Fixed Bridges vs Implant Overdentures Explained by Dr Ali Direnç Ulaşan – Milim Dental, Bursa

One of the most common questions we hear at Milim Dental in Bursa is:

“If I get dental implants, will my teeth be fixed – or will they still be removable like a denture?”

This is a very important question, especially for patients who have worn loose, uncomfortable dentures for years. Many people dream of throwing their dentures away forever and having teeth that feel like their own again.

The honest answer is:

With dental implants, your new teeth can be fully fixed (not removable),

But there is also a semi-fixed, removable option called an implant overdenture that is extremely stable compared to a traditional denture.

In this article, we will:

Answer your question in clear language

Explain the difference between fixed implant bridges and implant overdentures

Show when each option may be suitable

Help you understand what to expect if you choose treatment with Dr Ali Direnç Ulaşan and the team at Milim Dental, Bursa, Turkey

1. First Answer: With Implants, Your Teeth Do NOT Have to Be Loose Anymore

If you are imagining the old style of denture – moving when you talk, needing glue, coming out when you cough or sneeze – the good news is:

With a modern implant treatment plan, your teeth do not have to be like that anymore.

You have two main families of options:

Fixed implant bridges

Your new teeth are screwed or cemented onto implants

Only the dentist can remove them

You wake up, eat, speak, smile and sleep with teeth that feel fixed

Implant overdentures (semi-fixed)

A special denture clips onto implants with attachments

You can remove it at home for cleaning

When it is in your mouth, it feels very stable – no glue, much less movement

So when you ask,

“Will my teeth be fixed with implants?”

our answer at Milim Dental, Bursa is:

If we plan a fixed bridge on implants, then yes, your teeth will be fixed – like natural teeth, not removable.

If we plan an implant overdenture, then no, they will not be fully fixed – but they will feel much more stable than a normal denture.

The decision depends on:

Your bone situation

Your general health

Your expectations and lifestyle

Your budget

2. Fixed Implant Bridges – Teeth That Stay in Your Mouth

When most patients say they want “fixed teeth,” they are describing a full-arch implant bridge.

What Is a Fixed Implant Bridge?

A fixed implant bridge:

Is a long bridge (row of teeth) attached to several implants

Is screwed or cemented onto the implants

Cannot be removed by you at home – only by a dentist if necessary

For example, in the lower jaw, we might place:

4 to 6 implants

A fixed bridge with 10–12 teeth connected to those implants

When this is done with proper planning and high-quality materials (such as zirconia or titanium–acrylic hybrids), it feels very close to having your own natural teeth back.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Fixed Bridges?

You may be suitable for fixed implant bridges if:

You want teeth that you never remove

You are able and willing to keep your mouth very clean

You have enough bone or are able to undergo bone grafting / sinus lifting if needed

Your general health allows a more complex surgical and prosthetic plan

At Milim Dental, Bursa, Dr Ali Direnç Ulaşan uses:

3D CBCT scans

Digital smile design

Guided surgery when indicated

to design and place fixed bridges in a predictable, safe and aesthetic way.

Advantages of Fixed Bridges

Teeth feel solid and permanent

No need to take teeth in and out daily

Great chewing comfort and confidence

Very natural aesthetics with modern zirconia and ceramic materials

Considerations

Usually more implants are needed compared to overdentures

Treatment can be more expensive

Cleaning requires good hand skills and discipline with special brushes and floss

Repairs may be more complex if something breaks

3. What Is an Implant Overdenture? (Semi-Fixed Option)

Now let’s look at the other option: the implant overdenture.

Many patients have never heard this term before, so they ask:

“If I get an overdenture on implants, will my teeth be fixed?”

Here, the honest answer is:

No, they will not be fully fixed – you will still remove them at home –

but they will be much more stable than a traditional denture.

How an Implant Overdenture Works

An implant overdenture is:

A removable denture

That snaps or clips onto implants with special attachments

For example, in the lower jaw:

We place 2 to 4 implants

We attach balls, locators or a bar to the implants

The overdenture has matching components that click onto these attachments

When you put the overdenture in:

It locks onto the implants

It is very difficult for it to move sideways or fall out

You can speak, laugh and eat with much more security

When you want to clean it:

You click it off with your hands

You clean the denture and your gums/implants separately

Then you click it back in again

So, an overdenture is not fixed like a bridge – you remain in control and can remove it every day. But compared to a conventional denture, the difference in stability is huge.

Who Is a Good Candidate for an Overdenture?

