Snap-in dentures can be a versatile, stable, and attractive way to replace multiple missing teeth. Conventional removable dentures can slip out of place, causing discomfort and interfering with speaking and eating. Snap-in dentures attach to dental implants, which are very small metal screws, usually made of titanium, that are surgically implanted into the bones of the jaw. In many cases, as few as two or four implants can support an entire row of snap-in dentures, though sometimes more implants are needed. After the implants are placed into the jaw, a denture can be fitted to them. A small protrusion pops up from the top of each dental implant, and the denture is snapped onto these protrusions.
Snap-in dentures are considerably more stable than traditional removable dentures, so they are less likely to loosen and adversely affect the wearer’s ability to speak clearly. Snap-in dentures also improve the wearer’s ability to chew a wide variety of foods, allowing the wearer to enjoy a nutritious and tasty array of foods of all types of textures and consistencies. Especially in comparison to removable dentures, snap-in dentures are comfortable and fit precisely, and they don’t create an uncomfortable friction or rubbing on the gums like removable dentures often do. In most cases, snap-in dentures are perceived to be far more natural-looking than removable options, and the implant fixtures that support snap-in dentures provide the added clinical benefit of strengthening the jawbone and helping to ward off bone resorption. After the natural teeth fall out or are removed, the bones of the jaw are gradually resorbed, deteriorating and changing shape. This leads to a sunken appearance in the face. When dental implants are placed in the jaw, resorption is halted; the implants act like tooth roots, stimulating bone growth and stabilizing and strengthening existing bone.
While snap-in dentures can provide many benefits that removable dentures cannot, they aren’t appropriate for everyone, and they do have some drawbacks. Snap-in dentures are affixed to implants that are surgically placed, which means that surgery is an inevitable part of the treatment procedure. There are very few complications associated with dental implant surgery, but any surgical procedure, and any procedure involving some type of anesthesia, carries with it some risk. Snap-in dentures are usually more expensive than conventional, removable dentures, and they are less likely to be covered by some dental insurance plans. In patients with significant levels of tooth decay or particularly advanced gum disease, bone grafts may be necessary to build a foundation that’s stable and strong enough to support implants. This increases the cost of the procedure and also extends the necessary healing time. Snap-in dentures also require periodic maintenance; the abutments that snap the dentures to the implants wear out periodically and must be tightened and replaced, and the dentures themselves will also gradually break down.
The cost of snap-in dentures is based primarily on the number of implants that will need to be placed. Additional surgical procedures, like bone grafts, also add to the overall cost. To place two implants in a healthy jaw, which is the bare minimum for a row of teeth, the average cost is about $6,000. Some snap-in dentures are permanently attached to the implants that support them, while others can be removed; the type you choose will be determined by your clinical needs and your budget. Removable snap-in dentures are designed to be removed by the wearer and are usually taken out at night; they are cleaned outside of the mouth and aren’t worn while sleeping. Fixed dentures can only be removed by a dentist and are cleaned the same way you would clean your natural teeth. Removable snap-in dentures may slip out of place, though they are less likely to slip than conventional removable dentures. Fixed dentures can be expected to stay securely in place. Fixed dentures tend to cost more than removable snap-in dentures, largely due to the increased number of implants and other hardware that may be necessary to secure them.
Proper maintenance can help the wearers of snap-in dentures get the most from their investment. An excellent oral hygiene routine is the best way to maintain oral health in general, and this is no different when it comes to snap-in dentures. Especially if your snap-in dentures are removable, it’s imperative to thoroughly clean the inside of the oral cavity before snapping them in. Brushing the gums, the roof of the mouth, and the tongue with a soft-bristled brush can help remove bacteria and food debris from the mouth before inserting the dentures, and the dentures should also be rinsed while they are out of the mouth. Whether they are removable or permanent, the dentures themselves should be brushed regularly in the mouth, just as you would brush your natural teeth, to clean away particles and bacteria from the surfaces of the teeth and to keep the gums and tissues of the mouth healthy.
The procedure for placing the dental implants that support snap-in dentures can take a fair amount of time, largely because it is imperative that the implants heal fully before the dentures are placed. First, the implants are placed in the jaw, after any necessary grafts or repairs to the tissue have healed. Then, the implants must be given time to heal. The healing process takes anywhere from 2 to 6 months, and healing is complete when the implants have fused to the bone, in a process called osseointegration. This creates a very strong foundation for the placement of the snap-in dentures. Certain types of implants have different kinds of snaps on them, so, once they’ve healed, a second surgical procedure may be necessary. During this procedure, the tissue is cut away to expose the tops of the implants, and temporary healing caps are placed. If the implants being used are placed with built-in extensions already attached, this second surgical procedure isn’t necessary. After osseointegration has occurred, the full dentures are crafted and attached to the fully healed implants, via the connecting extension that is affixed to the implant fixture. Of course, this timeline can vary widely, based on the clinical needs and overall health of the patient, the number of implants required, and the type of implants and dentures that are used.
Any person who is missing the majority of their teeth might be a good candidate for snap-in dentures. Especially for people who are bothered by the discomfort or inconvenience of conventional removable dentures, snap-in dentures can be a particularly appealing option that can help the wearer eat what they want, talk clearly, and smile with confidence. They can also provide the added benefit of improving the health and appearance of the jaw. While they may be more pricey than their conventional removable counterparts, for many people, their comfort and convenience are more than enough reason to choose implant-retained snap-in dentures.