Snap-In Dentures
Patients missing all their teeth because of an injury or dental condition, may find snap-in dentures a suitable option for restoring the look and functionality of their smiles. Whereas traditional dentures rest on the patient’s gums and are prone to slipping out of alignment, snap-in dentures are more secure and stable because they are mounted onto surgically implanted posts placed in the jawbone. Two to four implants are typically used per jaw but based on the patient’s needs and budget, as many as 10 implants may be inserted.
After the implants have been placed in the jaw, an implant-supported denture (also known as an overdenture) or implant-retained denture can be placed. Depending on the design of the implant and overdenture, the overdenture may be removed for cleaning or permanently fixed in place.
Benefits of Snap-In Dentures
When juxtaposed with conventional dentures, snap-in dentures offer several benefits that could help patients decide if they are right for their situation.
- Unlike conventional dentures that are designed to be removed daily, snap-in dentures are much more stable and not as likely to slip out of place while speaking or eating since they are attached to implants imbedded in the jawbone.
- Chewing ability is improved with snap-in dentures allowing patients to enjoy stickier and harder foods they enjoy.
- Compared to traditional dentures that rest on the patient’s gums, snap-in dentures offer a superior fit and comfort level since there is minimal friction on the gums.
- Snap-in dentures look more natural than traditional dentures which can be important for those with aesthetic concerns.
- Snap-in dentures prevent additional bone loss and help preserve the jawbone.
Snap-In Denture Drawbacks
While snap-in dentures offer several benefits, they do have drawbacks. Patients should consider the following when determining if snap-in dentures are the best course of action for their missing teeth:
- Implant surgery is required for snap-in dentures. While the risk of complications or side effects is low, it is a surgery that will at a minimum, require local anesthesia.
- When compared to conventional dentures, snap-in dentures can be more expensive and may not be covered with dental insurance plans.
- Based on the extent of gum or tooth decay, a bone graft could be necessary to support the implants required for snap-in dentures.
- This will not only require additional healing time but will also influence cost to the patient.
- Snap-in dentures are not as strong as natural teeth and as such, will break down eventually. Additionally, the attachments could loosen and require tightening over time.
Snap-In Denture Cost
Like any medical procedure, cost can be an influential factor for patients on a budget that are considering restoration options for their missing teeth. After an examination to determine the scope of work needed, the dentist can provide a custom quote. In general, patients should expect to pay about $6,000 for the procedure to place two implants and mount the snap-in dentures though this price could be higher if more implants or additional procedures are needed.
Patients should also verify their dental insurance plan prior to undergoing treatment to determine what their out-of-pocket responsibility will be. If not excluded entirely, many dental insurance carriers only partially cover the cost of snap-in dentures leaving the patient responsible for footing the entire bill.
Caring for Snap-In Dentures
Just as it is with any type of denture, maintenance is critical to ensuring patients get the maximum longevity out of their snap-in dentures. When not being worn, snap-in dentures should be placed in water and stored in a safe area until next use.
For snap-in dentures that are not screwed in place, brushing the tongue, roof of the mouth, and gums daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush before wearing them is important. Nonabrasive cleaners can be used along with the soft-bristled toothbrush to remove particles from the snap-in denture surface. The dentures should also be rinsed before brushing to remove any debris or loose food.
Removable Snap-In Dentures vs. Fixed Dentures
Certain snap-in dentures are removable while others are permanently attached in place. Which option is chosen will vary based on the patient’s specific needs and budget. Some of the main differences between removable dentures and fixed implant-supported dentures are:
- Specifically designed to be removable, removable or implant-supported dentures can be taken out at night and cleaned. Fixed dentures have different cleaning processes and because they are permanent, only a dentist can remove them.
- Fixed dentures are securely mounted to implants and as such, are not going to slip out of place the way removable implant dentures do.
- Because more implants are needed or an additional attachment bar required to secure them in place, fixed dentures are typically more expensive than removable dentures.
Snap-In Denture Procedure
From start to finish, the process for obtaining snap-in dentures can be lengthy since it requires multiple visits to the dentist and requires time to adequately heal.
The process begins by surgically placing the implants into the patient’s jaw. After surgery, two to six months may be needed to properly heal. During this time, a process known as osseointegration occurs where the implant and jawbone fuse together to create a strong foundation upon which the snap-in denture is mounted.
Based on the type of implant used, an additional surgery could be required to expose the implants and mount extensions. At this point, the foundation for the prosthetic teeth is fully created by the temporary healing caps.
After the implants are placed in the jaw, a connecting device could be secured onto the dentures to hold them in place. Finally, the full dentures are created and secured on the connecting device.
Snap-In Dentures: Who is a Candidate?
People that are missing most of their teeth because of trauma, periodontal disease, or tooth decay/cavities, may find snap-in dentures an attractive restoration solution. Snap-in dentures can be preferable for those who do not want to deal with the drawbacks associated with traditional dentures.
Age is not prohibitive as people of all ages can get dental implants. Underlying health conditions, such as insufficient jawbone density, could disqualify a person or require them to undergo additional procedures, like a bone graft, prior to implant surgery.