You may be a good candidate if:

You have worn dentures for years and want more stability

You have bone loss that makes fixed solutions difficult or expensive

You want an implant solution but with a more limited budget

You prefer being able to remove the prosthesis for easier cleaning

Your general health does not allow for very long surgeries or complex grafting

At Milim Dental Bursa, we often recommend overdentures for:

Older patients who struggle with very loose lower dentures

Patients who want a big improvement compared to normal dentures, but do not necessarily need a fully fixed bridge

Cases where bone conditions or general health limit more aggressive treatments

Advantages of Implant Overdentures

Much more stable than conventional dentures

No need for glue / adhesive

Easier to clean because you can remove the prosthesis

Usually fewer implants are needed compared to a fixed bridge

Often more affordable than full fixed solutions

Considerations

You must be comfortable with removing your teeth at night or at least once a day

Overdentures have plastic / acrylic parts that may wear or need maintenance

Attachments (like locators or clips) may need periodic replacement or adjustment

They are not as “solid” as a fixed bridge – there is still some limited movement

4. Answering the Main Question Clearly

Let’s come back directly to your question:

“If I get implants, will my teeth be fixed?”

If your treatment is a fixed bridge on implants:

Yes – your teeth will be fixed.

Only your dentist can remove them.

You will not take your teeth out at night.

If your treatment is an implant overdenture:

No – your teeth will not be fully fixed.

You will be able to remove them yourself.

They will be semi-fixed: very stable in the mouth, but still removable.

When patients specifically say:

“Doctor, I really want fixed teeth. I don’t want to take anything out,”

then we focus on fixed implant bridge options, not overdentures – as long as your bone, health and budget allow it.

At Milim Dental in Bursa, Dr Ali Direnç Ulaşan always:

Asks what you really want – fixed vs removable

Examines your bone and medical situation

Explains both options clearly

Helps you choose the solution that matches your expectations and reality

5. How We Decide Together at Milim Dental, Bursa

Your treatment plan is never cookie-cutter. The process usually looks like this:

Step 1 – Consultation and X-Rays

We listen to your story (dentures, missing teeth, previous implants)

We take a panoramic X-ray and, if needed, a CBCT 3D scan

We examine your gums, bite and smile

Step 2 – Understanding Your Expectations

We ask you:

“Do you want fully fixed teeth that you never remove?”

“Are you okay with a removable solution if it is very stable?”

“How important is hygiene and cleaning convenience for you?”

“What is your approximate budget?”

Step 3 – Presenting Options

We then explain, in simple language:

Option A: Fixed bridge – number of implants, materials, steps, time, cost

Option B: Implant overdenture – number of implants, design, maintenance, cost

We will also:

Show drawings, models or digital simulations

Explain what your day-to-day life looks like with each choice

Step 4 – Making a Shared Decision

Finally, we decide together what makes the most sense for you – not for someone else, not for an Instagram photo.

For example:

A younger, healthy patient who wants a super-natural, fixed result might choose a full-arch zirconia bridge on 4–6 implants.

An older patient with bone loss and many health issues might choose a 2–4 implant overdenture in the lower jaw to finally stabilise a loose denture.

Both can be excellent, life-changing treatments – just different.

6. Everyday Life with Fixed Teeth vs Overdentures

To help you imagine the difference, think about your daily routine.

With Fixed Implant Bridges

You wake up: your teeth are already in your mouth.

You brush them like natural teeth (with some extra tools).

You eat all day with confidence.

You do not remove them before bed.

You see your dentist periodically for professional cleaning and check-ups.

Emotionally, fixed implant bridges often feel like:

“I have real teeth again.”

With Implant Overdentures

You wake up: you can place your overdenture easily.

It clicks into place and stays there securely during the day.

You enjoy much better chewing than with a normal denture.

At night, or at least once a day, you remove it:

You clean the denture

You clean your gums and implants

In the morning, you clip it back in – secure and ready to go.

Emotionally, overdentures often feel like:

“Finally, my denture does not move. I can eat and talk without fear.”

7. So… Will Your Teeth Be Fixed?

The final answer depends on the treatment we choose together.

If you tell Dr Ali Direnç Ulaşan and the Milim Dental Bursa team,

“I want fixed teeth, please,”

and if your bone, health and budget allow,

we will plan a fixed implant solution – so yes, your teeth will be fixed.

If you prefer a more conservative surgery, easier hygiene, or a lower cost,

we might plan an implant overdenture.

In that case, no, your teeth will not be fully fixed, but they will be much more stable than a traditional denture.

Either way, implants are a huge upgrade compared to living with loose, painful or missing teeth.

8. When Should You Contact Us?

You should consider contacting Milim Dental in Bursa if:

You have missing teeth and are tired of removable dentures

You want to know whether fixed bridges are possible in your case

You have heard of overdentures but don’t know if they’re right for you

You live abroad and are considering dental implants in Turkey

You simply want an honest opinion from an oral & maxillofacial surgeon

At Milim Dental, our approach is:

Honest, realistic explanations

Digital planning for safety and precision

Solutions that respect your health, expectations and long-term comfort

If the question in your mind is still:

“If I get implants, will my teeth finally be fixed?”

then the best next step is a proper consultation – with X-rays, 3D scans and a clear conversation – so we can tell you exactly what is possible for you, and whether your future smile will be fixed, semi-fixed, or a combination designed just for you.