Snap In Dentures
What are snap-in dentures?
If you are someone who has lost most or all their teeth and have had to replace them with dentures, you are already familiar with the ceramic tooth replacements that rely on suction and adhesive to stay in place in your mouth. Traditional dentures like these are unable to remain securely in place while talking and eating but dental implant advancements have been able to change that experience. Snap-in dentures offer the convenience of multiple tooth replacement of traditional dentures and the security of staying in place of dental implants.
The dentist will place rods into your gums that fuse with your jawbone. The screws or clips on top of the rod connect to the dentures to keep the dentures stable and fully functional. Depending on your jaw and the size of your dentures, the dentist will need to place two to four implants on average. Some people will need up to ten implants to keep the dentures in place.
After the implants have healed in place in your jaw, the dentures can be secured to them either as implant-retained or implant-supported and can be referred to as overdentures. Depending on the best option for your mouth, your implants, and your dentures, the overdenture can be secured in place permanently or they can be removable for cleaning.
Pros of Snap-In Dentures
When comparing snap-in dentures to traditional dentures, the benefits are very easy to note quickly. There are some things to consider when reviewing your options for replacement teeth:
- The stability of snap-in dentures when speaking is superior to the removable dentures. As you continue your conversations, the suction that holds the dentures in place starts to loosen and the dentures will start to slide around in your mouth.
- The stability of snap-in dentures when eating is even better than the security when talking. Traditional dentures require changes in diet and eliminating harder and stickier foods.
- The comfort of snap-in dentures is better than traditional dentures because the dentures do not slide around as much creating friction and sores. The dentures themselves can be smaller in size when dental implants hold them in place.
- Most people believe that snap-in dentures look more natural than traditional dentures; more of your natural gums are visible.
- With the stimulation from the dental implants, your jawbone will stay stronger for a longer time as compared to conventional dentures.
Cons of Snap-In Dentures
Snap-in dentures are not without drawbacks, so here are some things to review before you make a decision:
- You need to be healthy enough for surgery to have snap-in dentures. Most people do not have complications from the surgery, but it is a procedure that requires anesthesia of some kind to complete.
- As compared to conventional dentures, snap-in dentures are more expensive. Depending on your dental insurance policy, you may have to cover the cost out of pocket.
- In order to have enough gum and/or bone tissue to support the dental implants, you may need grafting procedures before the dental implant surgery. These additional procedures will extend your healing time from the start of the process to the end.
- Like traditional dentures, the snap-in dentures may wear down and need to be replaced. The attachments on top of the dental implant may loosen or need repair over time as well.
Snap-In Denture Cost
Not all dental insurance policies cover snap-in dentures, so you may need to talk to the dentist about the cost for the dentures as well as any additional procedures you may need to prepare your mouth for the dentures. On average, two implants, the implant procedure and the dentures will cost about $6,000. Depending on your specific needs, your cost may be higher and may not work with your budget.
Snap-In Denture Care
No matter if you choose traditional dentures or snap-in dentures, you should plan on maintaining them in order to maximize your investment. If your snap-in dentures are not permanently secured in place, it is important to take the time to brush your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth before and after wearing them. The dentures themselves will need to be rinsed to remove any food particles. A soft bristled tooth brush is the best tool to gently clean the surface of your dentures and your mouth. When you take your dentures out, be sure to have a safe place to store them until you are ready to wear them again.
Fixed Dentures Or Removable Snap-In Dentures
When you and the dentist have determined that you are going forward with snap-in dentures, you will need to decide whether your dentures will be permanently fixed in place or your dentures will be removable. The dentist may recommend one over another based on your specific case. The major differences between the two are:
- Implant-supported dentures are designed to be removed every night for cleaning. Implant-retained dentures are usually only removed by the dentist for cleaning purposes.
- Removable snap-in dentures are more likely to become loose or to slip out of place as compared to fixed dentures.
- Fixed dentures tend to cost more, require more dental implants, and may even need an attachment bar to ensure the denture is secured in place.
Procedure for Snap-In Dentures
From start to finish, the entire snap-in denture process can be a long one to ensure your mouth is healing properly through the process. To start, the dentist will place the implants into your jawbone and depending on your body, it can take two to six months for the implants to fuse with the jawbone. Once the implants have healed and formed a strong anchor for the dentures, the dentist may need to perform a second procedure to place attachments on top of the implants. When the dentist completes this step, the dentist can place temporary caps to help the mouth heal. If your implants already have attachments on the top, the dentist will not need to complete this step. Your dentures may require a connection to be placed in order to keep the dentures secure. The full dentures will be created and then set in place in your mouth.