Can You Go From Wearing Dentures to Getting Implants?

Can you go from wearing dentures to getting implants? Yes, many people in the UK do exactly that. Some do it after a year. Some after twenty.

Here’s the thing. Dentures can do a decent job. They fill the gaps, they’re not too pricey, and they’re quick to make. But after a while, the rubbing, the slipping, the glue, the sore spots – it all builds up. That’s usually when people start whispering, “Could implants be better?

From dentures to implants: is it really possible?

Short answer: yes, it’s very possible, even if you’ve worn dentures for years. The main question isn’t your age. It’s your bone.
Over time, dentures don’t stimulate the jawbone, so the bone slowly shrinks. That’s why cheeks can start to sink a little, and dentures loosen even when they once fit well. Implants are different. They sit in the bone like new roots and help keep the jaw stronger and more stable.

Simple path: how the change works

Every case is different, but the rough journey looks like this.

1. Assessment: X‑rays or a scan to check bone, gums, and general health.

2. Plan: Decide if you need bone grafting or can go straight to implants.

3. Placement: Implants are gently placed in the jaw under local anaesthetic.

4. Healing: The bone bonds with the implant posts over a few months.

5. New teeth: A fixed bridge or implant‑supported denture is fitted on top.

Quick tip: in some cases, you can have “teeth in a day” or All‑on‑4 style treatment, where a full arch is supported on fewer implants. Not everyone is suited, but it’s worth asking.

What actually feels different?

People don’t just talk about chewing. They talk about feeling like their teeth belong to them again.

1. Eating: Implants can restore much more bite force than dentures, so tougher foods feel doable again.

2. Speaking: Less slipping means fewer worries about words “clicking” or the plate dropping at the wrong moment.

3. Confidence: Many patients say they simply stop thinking about their teeth all day. That’s the quiet win.

In short, dentures can be a helpful starting point. Implants often feel like the long‑term upgrade.

Cost and time in the UK

Implants do cost more up front than dentures, especially for full arches. But they tend to last much longer, and they can protect the jawbone, which dentures don’t. Many UK clinics now offer finance, so people spread the cost over months or years instead of paying everything on day one.

The main “cost” people notice, though? Time. Implants usually need several months from first scan to final teeth, especially if grafting is needed. That wait can be annoying. But for many, once they’re biting into normal food again, the delay fades into the background.

FAQ: dentures to implants

1. Can I get implants if I’ve had dentures for 20 years?
Often yes, but you may need bone grafting or a different implant approach, depending on how much bone is left.

2. Do I have to go without teeth during treatment?
Not usually. Many dentists can adapt or provide temporary dentures so you’re not left toothless while the implants heal.

3. Are implants painful compared to dentures?
Most people describe implant surgery as “pressure and odd noises” rather than sharp pain, and simple pain relief handles the soreness. Day to day, well‑fitted implants usually feel more comfortable than loose dentures.

Tired of your dentures bossing you around at mealtimes? Might be time to see if implants could finally put you back in charge.

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