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.
Unlike conventional dentures, which may slip out of place, snap-on dentures are more stable and flexible.
Dental implants or screws placed into your jawbone hold your dentures in place. Typically, two to four implants are used in each jaw, although depending on your need and budget, you may have up to 10 placed.
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 may be 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.
- Snap-in dentures are more steady than conventional dentures, which are made to be removed daily. They are less likely to relax while speaking.
- Snap-in dentures are getting better
chewing ability . People can eat harder and stickier foods. - Compared to conventional dentures, snap-in dentures tend to fit better and are more comfortable. There is less friction on the gums as a result of using snap-on dentures.
- Many people find that snap-in dentures are more natural looking than conventional dentures.
- The the jaw bone is preserved and further bone loss is prevented with snap-in dentures.
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.
- Snap-in dentures require implant surgery. Although the complication rate is
relatively low it is still a procedure that requires at least local anesthesia on an outpatient basis. - Snap-in dentures can be a more expensive alternative to conventional dentures and may not be covered by your insurance.
- 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.
- Snap-in dentures eventually break down. Also, attachments can be made Loose over time and need tightening.
Your insurance may or may not cover snap-in dentures, which can be a deciding factor if you’re on a budget.
Your dentist can give you a specific quote before choosing this option, but for two implants, you can wait spend an average of $6,000 for the procedure and dentures. This price may be higher 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 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.
- Removable dentures or implant-supported dentures are specifically designed to be removable. They are often taken out every night by the user for cleaning. Fixed dentures are more permanent, usually have a different cleaning process and can only be removed by a dentist.
- 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.
- 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.
First, the implants are placed in the jaw. At this point, it may take 2 to 6 months to allow the implants and bone to bond together, forming 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 in place, a bonding device may be tightened over them 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.
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.
