Snap-In Dentures

What are Snap-In Dentures?

If you are missing all of your natural teeth due to a dental condition or injury, you may want to choose snap-in dentures as a form of replacement teeth for a new smile. Traditional dentures can sometimes slip out of place. But snap-in dentures, also known as implant-retained dentures, are more stable and versatile.

Dental implants or screws set within your jawbone hold snap-in dentures firmly in place.

Regardless of what kind of dentures you choose, proper maintenance and oral health care are essential in ensuring you get the most out of your investment. 

If your snap-in dentures have not been screwed into place yet, it is crucial to brush the gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth with a soft-bristled brush daily before wearing them.

You should also rinse your dentures well before brushing to remove any loose food and debris. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with a gentle cleanser to remove particles from the surface of the snap-in dentures. 

When you are not wearing your snap-in dentures, they should be set in water in a safe area until the next wear.

How Do Snap-In Dentures Work?

Usually, two to four implants are used in each jaw. However, depending on your requirements and budget, up to ten can be inserted. 

The process for receiving snap-in dentures can be lengthy, including the time it takes to heal from the procedure completely. To start, implants are surgically placed into the jaw. At this point, two to six months may be required to enable the implants and the bone to bond together to form a strong anchor for the snap-in dentures. This process is called osseointegration and is necessary for implants and snap-in dentures to be successful.

Depending on the patient, a second surgery may be required to uncover the implants and attach extensions. It is at this point that the healing caps produce the full foundation for the artificial teeth. However, this step may be skipped if the implant system already has extensions attached.

Once the implants have been fitted, the dentures may be held in place with a connecting device. Finally, full dentures are produced and attached to the connecting device. Be aware that each procedure is different and varies depending on the unique needs of the patient.

Traditional Dentures vs. Snap-In Dentures

Snap-in dentures have many advantages over traditional dentures. However, they are not always the best treatment option for patients.

Snap-in dentures use dental implants that are surgically inserted into the jaw bone. That means snap-in denture candidates must have little or no deterioration of the jawbone tissue.

Additionally, snap-in dentures are more expensive than traditional dentures. However, many patients are willing to spend more on dentures that fit more smoothly and offer a more secure fit.

Who are Snap-In Dentures For?

Snap-in dentures are suitable for people with missing teeth due to injury, dental cavities, congenitally missing teeth, or periodontal disease. 

For patients who enjoy the security of knowing their dentures will not suddenly slip while they are talking or eating, snap-in dentures may be an excellent option. Speak to your dentist if you think snap-in dentures may be suitable for you.

How Long Do Snap-In Dentures Last?

Patients who wear snap-in dentures should visit their dentists regularly for checkups on their replacement teeth. Dentures become worn and torn over time. Plus, the jawbone and the mouth change shape with time.

These factors mean the snap-in dentures can eventually loosen and become ill-fitting and uncomfortable.

Typically, dentures last between five and ten years. 

Can You Sleep With Snap-In Dentures?

Yes, you can sleep while wearing snap-in dentures. However, you should remove them before sleeping for the night to avoid complications like infection.

If you sleep while wearing snap-in dentures one night a week, no harm should occur. However, you must clean the implant posts nightly and brush your dentures regularly.

If you sleep while wearing dentures all the time, then you are more likely to develop infections like candidiasis. Candidiasis is a fungal infection that can plague your mouth. It is challenging to get rid of.

If you want to avoid these types of infections, do not sleep nightly with dentures in your mouth.

Pros and Cons of Snap-In Dentures

There are both pros and cons of snap-in dentures when compared with traditional dentures.

Pros

Snap-in dentures are more stable and robust than regular dentures, which are designed to be removed daily. Because of this, they are less likely to loosen while speaking. As well as this, snap-in dentures offer better chewing ability than traditional dentures. Wearers can eat harder and stickier foods.

Compared with traditional dentures, snap-in dentures typically fit better and are more comfortable. They offer less friction on the gums. Snap-in dentures also help to preserve the jaw, and further bone loss is prevented with wear.

Additionally, many people consider snap-in dentures more aesthetically pleasing as they are more natural-looking than traditional dentures.

Cons

Snap-in dentures are not as convenient as traditional removable dentures as they require implant surgery. Although the complication rate is low, implant surgery is still a procedure that requires local anesthetic in an outpatient setting, at a minimum.

As well as this, snap-in dentures can be a more expensive alternative to conventional dentures. They may not be covered by your health insurance, either. Typically, traditional dentures are more cost-effective.

Depending on your tooth or gum decay severity, you may need a bone graft or sinus augmentation to support the denture implants. This may require an extended healing period.

It is also essential to know that snap-in dentures eventually break down. The attachments may also become loose and require tightening.

How Much are Snap-In Dentures?

Your health insurance may or not cover snap-in dentures, which may be a deciding factor if you are on a budget. Your dentist can provide you with a specific quote before you choose snap-in dentures.

However, you can expect to pay on average $6,000 on the procedure and dentures for two implants. This price may rise depending on the number of implants you require and your specific circumstances.