Locator Dentures – Implant-Retained Removable Solutions
A locator denture is a type of removable prosthesis that utilizes locator attachments to secure the denture more firmly in the mouth. This improves stability and retention compared to conventional removable dentures that rest passively on the gums.
In simple terms, a locator denture clicks into place via attachments anchored to dental implants in the jawbone. The LOCATOR name comes from the brand of attachments used most often, made by a company called Zest Anchors. There are other similar attachment brands like Dalbo and Optiloc. But “locator denture” has become a commonly used phrase referring to any implant-supported removable overdenture using these button-style patrix and matrix parts.
The key benefit of a locator denture is that it stays put more securely during chewing and speaking. Rather than slippery acrylic resting on smooth gums, the LOCATOR attachments literally connect the denture firmly to implant fixtures integrated into the jaw. Each fixture has a metal housing with changeable silicone inserts. The denture contains metal cylinders with resilient plastic inserts that snap into the locator housings with sufficient retention to avoid looseness.
To make a locator denture, a patient first undergoes dental implant placement in strategic areas along the jawbone to serve as anchors. Healing caps are placed while the implants integrate for several months. Then, small locator abutments are connected to the implants. Impressions are taken to design the denture framework and fabricate a model. The technician sets up LOCATOR attachments in the prosthetic tooth bases to match the positions of underlying abutments. After try-in and any adjustments, the finished locator denture gets delivered and snapped into place.
Over time, the retention inserts inside the LOCATOR housings will wear and may need replacement every year or two to maintain the tightness. However, the denture can still be conveniently popped on and off by the patient as needed for removal and cleaning. This gives an implant-supported level of stability with the ease of a removable appliance.
While locator dentures provide significant advantages over traditional removable options, they still may not be ideal for every patient. Those with extensive bone loss may require bone grafts or sinus lifts first to support implant placement. Also, adjusting to removing/inserting the denture takes practice, so manual dexterity challenges can pose difficulties for some. However, success rates for locator dentures remain high with adequate number and spacing of implants.
Maintenance is also crucial, including diligent oral hygiene and regular dental visits to monitor tissue health and attachment retention. Replacing worn inserts periodically helps sustain the stability. Overall, patient satisfaction and quality of life typically improve greatly after adapting to locator denture use, making them an excellent restorative choice given proper diagnostic planning and patient compliance with follow-up care. When utilized under optimal conditions, locator dentures can affordably restore confident smiles and chewing capacity.
In summary, locator dentures offer an excellent solution for patients needing complete tooth replacement but reluctant to get a fixed bridge. By utilizing strategic implants rather than relying solely on gum contact, this treatment improves comfort, function, and confidence for the individual. Locator dentures combine the positives of both worlds in many cases.
