Snap In Dentures

If injury or gum disease has caused you to lose all of your natural teeth, you may want to consider snap-in dentures. Snap-in dentures are a stable and comfortable alternative to traditional removable dentures, which can slip out of place and cause uncomfortable rubbing on the mouth’s soft tissues. Snap-in dentures are supported by dental implants, which are small screw-like cylinders that are surgically placed into the jawbone. Usually, snap-in dentures can be supported by two or four implants in each jaw, though in some cases, more implants are needed to provide sufficient support. The procedure for receiving snap-in dentures takes a fair amount of time, as the healing period is an integral part of the success of any dental implant.

Any implant procedure will begin with an initial consultation, in which the implant dentist will review the patient’s medical history and discuss their treatment plan. While each person’s individual situation may vary, dental implant treatment typically starts with implant placement. In most cases, this is a minor surgical procedure, performed while the patient is anesthetized with a local anesthesia. The implant dentist will lift away the gum tissue and make a small incision in the gum, placing the implant into the bone in a strategic location. Following the implant surgery, the implant site is given a few months to heal — usually anywhere from two to six months. As the bone heals around the implant, it fuses to the implant, in a process called osseointegration; this process creates a base that is strong enough to support a snap-in denture and the various forces the teeth normally endure. Depending on the type of implant that is being used, a second surgery may be performed after healing is complete. In this procedure, the gums are once again lifted away from the bone, exposing the implants, and attachment abutments are affixed to the implants; with some types of implants, the attachment abutments are built on to the implant itself and do not need to be attached separately. Finally, the snap-in dentures are crafted and attached to the abutments.

Snap-in dentures can be an appropriate dental restoration option for patients who are missing all or most of their teeth. They are especially suited for people who don’t want to deal with the many inconveniences of removable dentures, as they eliminate the problems associated with removable dentures and allow their wearers to smile, eat, and speak with confidence. Snap-in dentures don’t slip or loosen when their wearer is speaking, and they also improve their wearer’s ability to chew and enjoy a variety of foods — even some foods that are hard or sticky. Snap-in dentures fit better than removable dentures and are considerably more comfortable, as they don’t cause any friction or irritation to the gums. Snap-in dentures are also more natural-looking than traditional removable dentures. The final benefit of snap-in dentures is the benefit that comes from dental implants: the bone in the jaw is stimulated by the dental implant, encouraging the growth of healthy bone and preventing future bone loss. This helps to maintain the shape and appearance of the craniofacial region while also supporting the health of the oral cavity.

While snap-in dentures confer many benefits, they are not without their drawbacks. For some people, the idea of surgery is daunting, and, while the complication rate for implant surgery is low, any surgical procedure comes with some risk. The implant surgical procedure is an outpatient procedure performed with a local anesthetic, however, which reduces much of the risk commonly associated with surgery. Snap-in dentures are also usually more expensive than conventional dentures, and they may not be covered by your insurance, so be sure to discuss cost with your dentist and review your insurance benefits before beginning any procedure. If patients have advanced periodontal disease and have lost a significant amount of bone, they may need to undergo bone graft surgery before implants can be placed. This procedure requires a lengthy healing time that may be inconvenient for some people, but it is instrumental to the success of the dental implants and is therefore an integral part of the overall treatment. Finally, the implant attachments will loosen over time and require periodic maintenance, and the snap-in denture itself will eventually need to be replaced — though, with the proper care, the implants themselves can be expected to last a lifetime.

Whichever type of dental restoration you choose, care and maintenance is a vital part of ensuring their longevity. If you have snap-in dentures that are removable, be sure to brush the soft tissues inside the mouth every day before snapping the dentures into place, and rinse the dentures before inserting them to make sure they’re free of debris; then, once they are in place, you can brush your snap-in dentures with a soft toothbrush and nonabrasive cleaner to remove any particles or debris from the surfaces of the teeth. If your snap-in dentures are removable, you should also store your snap-in dentures in water when you’re not wearing them, to keep them hydrated and protected. For permanent snap-in dentures, care for them as you would care for your natural teeth, brushing twice daily and cleaning around the teeth and below the gumline daily.

Some types of snap-in dentures are permanently attached and can only be removed by a dentist, while others are removable. Permanently attached dentures are more securely attached than removable snap-in dentures, though all implant-supported dentures are more stable and secure than conventional removable dentures. Permanently attached dentures tend to cost more than removable snap-in dentures, as they often need more implants to support them and may also require additional attachments to secure the dentures. Your implant dentist will review the overall procedure with you and help you determine which kind of implant-supported denture is appropriate for your clinical needs and your budget. You can learn more about the specific cost for your treatment at that time, but in general, a snap-in denture that is supported by two implants will usually cost about $6,000 on average. This price will increase if more implants are needed, and it is also affected by your specific clinical needs and circumstances. Talk to your insurance provider to determine whether any portion of the procedure will be covered by insurance, and, if the cost poses a challenge, ask your dentist if they offer any financing options to help you invest in your healthy smile.