*Actual NUVIA patient(s) who may have been compensated for sharing their story. Not all those who come in for a consultation are eligible for this treatment. Results may vary in individual cases.
If you would’ve told me a few years ago that I’d fly to another state, have major dental surgery, and come home with a permanent smile I got in 24 hours –– and that it would be one of the best decisions of my life — I probably would’ve laughed. Or cried. Maybe both.
Because back then I was stuck. Mentally, physically, emotionally — stuck in the pain and limitations of dentures. And like a lot of people in my shoes, I had questions, doubts, and fears. One of the biggest? That something like “permanent teeth in 24 hours” had to be too good to be true.
Turns out, it wasn’t.
But before I get to that part, let me take you back.
Dentures: The “Cheap” Option That Cost Me Everything Else
When I first got my dentures, I was told it was the “next best thing.” I thought I’d be relieved. Maybe even excited, I was ready to embrace them. But what started as hope quickly turned into the worst experience of my life.
I still have them in a drawer — not as a souvenir, but as a reminder. A big, bulky, painful reminder. Imagine trying to live with a thick chunk of hard plastic shoved into the roof of your mouth every single day. You can’t taste food. You struggle to talk. You smile less. You eat less. Eventually… I even felt less.
I dropped down to 133 pounds when I’m usually 175. People thought I was sick, and I felt sick — emotionally and mentally. I was on medication just to get through the day. They weren’t just a teeth replacement, they took everything from me.
But here’s the thing: those dentures were free. I was on Medicaid, and they didn’t cost me a dime. But they cost me my confidence, my health, my joy. So don’t let anyone tell you dentures are “cheaper.” You end up paying in different ways.
The Turning Point: Realizing I Deserved More
I knew I needed a way out. I knew about dental implants, but I had a lot of questions and after talking with my local dentist it sounded pretty complicated. On top of that, everywhere I looked, it seemed like the same story: get implants placed, then wear “temporaries” for months while you wait for your permanent teeth.
That didn’t sit right with me.
I didn’t want to go through more surgeries, more fittings, more plastic, and more waiting. I was ready for a one and done solution.
That’s when I found Nuvia.
24 Hours: Too Fast, or Finally Fast Enough?
What made me look twice at Nuvia was simple: they didn’t give you temporary teeth. You walk in, have surgery, and 24 hours later — you walk out with your permanent, custom-made zirconia smile.
Not just any smile. One that’s yours. I looked at before-and-after photos on their site and noticed something different — every patient looked unique. Not one-size-fits-all teeth. Not bulky. Not fake.
Still, I had questions. I called around. Other places said “24 hours” too, but when I asked the details, they changed the story. “Well, you’ll come in for surgery, then wait weeks… unless you need a sinus lift… oh, and bone grafts are extra.”
Nuvia was upfront. Everything was included. Even if I needed extra work, it was part of the package. That honesty meant a lot.
So I booked the appointment — and flew from California to Utah.
(Side note: at the time, Utah was the closest Nuvia to me, there are now 3 centers and counting in California).
Surgery Day: The Moment Everything Changed
It still blows my mind how smooth everything went.
Day one I had a consultation and got some scans done. I could have done my smile design that day too but I chose to do that day 2.
After picking out the shape and color of my new smile, I went in the next day for the surgery.
I slept comfortably through the procedure and woke up to a team of people making sure everything looked good and would be ready for the next day.
I came back and 24 hours from the time of my procedure, my permanent teeth went in. Just like that.
Other than the birth of my son, it was probably the most emotional moment of my life. I looked in the mirror and saw myself again. A version I hadn’t seen in years. I went home, and while some people couldn’t quite put their finger on it, just noticing that something had changed, others kept telling me how good my new smile looked.
The Truth About Pain, Cost, and Regret
Pain is a big fear for a lot of people, but honestly? Getting dentures was way more painful. With Nuvia, I didn’t feel a thing during the procedure and only had minimal discomfort after surgery. I was eating real food again within days. And although everybody’s experience with pain will be different, I know my story is not unique.
Like I said, dentures were way worse. I had nerve pain, pressure from them fitting poorly, and sharp edges digging into my gums. My experience getting dental implants couldn’t have been more different.
And the cost?
Yes, dental implants are an investment. But the way I see it, I was already paying a higher cost with dentures — in doctor visits, depression, lost confidence, and food I couldn’t enjoy. When I got my new permanent smile, I made a few lifestyle changes, paid off my car, picked up a side gig, and Nuvia’s financing team worked with me. I got a plan that worked for what I wanted.
I haven’t paid a dime since. No hidden fees. No surprises.
For more information on cost, you can get the dental implant cost guide here.
So… Is 24 Hours Too Fast?
It’s the wrong question.
The real question is: Why should it take any longer than 24 hours to get permanent teeth?
Why drag it out with temporary teeth, more surgeries, and more appointments when you could be done — really done — in a day?
Nuvia isn’t fast because they cut corners. They’re fast because they’ve built the right process. They’ve got the in-house lab, the right experts, and a driven team.
It’s been almost two years now. I smile all the time. I eat what I want. I have confidence in my teeth.
I don’t worry about my teeth falling out when I’m talking to clients. I don’t hide my smile in photos. And I don’t avoid mirrors anymore. Because the truth is, when you feel good on the inside, it shows on the outside — and people notice.
If You’re Wondering Where to Start…
Start by getting information, download the cost guide, and watch other patient stories. You don’t have to make a decision today. But you do have to start looking if you ever want to get unstuck.
In fact, you can see if you may even be a candidate by taking the 60-second quiz below.
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