What is a Locator Attachment?
A complete denture with locator attachments is a dental appliance which is used to replace all of the teeth in the upper and/or lower jaw. This type of denture uses implants for the base of the dentures which can be removed as needed. It is not secured in the mouth using cement like traditional dentures. Locator attachments are attached to dental implants. The implants are surgically placed directly in the jawbone. The locator attachments are used to connect the denture to the implants. In most cases, two dental implants and two attachments are used for a lower jaw denture. Four implants and attachments are used for an upper jaw denture.
The article below reviews common questions related to locator attachments.
Patients are often curious what material is used for a complete denture with locator attachments. A pink acrylic material is used for the base of a complete denture with locator attachments. The teeth of the complete denture are created from a tooth colored acrylic or porcelain. The teeth are attached to the base. Locator attachments are typically made of plastic and dental implants are made of titanium. The materials are extremely durable and closely mimic the natural teeth and gums.
There are numerous benefits associated with complete dentures with locator attachments. Locator attachments significantly improve the denture’s retention and ability to chew. In many cases, patients with traditional dentures complain of a poor fit or the dentures slipping out of place. This is largely resolved with the use of complete dentures and locator attachments.
Patients with a chronically dry mouth or those with fragile tissue, may find that it is difficult to achieve good retention and fit with traditional dentures. The patient may benefit from the use of locator attachments. Another benefit is that it is easier to repair a removable appliance compared to a fixed device. Complete dentures with locator attachments are also easier to clean.
One risk associated with these devices is that locator attachments can tend to wear out over time and require replacement. Denture acrylic, which covers the locator attachment, can chip or wear down over time.
Some of the most popular alternative solutions to a complete denture with locator attachments include the following:
1. Traditional complete denture
2. Complete denture with a milled bar attachment
3. Complete denture with bar-retained locator attachments
4. Implant-supported crowns or bridges
5. The patient can also chose to not replace their missing teeth
Patients with a misaligned bite may find that they have uneven or excessive bite forces. This can cause uneven wear or even fracture the dentures or locator attachments. Patients with a bite issue may also notice that the implants become loose or even break due to the excessive force. If an implant breaks or becomes loose, it needs to be surgically removed and replaced.
It is important for patients to follow the instructions associated with maintaining complete denture with locator attachments. Patients should remove the denture each night to maintain healthy tissue below the appliance. This also helps prolong the life expectancy of the locator attachments. The teeth in the denture should be used with some caution as they are not as strong as the natural teeth. Patients should avoid chewing on hard, crunchy foods or using the teeth as a tool to open things. It is likely that food will accumulate below the appliance and require removal for cleaning after eating.
Follow up with your dentist to determine if you are a good candidate for a complete denture with locator attachments.