If you have been living with missing teeth or struggling with traditional removable dentures, you might be looking for a better solution, one that feels more like natural teeth and allows you to live life fully. Today, thanks to advances in dental technology, there are more options available than ever before, including dentures that you can wear all the time. In this article, we will walk you through the benefits, the process, and what you can expect from permanent dentures and implant-supported solutions. Let’s take a closer look at how these modern treatments can help bring back your smile and boost your quality of life.

Understanding the Different Types of Dentures

When it comes to replacing missing teeth, the right choice depends on your needs, jawbone structure, and overall oral health. Here are the main types:

Traditional Removable Dentures

Traditional dentures have been around for decades. They rest on the gums and can be taken out every night for cleaning and sleep. These conventional dentures have helped countless patients regain a smile, but many find them inconvenient for long-term wear. They can slip when eating or talking, irritate the gums, and reduce bite force.

Permanent Dentures or Fixed Dentures

Fixed dentures are a more modern approach for individuals who want dentures that can be worn all the time. They are secured with dental implants placed in the jawbone. These implant-supported dentures, also known as implant-retained dentures, attach to posts embedded within the bone, making them a strong, stable, and long-lasting option.

What Exactly Are Dental Implants, and Why Are They Important?

Dental implants are small, strong titanium posts that a dentist carefully places into the jawbone. The process is called implant placement and involves a simple surgery where the implant becomes a stable foundation for an implant denture. Dental implants resemble the roots of natural teeth, supporting the artificial teeth that attach to them.

Implant dentures can be:

Fixed (non-removable): Stay securely in place.
Removable (overdentures): Attach to implants but can be taken out for cleaning.

With implant-supported or implant-retained dentures, patients can experience benefits that traditional removable dentures cannot provide.

The Advantages of Dentures You Can Wear All the Time

Imagine a smile that feels like your natural teeth, no more worrying about dentures falling out when you laugh, talk, or eat. Here are some of the benefits:

Improved Stability and Comfort

With implant-supported or implant-retained dentures, you can wear them all the time, including while you sleep. Unlike traditional removable dentures that can shift or cause sore spots, fixed dentures remain securely in place. This enables patients to eat and speak with comfort and confidence, making everyday life more enjoyable.

Stronger Bite and Better Chewing

One of the biggest benefits of fixed or implant-retained dentures is the improved bite force. Dental implants provide strong support, making it possible to bite into foods that might be challenging with traditional dentures. Patients can enjoy a wider range of meals and a more balanced diet.

Reduced Risk of Accelerated Bone Loss

Missing teeth can cause bone loss and gradually change the shape of the jaw and upper palate. Dental implants help stimulate the jawbone, preserving its strength and reducing the risk of accelerated bone loss. This is especially important when compared with traditional removable or conventional dentures, which can lead to further bone deterioration over time.

No Need for Metal Clasps or Palate Covering

Modern implant-retained or implant-supported dentures can be designed as palateless dentures, leaving the roof of the mouth uncovered. This improves comfort, allows for a more natural feel, and eliminates the gag reflex that some patients experience with traditional removable dentures.

The Process of Getting Dentures You Can Wear All the Time

While it may seem daunting at first, the process is straightforward and performed by skilled dentists. Here is a step-by-step guide:

1. Initial Consultation

The first step is an examination of your mouth, gums, and jawbone. Your dentist will examine your mouth and bone structure to recommend the best option, whether it is fixed dentures or dental implants.

2. Treatment Plan

Your dentist will develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs. This may involve traditional removable dentures, implant-supported dentures, or implant-retained dentures.

3. Dental Implant Surgery

If you choose implant dentures, the next step is implant placement. Dental implants are embedded into the jawbone, acting like the roots of natural teeth. Depending on your needs, you may have four implants placed or more.

4. Healing Period

After surgery, the implants will integrate with the bone, a process called osseointegration. This can take a few months but provides a strong foundation for your new fixed dentures.

5. Fitting the Final Denture

Once the implants have successfully fused with your jawbone, your dentist will attach your custom-made permanent dentures. These implant-retained or implant-supported dentures can be fixed (non-removable) or designed as implant overdentures that can be clipped on and off as needed.

Why Choose Fixed Dentures or Implant-Supported Dentures?

If you have been relying on traditional removable dentures and are looking for a more stable, long‑term option, fixed or implant-supported dentures can be an excellent choice. These advanced treatments offer a secure fit, a more natural feel, and many benefits that go far beyond the limitations of traditional dentures. Let’s explore why this option has become popular for so many patients.

Better Appearance and Confidence

Modern implant dentures are designed to mimic the look and feel of natural teeth. Patients can smile, laugh, and talk with total confidence, knowing their artificial teeth won’t move or slip.

Improved Oral Health

Dental implants support the jawbone, helping to maintain its density and reducing bone loss that can affect the shape of the face. This has a significant impact on overall oral health and long-term comfort.

Stronger Support and Longer-Lasting Solution

With fixed dentures or implant-retained dentures, patients benefit from a secure fit that can last for many years. The strong biting power of implant dentures allows for a more varied and enjoyable diet compared with traditional removable options.

Convenience

Unlike traditional removable dentures that must be taken out for cleaning, fixed dentures can be brushed and cared for like natural teeth. This makes daily oral care more manageable and convenient.

Are Permanent Dentures the Perfect Solution for Everyone?

While fixed dentures and implant-supported options offer numerous benefits, they may not be suitable for every patient. Not everyone has the bone density required for implants, and certain medical conditions can affect the success of the procedure. However, advances in implant dentistry, such as bone grafting and the use of four implants, have made this option available to a wider range of patients.

Your dentist will review your medical and dental history to determine if you are a candidate. Even if implant-retained or implant-supported dentures aren’t ideal for you, traditional removable dentures can still be a reliable and cost-effective option.

Final Thoughts: Is It Time to Make the Change?

Dentures you can wear all the time, such as implant-retained or implant-supported dentures, offer an incredible way to restore a smile that feels, looks, and functions like natural teeth. From improved bite force and stability to preserving bone density and making daily life more enjoyable, the benefits of fixed dentures are significant.

If you have been struggling with traditional removable or conventional dentures and want a better quality of life, it is worth discussing implant dentures with your dentist. They can guide you through the process, answer questions, and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

With the right care and support, fixed dentures can be the perfect solution for many patients. They can give you a smile you can wear all the time, a bite you can trust, and the confidence you deserve.

For more information or to book an appointment, contact Beyond 32 Dental today at (02) 9158 6334 and take the first step towards a stronger, more comfortable smile.

Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

References

National Health Service. (n.d.). Take care of your teeth and gums. NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-teeth-and-gums/take-care-of-your-teeth-and-gums/
Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Dental implant surgery. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dental-implant-surgery/about/pac-20384622
Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Implant-supported dentures. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/24303-implant-supported-dentures
WebMD. (n.d.). Dental health and dentures. https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/dental-health-dentures

Dentures That You Can Wear All the Time: A Friendly Guide to a New Smile