Stability at Its Best – The Locator System
For patients with complete or near-complete tooth loss, the choice between a conventional removable denture and an implant-supported solution can be life-changing. The Locator system represents one of the most effective and practical approaches to implant-retained overdentures — delivering dramatically improved stability and confidence at a manageable cost.
What Is the Locator System?
The Locator attachment system consists of a small implant abutment component and a corresponding nylon insert integrated into the denture. When the denture is placed over the implants, the Locator inserts snap securely onto the implant abutments, retaining the denture firmly in position during eating and speaking.
The Locator system is self-aligning, accommodating small angular discrepancies between implants, and the retention inserts are colour-coded for different retention strengths — allowing the clinician to select the appropriate retention level for each patient's needs and dexterity.
Why Is Stability Important?
A conventional lower denture rests on the gum tissue alone and is retained by suction and muscular control. For many patients — particularly those who have worn dentures for years and experienced progressive bone resorption — this retention is insufficient. The denture moves during chewing and speaking, causes soft tissue irritation, and significantly limits diet choices.
Two to four implants in the lower jaw, connected to a Locator-retained overdenture, transform the retention experience. Studies show that patients with implant-retained lower overdentures report dramatically higher satisfaction, greater dietary freedom, and improved quality of life compared to conventional denture wearers.
The Procedure
Placement of 2–4 implants in the lower jaw is a relatively straightforward procedure performed under local anaesthesia. After osseointegration (typically 2–4 months), the Locator abutments are connected and the existing denture is modified or a new denture is fabricated.
At Smilecraft, we offer Locator-retained overdentures as part of our comprehensive implant programme for edentulous patients.
