WHY CHOOSE DOMINION SMILES FOR YOUR LOCATOR Overdentures in San Antonio, TX

When you lose teeth, you lose more than just your smile—you also lose the stimulation that keeps your jawbone healthy and strong. This bone loss, called resorption, can dramatically change your facial appearance over time, causing a sunken or aged look. At Dominion Smiles, Dr. Ruiwen Ma and Dr. Aliaksandr Dolbik specialize in LOCATOR overdentures—an innovative solution that not only restores your missing teeth but also helps preserve your jawbone and facial structure. Whether you’re near downtown San Antonio or the surrounding areas, we’re here to help you discover the best tooth replacement option that protects your oral health while restoring your confidence.

Types of Dentures

Understanding your options is the first step toward reclaiming your smile. At Dominion Smiles, we offer three primary denture solutions to address complete tooth loss:

Traditional Dentures

Traditional dentures are removable appliances that rest on your gums and replace all teeth on the upper or lower arch, or both. These dentures are held in place with adhesive and are custom-made to fit your mouth. While they’re the most affordable option and have been used successfully for decades, traditional dentures don’t prevent bone loss and can slip during eating or speaking. Many patients find the adhesives messy and limiting. However, for those seeking a non-surgical, budget-friendly solution, traditional dentures remain a viable choice.

LOCATOR Overdentures

LOCATOR overdentures represent a significant advancement in denture technology and are among the best options available for patients near San Antonio. This system uses two to four dental implants per arch with low-profile LOCATOR attachments that allow your denture to snap securely into place. Unlike traditional dentures that slip or require messy adhesives, LOCATOR overdentures provide exceptional stability while remaining removable for easy cleaning and care. They help preserve your jawbone, maintain your facial structure, and restore your ability to eat with confidence—all at a more accessible price point than fixed dentures. LOCATOR overdentures offer the perfect middle ground between traditional dentures and permanent implant solutions.

Fixed Dentures

Fixed dentures, also called implant-supported dentures, are permanently attached to dental implants and function most like natural teeth. This premium option requires a minimum of four to six implants per arch and can only be removed by your dentist. Fixed dentures provide maximum stability and confidence, allowing you to eat anything you want without worry. They eliminate all concerns about slipping or removal, and they help preserve jawbone health. While fixed dentures come with a higher price tag due to the additional implants and complexity, they offer the closest experience to having your natural teeth back.

Pros and Cons: Fixed Dentures & Removable Overdentures vs Traditional Dentures

While dentures are a proven solution, dental implants offer another approach. Individual implants can support crowns, bridges, or full-arch restorations. However, traditional implant treatment can be costly and complex.

The LOCATOR system bridges this gap beautifully. With just two to four strategically placed implants per arch, you can achieve remarkable stability without the expense or surgical complexity of full implant restoration. LOCATOR overdentures prevent bone loss by stimulating your jawbone, help maintain your facial structure, and eliminate the frustrations of slipping dentures—all at a more accessible price than fixed implants.

During your consultation, Dr. Ma or Dr. Dolbik will discuss whether traditional dentures, LOCATOR overdentures, fixed implants, or another restoration aligns best with your oral health, lifestyle, and budget.

Traditional Dentures

Advantages:

  • Lower upfront cost
  • Non-surgical solution
  • Can be fabricated quickly

Disadvantages:

  • Require messy adhesive to stay in place
  • Don’t prevent bone loss, so your face continues to change
  • Can slip while eating, limiting food choices
  • Adhesive can affect food taste
  • May lower confidence in social situations

LOCATOR Removable Overdentures

Advantages:

  • Snap securely into place—no adhesives needed
  • Help preserve jawbone and facial structure
  • More affordable than fixed dentures
  • Easy to remove for cleaning
  • Provide excellent stability for eating and speaking
  • Compatible with most implant systems

Disadvantages:

  • Higher cost than traditional dentures
  • Requires implant surgery
  • Attachments need replacement every 1-2 years

Fixed Implant-Supported Dentures

Advantages:

  • Most like natural teeth
  • Maximum stability and confidence
  • Preserve jawbone and facial structure
  • No dietary restrictions
  • Never slip or require adhesives

Disadvantages:

  • Highest cost (minimum four implants per arch)
  • More extensive surgery required
  • Require careful cleaning around implants
  • Cannot be easily removed for adjustments

Are There Alternatives to Dentures?

While dentures are a proven solution, dental implants offer another approach. Individual implants can support crowns, bridges, or full-arch restorations. However, traditional implant treatment can be costly and complex.

