From Dentures to Dental Implants: What To Know

If you currently wear dentures, you might be wondering whether dental implants are still an option for you. This is one of the most common questions we hear at 21D, and the good news is that in most cases, the answer is yes. Modern implant technology has made it possible for people who have been wearing dentures for years, even those with bone loss, to enjoy the stability, comfort, and confidence that implants can provide.

While traditional dentures can restore appearance and basic function, many patients find them uncomfortable, unstable, or limiting when it comes to eating and speaking. Dental implants, by contrast, are securely anchored into the jawbone, meaning they look, feel, and function much more like natural teeth.

In this article, we’ll explore whether dental implants are a suitable option if you already wear dentures, the benefits of making the switch, and how the process works at 21D.

Understanding the Difference Between Dentures and Implants

Before exploring whether full-mouth dental implants are possible if you already wear dentures, it helps to understand how the two solutions differ.

Dentures

• Removable prosthetics that sit on top of the gums
• Usually held in place by suction or adhesive
• Restore the appearance of a smile but don’t fully replicate natural function
• Can slip, rub, or cause sore spots, especially when eating or speaking
• Limit food choices and may affect confidence in social situations
• Do not stimulate the jawbone, leading to ongoing bone loss and changes to facial structure over time

Full-Mouth Dental Implants

• Titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to act like artificial tooth roots
• Support a fixed full-arch prosthetic of 12 teeth per jaw that cannot slip or be removed by the patient
• Provide exceptional stability for eating, speaking, and smiling with confidence
• Stimulate the jawbone just like natural roots, preventing bone shrinkage and maintaining facial shape
• Designed as a long-term solution that combines durability, function, and aesthetics
• At 21D, delivered through advanced guided surgery, without unnecessary bone grafts, and with fixed teeth placed the same day as surgery
  

Can You Get Full-Mouth Dental Implants If You Already Have Dentures?

The simple answer is yes - in most cases, patients who already wear dentures can successfully transition to full-mouth dental implants. Even if you’ve been wearing dentures for many years, modern techniques make it possible to restore stability, comfort, and function with implants. At 21D, we specialise in treating patients who thought implants might not be an option for them, including those with bone loss or long-standing denture use.

Key factors we assess before recommending full-mouth implants:

• Bone Health and Density: Sufficient bone is needed to support implants, but with advanced techniques such as tilted implants and our fully guided approach, we can often avoid bone grafts.
• Oral and General Health: We evaluate gum health and overall medical history to ensure safe healing and long-term success.
• Jaw Anatomy: Detailed 3D scans allow us to plan implant placement with millimetre precision, ensuring stability and correct bite alignment.
• Lifestyle Considerations: Factors such as smoking or certain medical conditions can influence healing and implant longevity, so we provide tailored advice.

At 21D, patients who come to us with dentures are often surprised at how straightforward the transition to implants can be. With our surgical reset procedure, we remove any remaining infected teeth or tissue, cleanse the jaw, and place the implants into healthy bone, providing a stable foundation for fixed teeth the very same day.

Benefits of Switching From Dentures to Full-Mouth Dental Implants

For patients who currently wear dentures, transitioning to full-mouth dental implants can be life-changing. While dentures restore appearance, implants restore both function and confidence by providing a permanent, stable solution. At 21D, we see every day how this transformation improves not just smiles but overall quality of life.

The key benefits include:

• Exceptional Stability: Implants are fixed into the jawbone, meaning no slipping, shifting, or reliance on adhesives.
• Improved Chewing & Nutrition: Patients can enjoy a wider range of foods, from crunchy vegetables to steak, with the same ease as natural teeth.
• Clearer Speech & Confidence: Because implants don’t move, speaking feels natural again, restoring self-assurance in social situations.
• Jawbone Preservation: Unlike dentures, implants stimulate the bone, preventing shrinkage and helping maintain natural facial structure.
• A Natural Look & Feel: Full-mouth prosthetics supported by implants are designed to blend seamlessly, offering a smile that looks and feels authentic.
• Long-Term Value: While dentures often need replacing every few years, full-mouth dental implants are built to last for decades with proper care.

In short, switching from dentures to full-mouth dental implants is about far more than upgrading your smile - it’s about restoring function, protecting bone health, and reclaiming the confidence to live life without compromise.

What Is The Process Like At 21D?

At 21D, we’ve designed a clear and supportive process to help patients move from dentures to full-mouth dental implants with confidence. It begins with a free clinical assessment, where we take 3D scans, X-rays, and intraoral imaging to evaluate bone health and suitability. This appointment also gives patients the chance to ask questions and receive a personalised treatment plan.

The next step is what we call a “surgical reset.” During this procedure, we remove any compromised teeth, cleanse the jaw of infection, and place the implants directly into healthy bone using our fully guided approach. Thanks to advanced techniques such as tilted implants, most patients do not require bone grafts or sinus lifts, making the process less invasive and recovery quicker.

Perhaps the most transformative part of treatment is that patients leave with fixed teeth on the very same day as surgery. These immediate prosthetics restore function and appearance right away, while the final long-term prosthetics are delivered after healing. Crafted from titanium and PMMA, they provide durability, comfort, and a natural look designed to last.

Throughout the journey, our focus is on safety, comfort, and clarity, ensuring patients feel informed and supported every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I get full-mouth dental implants if I’ve worn dentures for years? Yes. Even long-term denture wearers are often excellent candidates thanks to advanced techniques like tilted implants that reduce the need for bone grafts.‍
2. Will I need a bone graft before implants? In most cases, no. At 21D, our guided surgery and implant placement techniques mean bone grafting is rarely required.
3. ‍How long does the surgery take? A full-mouth surgical reset usually takes around two hours, after which patients leave with fixed teeth the same day.
4. Is the procedure painful? At 21D, our priority is making patients feel as comfortable and at ease as possible. With local anaesthetic and optional sedation, discomfort is minimal and recovery is typically quick. Our team is there to support you every step of the way, making sure you feel calm, cared for, and fully informed throughout your journey.
5. How long will my implants last? With proper care and regular check-ups, full-mouth dental implants are designed to last decades, making them a long-term investment in oral health.

Moving from dentures to full-mouth dental implants is a life-changing decision that restores more than just your smile - it brings back comfort, function, and confidence. At 21D, we combine advanced technology with a patient-first approach to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

If you’re currently wearing dentures and wondering whether implants are right for you, the best next step is to book a free clinical assessment. Our team will guide you through your options, answer your questions, and help you decide whether full-mouth dental implants could transform your life.