For many people living with missing teeth, the idea of dentures that they can wear all the time feels like a dream come true. The thought of nonremovable, secure, and natural-looking teeth that let them eat, speak, and smile without worry is incredibly appealing. Modern advancements such as implant-supported dentures have made this dream a reality for thousands of Australians.
In this article, we will explore the differences between traditional removable dentures and implant dentures, discuss the perks of dentures that you can wear all the time, and help you understand whether this treatment might be the right fit for you.
Why Traditional Dentures Are Not Always Enough
Conventional dentures have helped many people regain their smile, but they do come with certain drawbacks:
- They are removable by nature, meaning you must take them out daily
- May shift or become unstable while eating or speaking
- It may cause irritation to the gums
- Offer a limited bite force
- Often cover the upper palate, affecting taste and comfort
- This may lead to accelerated bone loss in the jawbone
Implant-retained dentures offer a revolutionary upgrade for denture wearers who want more stability, comfort, and confidence.
What Are Dentures You Can Wear All the Time?
Dentures that you can wear all the time, also called permanent dentures or implant dentures, are secured into the mouth using dental implants. These are tiny titanium posts placed into the jawbone to act like tooth roots, giving the artificial teeth a solid foundation.
Unlike conventional dentures, which sit on top of the gums and are held in place with suction or adhesive, implant-supported dentures are nonremovable and designed to stay in place 24/7.
They do not need to be removed at night, so you can wear them all the time, even while sleeping.
How Do Implant Dentures Work?
The process of getting dentures that you can wear all the time typically includes:
- Consultation with your dentist: Your oral health, jawbone density, and treatment goals are fully assessed.
- Implant placement surgery: Titanium implants are fixed into the jawbone, where they act as anchors for the new teeth.
- Healing period: The bone merges with the implants in a process called osseointegration, which takes several months.
- Attachment of the denture: Once healing is complete, your implant-retained denture is attached, either as a fixed bridge or a hybrid denture.
Exploring Your Options: What Types of Permanent Dentures Are Available?
There are a few variations of implant dentures, depending on the patient’s needs:
Implant Retained Dentures
These are snapped onto the implants but may be removed for cleaning. They provide much more stability than traditional dentures.
Fixed Implant Dentures
These are securely attached to four or more implants and cannot be removed by the patient. They feel and function like natural teeth and are often referred to as hybrid dentures.
Palateless Dentures
These are designed without covering the upper palate, making them more comfortable and restoring the ability to taste and speak more naturally.
Why Do People Choose Dentures That You Can Wear All the Time?
There are many reasons why patients prefer permanent dentures over conventional removable options:
Stability You Can Trust
Implant dentures are anchored securely to your jaw so they don’t slip, shift, or fall out.
Improved Confidence and Speech
Because they’re fixed in place, you can speak clearly without worrying about embarrassing clicks or movement.
Enhanced Chewing Power
These dentures restore strong biting power, allowing you to eat most foods comfortably, even steak or apples.
Better Facial Support
The implants stimulate the jawbone, reducing bone loss and helping maintain your facial structure and youthful appearance.
More Natural Feel and Look
Hybrid dentures mimic the look and function of natural teeth better than traditional dentures ever could.
Sleep with Peace of Mind
With dentures you can wear all the time, there’s no need to take them out at night, a huge advantage for denture wearers who feel self-conscious or find it uncomfortable to wear dentures only during the day.
The Role of Dental Implants in Long-Term Denture Success
At the heart of these permanent solutions are dental implants. These titanium posts act like tooth roots, integrating with the bone to provide a long-lasting foundation for your new smile.
Not only do implants stabilise the denture, but they also help preserve your jawbone, stimulate facial muscles, and maintain the height and shape of your face, something conventional dentures cannot achieve.
Who Is a Candidate for Implant Dentures?
Most people with missing teeth, or those unhappy with their current denture, may be suitable for implant supported dentures.
However, a few factors will be considered:
- Bone density in the jaw (to support the implant placement)
- Overall oral health
- General medical health
- Smoking habits (as smoking can affect healing)
Even if you have some bone loss, many dentists can offer bone grafting or specific techniques where only four implants are needed to support a full arch.
Are Upper Dentures You Can Wear All the Time Possible?
Yes, and they are a game changer.
Many people struggle with upper dentures because they cover the palate, affecting taste, speech, and comfort. Palateless dentures, which attach to implants, solve this problem beautifully.
They are designed without a bulky upper plate, offering a more natural feel and appearance.
Cost of Implant Dentures in Australia
The cost of implant-supported dentures in Australia varies based on the following:
- Number of implants used
- Type of denture used (removable vs fixed)
- Materials chosen
- Whether bone grafting is required
Although the initial cost is higher than conventional dentures, many patients consider it a valuable investment thanks to the enhanced quality of life and lasting benefits.
Health funds may cover part of the treatment, and payment plans are often available to make treatment more affordable.
How to Keep Your Permanent Dentures in Top Shape
Just because your dentures are fixed doesn’t mean they don’t need care. Here’s how to maintain them:
- Brush your teeth and gums daily
- Use tools like interdental brushes to clean around implants
- Attend regular checkups with your dentist
- Avoid hard objects like ice or pens to prevent breakage
Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits are essential to protect your implants and maintain healthy gums.
Final Thoughts: Is This the Perfect Solution for You?
If you are tired of removable dentures, or you’ve been living with missing teeth and long to enjoy your favourite foods, smile with confidence, and never worry about your denture slipping, dentures that you can wear all the time may be the answer you’ve been looking for.
With support from modern dental implants, these permanent solutions offer strength, beauty, comfort, and freedom that far exceed the capabilities of traditional dentures.
Speak with your dentist to explore whether implant-supported dentures are the right fit for your smile and lifestyle. With proper planning and care, you could enjoy a secure, beautiful smile all day, every day.
Contact Dental 266 today at 02 9051 0600 to book your consultation and take the first step towards a confident, lasting smile.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
- 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
- Healthline. (n.d.). Best practices for healthy teeth. https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/best-practices-for-healthy-teeth