The LOCATOR system bridges this gap beautifully. With just two to four strategically placed implants per arch, you can achieve remarkable stability without the expense or surgical complexity of full implant restoration. LOCATOR overdentures prevent bone loss by stimulating your jawbone, help maintain your facial structure, and eliminate the frustrations of slipping dentures—all at a more accessible price than fixed implants.

During your consultation, Dr. Ma or Dr. Dolbik will discuss whether traditional dentures, LOCATOR overdentures, fixed implants, or another restoration aligns best with your oral health, lifestyle, and budget.

Benefits of LOCATOR Systems

LOCATOR technology offers distinct advantages that make it a popular choice for patients throughout San Antonio:

  • Flexibility Between Fixed and Removable: You can easily remove your LOCATOR overdenture for cleaning, then snap it back securely for confident eating, speaking, and smiling.
  • Staged Treatment Planning: LOCATOR systems allow for phased treatment, making it easier to manage costs over time.
  • Affordable Quality of Life: Enjoy implant-supported stability at a fraction of the cost of fully fixed dentures.
  • Widely Trained Dentists: Many dentists, including our team at Dominion Smiles, have extensive training in LOCATOR techniques.
  • Compatible with Most Implants: LOCATOR attachments work with virtually all previously placed or new implants, offering versatility in your treatment plan.

Hear From Our Patients

Basic Denture Care

Proper care ensures your LOCATOR overdentures or traditional dentures last longer and remain comfortable:

  • Remove and rinse your dentures after eating to clear away food particles
  • Brush them daily with a soft-bristled brush and non-abrasive denture cleaner
  • Clean LOCATOR attachments carefully according to our specific instructions to maintain proper retention
  • Soak removable dentures overnight in denture solution to preserve their shape
  • Keep your gums, tongue, and implant sites clean with gentle brushing
  • Schedule regular checkups so we can assess fit, attachment wear, and implant health

If you notice any retention issues, cracks, or fit problems, contact us for repair rather than attempting fixes yourself. LOCATOR attachments may need periodic replacement—typically every one to two years—to maintain optimal performance.

  • Remove and rinse your dentures after eating to clear away food particles
  • Brush them daily with a soft-bristled brush and non-abrasive denture cleaner
  • Clean LOCATOR attachments carefully according to our specific instructions to maintain proper retention
  • Soak removable dentures overnight in denture solution to preserve their shape
  • Keep your gums, tongue, and implant sites clean with gentle brushing
  • Schedule regular checkups so we can assess fit, attachment wear, and implant health

If you notice any retention issues, cracks, or fit problems, contact us for repair rather than attempting fixes yourself. LOCATOR attachments may need periodic replacement—typically every one to two years—to maintain optimal performance.

Denture FAQ

LOCATOR overdentures use dental implants with specialized attachments that snap your denture securely in place, eliminating slipping and the need for adhesives while remaining removable for cleaning.

With proper care, dentures typically last five to seven years before needing replacement due to normal wear or changes in your mouth. LOCATOR attachments may require replacement every one to two years to maintain the best retention.

Yes! LOCATOR overdentures provide exceptional stability, allowing you to enjoy a much wider variety of foods compared to traditional dentures. While there’s an adjustment period, most patients near San Antonio quickly adapt and regain confidence in their eating abilities.

Absolutely. Whether you have traditional dentures or LOCATOR overdentures, we offer repair services to restore them. We can also replace worn LOCATOR attachments to restore proper retention. Bring them in as soon as you notice any issues.

Coverage varies by plan. Many dental insurance policies cover portions of denture treatment, and some may cover implant placement. We’ll help you understand your benefits and maximize your coverage.

Pricing and Insurance Options

We understand that cost is an important consideration when choosing your tooth replacement solution. At Dominion Smiles, we work with most dental insurance plans and will help you maximize your benefits. We also offer flexible payment plans and discount options to make quality denture care accessible to more patients throughout San Antonio.

The price of dentures varies based on the type you choose—LOCATOR overdentures cost more than traditional dentures but less than fixed implant bridges—and your specific needs. We’ll provide a transparent, detailed estimate during your consultation so you can make an informed decision.

Give Us a Call Today to Schedule a Consultation

Give Us a Call Today to Schedule a Consultation

Ready to discover if LOCATOR overdentures or another denture solution is right for you? Dr. Ruiwen Ma and Dr. Aliaksandr Dolbik are here to help you explore your options and find the best restoration for your lifestyle and budget. Call Dominion Smiles at 210-764-6818 to schedule your consultation. We’re proud to serve patients throughout San Antonio and look forward to helping you eat, laugh, and smile with confidence again.

CONTACT US TODAY TO GET YOUR SMILE BACK.

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