Snap In Dentures
What are snap-in dentures?
When you are missing all of your teeth and need to look into replacements, dentures are the traditional solution to restore multiple teeth. No matter if you lost your teeth due to an injury or a dental condition, traditional dentures are not the only option. Regular dentures are known to slip out of place, prevent normal eating and talking, and cause gum irritation. Dentists can now offer snap in dentures as an improved version of dentures. The dentist can strategically place two to ten dental implants in each of your jaws to anchor the dentures in place. Everyone’s needs and budgets are different so the dentist will adjust your implants based on your individual mouth. The implants keep the snap in dentures in place and allow them to be better for chewing and talking. The dental implants can either retain or support the dentures allowing them to be permanently secured or removeable. An abutment on top of the implanted post sticks out from your gums to connect to the dentures in a specific and corresponding place to hold the dentures exactly in one spot.
Snap-in dentures procedure
Depending on your individual case, the procedure of getting snap in dentures can be lengthy from beginning to end. Your mouth will need to heal from surgery and that time can vary greatly from person to person.
Once you and the dentist have determined that snap in dentures are the best solution to replace your missing teeth, the dentist will surgically place titanium posts into your gums and jaw. Over the next two to six months, the titanium posts will fuse with the jawbone giving the implants secure placement and strength.
If your case requires it, then the dentist may need to perform a second surgery to uncover the posts and attach an abutment to the top. Other implants may already have extensions and will not need to have temporary healing caps set in place. The abutments are where the dentures will attach to the implants.
The dentist will create and then attach the dentures to the implants offering you the opportunity to enjoy a complete and fully functional smile again. Your specific procedure may vary from the one described because the dentist will need to make adjustments to ensure the best outcome for you.
Who is a candidate for snap-in dentures?
The people who are missing all or most of their teeth and want to replace them with improved dentures. For those who are trying to avoid the drawbacks that come with traditional dentures, snap in dentures can bypass those complications.
Snap-in denture benefits
As compared to regular dentures, snap in dentures come with plenty of benefits. The stability provided by snap in dentures allows for clearer speech. Traditional dentures are more likely to loosen while speaking and are problematic when chewing. Snap in dentures are able to bite down on harder foods, eat stickier foods, and offer overall improved chewing abilities. Patients often feel snap in dentures are more comfortable than traditional dentures. Because of stimulation from the dental implants, the jawbone maintains strength and is less likely to experience bone loss.
Snap-in dentures cons
While the benefits are very attractive, snap in dentures are not without drawbacks. The dental implants require oral surgery and the success rate is very high for implant surgery, but there is the possibility for complications. At minimum, the dentist will need to use local anesthetic to keep you comfortable during the procedure. Because snap in dentures are more expensive than the traditional alternative, your dental insurance policy may not cover the procedure. If your mouth is not in top health, you may need additional procedures to graft bone or gum tissue to support the dental implants. More procedures will require more healing time. Finally, the abutments on the implants where the dentures attach will wear down and need to be replaced or tightened.
Cost of snap-in dentures
Depending on your dental insurance policy, you may be responsible for some of the cost of your snap in dentures. The additional burden on your budget may deter you from pursuing this option. Be sure to talk to the dentist about the estimate for the cost of your snap in dentures; in most cases the average cost is $6,000 for the dentures and the procedures. Take time to talk to the dentist about the possible financing options.
How to care for snap-in dentures
To ensure that your investment in your oral health and your new snap in dentures, you will need to take steps every day at home between professional cleanings. If your snap in dentures have not been screwed into place, you will need to care for your gums, tongue and the roof of your mouth with brushing before you wear your dentures. The dentures will need to have any food particles rinsed before they are brushed clean. The dentures will need a safe place to stay when they are not in your mouth.
Fixed dentures vs. removable snap-in dentures
When you and the dentist are talking about snap in dentures, you may be a better candidate for dentures that are permanently secured in place instead of removable dentures. There is a price difference between the two versions and different maintenance costs. Implant supported dentures are designed to be removed every day. You will take them out at night for cleaning but implant secured dentures will only be able to be removed by the dentist. You will care for them more like you would care for natural teeth. Removable implants are able to slip out of place as compared to fixed dentures due to the more secure attachment to the implants. Fixed dentures usually have a higher cost because they typically need more implants to keep the dentures in place.
Takeaway
Traditional dentures are a great way to replace a mouth of missing teeth, but they are problematic when it comes to eating, talking, and unable to prevent further bone loss. With the addition of dental implants, snap in dentures offer you the opportunity to navigate your days with more confidence.