implant placement and healing. Your dentist or surgeon places the implants. Healing periods vary based on bone quality and the specific system used. During this time, you may wear a modified temporary denture. We provide guidance on comfort and hygiene, and we remain in contact with your surgical team. Attachment selection. Once your surgeon confirms integration, we attach locator abutments or a bar system to the implants. Choice depends on your anatomy, number and position of implants, and your maintenance preferences. Final connection and refinement. Your denture is fitted to the attachments and adjusted chairside. Because we fabricate and refine in our in-house lab, we can make timely adjustments to optimize comfort and retention. Follow-ups are scheduled to monitor tissues and make any fine-tuning changes. Healing timelines can vary. Your denturist will explain what to expect at each stage, including comfort tips and hygiene routines so you feel prepared throughout the process. The strength of an in-house lab Having an on-site laboratory means tighter control over quality and timing. If a small adjustment is needed during a try-in, we can often handle it the same day. If a clip, housing, or fit surface needs refinement after attachment, we can address it quickly without shipping delays. This continuity supports a smoother experience and helps maintain precision from planning to delivery. Coordinating with your dentist or surgeon Successful implant-supported dentures rely on teamwork. We: Share records and treatment goals early so implant positions support your planned tooth setup and bite. Confirm timelines together, including when to uncover implants and place attachments. Provide your dentist or surgeon with the design details of the locator or bar system, ensuring component compatibility and a predictable fit. Keep you informed at every step so there are no surprises. Whether you come to us through a referral or seek us out directly, we respect your existing care relationships and integrate seamlessly to keep your journey organized and clear. Caring for implant-supported dentures Daily care remains important. Clean your denture and attachments every day with non-abrasive cleansers. Brush gently around the locator abutments or bar to remove plaque. Schedule regular maintenance visits with your denturist. Just like tires on a car, retention components can wear and are replaceable. Expect periodic checks, occasional part replacements, and relines over the years as tissues evolve. These steps help preserve comfort and protect your investment. For general guidance on keeping removable prosthetics functioning well, you may find our perspective on relines and rebasing useful. When relining cannot restore fit, we discuss options together in a supportive, stepwise way. If you are beginning to explore options and want to meet a team focused on removable prosthetics with an on-site lab and digital capabilities, you can learn more about Sullivan Denture Centre by finding a denturist near you in Surrey. FAQ What are implant-supported removable dentures? They are dentures that attach to implants in your jaw using locator attachments or a bar. The denture is removable for cleaning, but it stays more secure during daily use. Who is a candidate? People with adequate bone, healthy gums, and a medical history that supports implant healing. A consultation confirms suitability and coordinates any needed pretreatment. How do they improve stability, speech, and chewing? Attachment to implants reduces rocking and lift, helping you speak more clearly and chew more efficiently with fewer sore spots. What is the treatment timeline? Consultation and planning, implant placement and healing, selection of attachments, then final connection and follow-up. The exact schedule varies by individual. How do you coordinate with my dentist or surgeon? We share records, align on implant positions and timelines, and confirm component choices so surgical and prosthetic steps work together. A supportive next step Choosing implant-supported dentures is a personal decision. The right information, a clear plan, and a skilled team make the journey smoother. At Sullivan Denture Centre, our licensed denturists manage your process from consultation to follow-up with the support of an on-site lab and close coordination with your dentist or surgeon. If you would like to discuss whether implants could improve your denture stability and confidence, we welcome you to book a consultation. We will review your goals, outline options, and help you take a steady, informed step forward.

At Sullivan Denture Centre, we believe that a healthy, confident smile should be accessible to everyone. With the rollout of the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) in May 2024, many of our potential clients in Surrey are asking the same important question: Does the Canadian Dental Care Plan cover dentures and denture services? The short answer is a resounding “YES”! As a dedicated denturist in Surrey with over 29 years of experience, our team at Sullivan Denture Centre is here to help you navigate the program, understand your coverage, and ensure you never miss a day of uninterrupted coverage. What You Need to Know: Canadian Dental Care Plan Dentures The CDCP is a federal program designed to reduce financial barriers to oral health care for Canadian residents with an adjusted family net income of less than $90,000. For those who qualify, the Canadian Dental Care Plan dentures coverage includes: Complete Dentures : Standard and temporary (provisional) dentures to replace all teeth in an arch. Partial Dentures : Removable prosthetics to replace one or more missing teeth (these typically require "preauthorization" before we begin fabrication). Maintenance & Repairs : Important services like relines, rebases, and repairs to keep your current dentures fitting comfortably. Whether you need a brand-new set or a quick repair at our on-site lab, the CDCP helps cover the costs based on your income bracket. Important: Don’t Forget to Renew Your CDCP Coverage! To keep your benefits active, you must renew your coverage every year. This ensures that you still meet the eligibility requirements (such as income level and lack of private insurance). How and When to Renew: The Window : Renewals typically take place between March 1st and June 1st each year. The Prerequisite : You must have filed your tax return for the previous year and received your Notice of Assessment (NOA) from the CRA before you can renew. The Process : You can renew easily through your My Service Canada Account (MSCA), online at the official Canada.ca/dental portal, or by calling 1-833-537-4342. Failure to renew by the June 1st deadline could result in a gap in your coverage starting July 1st. We recommend checking your status early so your treatment at Sullivan Denture Centre stays on track! Why Choose a Local Denturist in Surrey? Navigating government forms and preauthorizations can be overwhelming. That’s where we come in. As a trusted denturist in Surrey, Tricia Thobaben and the team at Sullivan Denture Centre offer: Direct Billing : We work with the CDCP and Sun Life to process your claims directly, so you only pay your portion (if applicable). On-Site Lab : Our modern facility includes a lab for faster turnaround times on repairs and relines. Free Consultations : Not sure if you’re eligible or what treatment you need? We offer no-cost initial consultations to discuss your options. Book Your Consultation Today Don't let missing teeth or ill-fitting dentures hold you back. If you have questions like "how do I apply?" or "how much will the plan pay?", give us a call at (604) 577-0007 . Visit us at Sullivan Denture Centre (110-5450 152 St, Surrey, BC) and let’s make the most of your Canadian Dental Care Plan dentures coverage together!