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Many people who’ve lost teeth want a secure, natural, and comfortable solution for missing teeth. Fortunately, snap-in dentures (implant-supported dentures) offer a convenient alternative to traditional dentures.
Let’s discuss how they work, why they’re different, how much they cost, and what to expect from these dentures.
What Makes Snap-In Dentures Different?
Snap-in or snap-on dentures are a type of overdenture held in place by a set of dental implants. These implants are titanium screws that are surgically placed in your jawbone, holding the dentures in place.
Rather than relying on adhesives or suction, snap-in dentures are attached to dental implants surgically placed in your jawbone. This system offers a stable, secure fit, making it easier to eat and speak without the worry of slipping or clicking.
Snap-in dentures are suitable for people with missing teeth due to:
However, they may not be good for people with uncontrolled diabetes or those with a history of radiation in the jaw. Talk to your dentist to see if they think you’re a good fit for snap-in dentures.
Snap-in dentures rely on a male-female attachment system. The titanium posts are placed into the jawbone, where they’re fused securely.
The “male” abutment is a small connector located above the implant. Meanwhile, a specially designed “female” socket or clip snaps onto the male abutment.
Different colored inserts can be used to adjust how tightly your denture fits. This customization allows you and your dentist to find a secure but comfortable tension level.
Usually, two to four dental implants are used in each jaw. However, up to six or eight implants can be inserted, depending on your requirements and budget.
Implants are surgically placed into the jaw. It may take 2 to 6 months for the implant and the bone to connect (osseointegration), which is required for the snap-in dentures to work successfully.
Depending on the person, a second surgery may be required to uncover the implants and attach the extensions. These provide the foundation for artificial teeth.
However, this step may be skipped if the implant system already has extensions (healing caps) attached. After that, several appointments may be required to make full dentures that attach to the implants.
Once the dentures have been attached, your dentist will give you instructions on removing, reattaching, and caring for them. Keep in mind that these instructions may differ from person to person.
The procedure can be invasive, but you’ll be given local anesthesia or sedation to minimize discomfort. However, you may still feel some pressure.
After the procedure, you may experience swelling, soreness, or bruising for a few days. A cold compress can relieve these symptoms.
It’s rare to experience severe pain, but if you do, contact your dentist immediately. Make sure to visit your dentist regularly; they’ll help monitor your healing and ensure everything is aligned correctly.
You can expect the healing process to take about 3 to 10 months. This mainly depends on how quickly you heal and whether you need extra procedures like bone grafting.
The exact price will vary depending on the number of implants you require and your specific circumstances. With that in mind, you may have to pay between $1,500 and $35,000.
Dental implants are sometimes considered a cosmetic (not medically necessary) procedure. This means your health insurance may not cover all the costs of snap-in dentures. This 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 several thousand dollars for the implants and dentures if your insurance doesn’t offer coverage.
The main appeal of snap-in dentures is that they stay firmly in place whether you’re laughing, talking, or chewing. Studies suggest that these dentures can also restore chewing efficiency, allowing you to eat crunchy or chewy foods again.
Traditional dentures can irritate your gums due to the uneven pressure on your mouth. However, snap-in dentures distribute the pressure evenly, preventing sore spots.
Lastly, the implants stimulate your jawbone. This helps slow or prevent bone loss due to missing teeth.
For more information, let’s analyze the pros and cons of snap-in dentures when compared with traditional dentures:
| Pros | Cons |
| More stable and robust than regular dentures (less likely to loosen while speaking and chewing) | Can be uncomfortable initially |
| Typically fit better and are more comfortable | Can be less natural-looking and esthetically pleasing than traditional dentures due to less lip and cheek support |
| Less bulky due to implant support | Not as convenient or quick as traditional removable dentures as they require implant surgery |
| Better at preserving the jawbone (bone loss less likely) | You may need a bone graft or sinus augmentation to support the implants, requiring additional healing time |
| People who wear snap-in dentures can eat harder and stickier foods than those with traditional complete dentures | Can be more expensive than conventional dentures (and may not be covered by insurance) |
| They can eventually break down or wear out, requiring replacement. | |
| The attachments may become loose and require tightening |
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 jawbone. That means snap-in denture candidates must have little or no jawbone deterioration.
If you’ve suffered significant bone loss in your jaw, implant placement may not be possible without a bone graft. Traditional dentures may still be an option, as they don’t require implants.
Additionally, snap-in dentures are more expensive than traditional dentures. However, many patients are willing to spend more on dentures that fit better and offer a more secure fit.
Snap-in denture bases typically last 5 to 7 years; the implants themselves can last for decades with proper care. You should also visit your dentist regularly for checkups or adjustments.
Over time, dentures can wear down, and the mouth and jawbone can gradually change shape. These factors may cause snap-in dentures to loosen and become ill-fitting and uncomfortable.
The plastic insert or rings in your dentures may need to be replaced every 6 to 12 months.
Dentures should be removed daily for cleaning. Here are some tips to ensure a proper clean:
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