Snap-in dentures are more stable and flexible than conventional dentures, as they are held in place by dental implants or screws into the jawbone.
If you are missing all of your teeth due to dental disease or injury, you may want to consider dentures as a form of replacement teeth.
Snap-in dentures are fitted with screws anchored to your jawbone. A prosthodontist, a doctor who specializes in fitting dentures, will usually install approx 2 to 6 implants in each jaw. They may use more depending on your need and budget.
Once the implants are in your jaw, an implant-retained or supported denture (sometimes referred to as a denture) can be placed.
Depending on how the denture and implants are created, the denture itself may be permanently fixed in place or removed for cleaning.
There are many advantages associated with snap-in dentures compared to conventional dentures. Let’s take a look at some of them and how they can help you make the right decision for your situation.
- Stability: Snap-in dentures are more steady than conventional dentures, which are made to be removed daily. They are less likely to relax while speaking.
- Chew: Snap-in dentures
improve chewing ability. People can eat harder and stickier foods. - Suitable: Snap-in dentures tend to match better and more comfortable than conventional dentures. Wearing snap-in dentures also reduces friction on the gums.
- Appearance: Many people find that snap-in dentures are more natural-looking than conventional dentures.
- Bone loss: Snap-in dentures
can I help preserving the jawbone, preventing further bone loss.
Although there are many advantages associated with snap-in dentures, they also have some disadvantages. Let’s take a look at what you should consider as you make a decision about your teeth.
- Surgery: Snap-in dentures require implant surgery. Although the complication rate is
relatively low the procedure requires a minimal local anesthetic in an outpatient setting. - Cost: Snap-in dentures can be a more expensive alternative to conventional dentures and may not be covered by your insurance.
- Vaccine: Depending on the level of decay in your teeth or gums, you may need a bone graft to support the implants necessary for snap-in dentures. This can come with a prolonged healing period.
- Permanent damage: Snap-in dentures eventually break down. Also, attachments can be made Loose over time and need tightening.
Private insurance may or may not cover snap-in dentures, which can be a deciding factor if you’re on a budget. In most cases, Medicare does not cover dentures either.
Your dentist can give you a specific quote before you choose this option, but they tend to cost anywhere $5,000 to $10,000.
This price may vary depending on the number of implants you need and your specific circumstances.
No matter what type of denture you choose, maintenance is key to ensuring you get the most out of your investment over time.
If your dentures are not screwed into place, it is important to brush your gums, tongue and the roof of your mouth every day with a soft-bristled brush before wearing them. Also rinse your dentures before brushing to remove any loose food and debris.
A soft-bristled toothbrush can be used with a non-abrasive cleanser to remove particles from the surface of the denture.
When you are not wearing your dentures, they should be placed in water in a safe area until they are used again.
While some snap-on dentures are fixed in place and cannot be removed, others are removable. Your final choice will depend on factors ranging from your specific needs to your budget.
Let’s take a look at some of the basics various between fixed implant-supported dentures and removable dentures.
- Movement: Removable dentures or implant-supported dentures are specifically designed to be removable. The user often takes them off at night for cleaning. Fixed dentures are more permanent, usually have a different cleaning process and can only be removed by a dentist.
- Attachment: Removable implant dentures are more prone to slipping out of place in the mouth compared to fixed dentures, which are more securely attached to the implants.
- Cost: Fixed dentures usually cost more because more implants or an additional attachment bar may be needed to secure the denture in place.
The procedure Getting snap-in dentures can be lengthy, including the time it takes for them to heal completely.
Implants are first placed in the jaw. At this point, it can take 2 to 6 months for the implants and bone to bond, creating a strong enough anchor for the snap-in dentures.
Depending on the system, a second surgery may be needed to expose the implants and place extensions. It is at this point that these temporary treatment caps create the full base for the artificial teeth. This step can be skipped if the implant system already has extensions attached.
Once the implants are placed, a bonding device may be tightened to hold the dentures in place. Finally, complete dentures will be created and attached to the attachment device.
Keep in mind that each procedure varies depending on the particular needs of the person getting the dentures.
Those who are missing the majority of their teeth due to injury, cavities, or periodontal disease may want to consider snap-on dentures.
This may also be a better option for people who do not want to deal with the disadvantages of conventional dentures.
Research shows that if you have two or four implant dentures, they can survive 5-10 years old before replacement is needed.
Other research shows that implant dentures can even have a 20-year implant survival rate
Unlike conventional dentures, snap-in dentures are a more permanent solution that can help you eat, speak and smile with confidence again.
Between the placement of the implants and the growth of your artificial teeth, it can take months or years until your dentures are in place. It can also cost thousands of dollars, depending on your insurance coverage.
That being said, snap-on dentures have many advantages, including improved comfort and stability while eating.
Weighing the pros and cons can help you make the right decision for your oral health.
