What are Snap On Dentures?
Snap on dentures, also known as implant-supported dentures, are a revolutionary type of removable dental prosthetic that offers a secure and stable fit. Unlike traditional dentures that rely on adhesive or suction, snap on dentures are anchored by dental implants. These implants are surgically placed into the jawbone, providing a strong foundation for the dentures. Ideal for patients who have lost multiple teeth due to injury, decay, or other dental conditions, snap on dentures restore the ability to chew, speak clearly, and maintain facial structure. This innovative solution combines the best of both worlds: the stability of dental implants and the convenience of removable dentures.
Benefits of Snap On Dentures
Snap on dentures come with a host of benefits that make them a preferred choice for many patients. One of the most significant advantages is their improved stability and functionality. Unlike traditional dentures, snap on dentures stay firmly in place, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. They also provide a natural-looking smile, enhancing your overall appearance and boosting your self-esteem. Additionally, snap on dentures are easy to clean and maintain, making them a hassle-free dental solution. With snap on dentures, you can enjoy a radiant smile and the freedom to live your life without worrying about your teeth.
How Do Snap On Dentures Work?
Snap on dentures work by utilizing dental implants to anchor the denture securely to the jawbone. The process begins with the surgical insertion of dental implants into the jawbone. These implants act as sturdy pillars that support the dentures. Once the implants are in place and have healed, the dentures are attached using special connectors that “snap” onto the implants. This provides a secure and stable fit, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. The best part is that the dentures can be easily removed for cleaning and maintenance, offering a convenient and practical solution for those seeking a reliable dental prosthetic.
Types of Snap On Dentures
There are several types of snap on dentures available to suit different needs and preferences. The primary distinction is between fixed and removable dentures. Fixed dentures are permanently attached to the implants and cannot be removed, offering a more permanent solution. On the other hand, removable dentures can be taken out and cleaned, providing flexibility and ease of maintenance. Additionally, there are different types of implant-supported dentures, including implant-retained and implant-supported dentures. Implant-retained dentures rely on fewer implants and are often more cost-effective, while implant-supported dentures provide maximum stability and support. Your dentist can help you choose the best option based on your individual needs.
Are Snap-In Dentures Painful?
Before receiving snap-in dentures, our dentist must first remove all the bad teeth and secure your dental implants in the jaw bone below the gum line. Typically, two dental implants are used to provide the necessary stability and support for snap-in dentures, although the number can vary based on individual patient factors.
This surgical procedure is fast, usually done in one hour or less, and we apply local anesthesia to numb the area to prevent any discomfort. Dental implants are not painful. Throughout the implementation, we consistently check to ensure you are not experiencing any pain and take measures to help you feel relaxed. The healing process is uncomfortable but easily managed with pain medication for a few days.
If you wish to have temporary teeth, our prosthodontist will fabricate them ahead of time so you leave that day with a full set of new teeth.
Healing usually takes less than one week, however we must wait a minimum of 3 months before beginning the permanent snap in teeth.
Wearing snap-on dentures shouldn’t be painful. However, as with any new pair of false teeth, they may feel awkward and slightly uncomfortable at first. But over time, you should get used to their feel and find that the snap-ins fit comfortably in your mouth.
At Rockville Dental Arts, our specialists take their time capturing impressions to ensure your new dentures have a seamless and comfortable fit and, of course, we guarantee you to look amazing!
How Long do Snap-In Dentures Last?
The simple answer for how long your snap-on dentures will last is that it depends on how well you care for them. Typically, all patients will need to replace their snap-in dentures every 10 to 15 years. Additionally, the plastic snaps wear out every 6-12 months and will need to be replaced.
Implant dentures, including snap-in dentures, are known for their durability and require regular maintenance to ensure longevity.
Are Snap On Dentures Reusable?
Yes, snap on dentures are made to be reusable. Meaning you can snap and unsnap your dentures as many times as you want.
However after some time the snaps will wear out and need to be replaced. They are simple, fast and cheap to replace.
Our dentists take the time to review best practices for maintaining your dentures. If you follow our guidance, your dentures should remain intact for longer. Some of the tips we recommend for patients using snap-in dentures include:
- Washing your hands with soap before insertion or removal
- Scrubbing your dentures thoroughly with a dental brush and non-scented bacterial soap
- Leaving your dentures in a denture box filled with water overnight
- Soaking your dentures in a sanitation formula once a week (or more if necessary)
- Keeping up with regular dental checkups
Ignoring your dentures or failing to clean them regularly can cause them to deteriorate faster and lead to more frequent replacements.
Financing Your Treatment Is Easy
You may wonder, “How can I possibly afford that?” especially if you lived on a fixed budget, as may be the case for seniors or those who are newly retired.
Try not to let that high figure freak you out or get you down. Here’s why. As we alluded to earlier, we’ve done many snap-in denture procedures over the years — 90% of our clients have chosen this type of dentures as opposed to others.
Given that many of our denture patients have only needed two implants rather than four, this reduces the time that’s required and the cost.
We also affordable payment options for those looking for financing. Visit Carecredit.com for more info.
An Investment That Pays For Itself
Perhaps you already have a pair of dentures that you’re comfortable with for the most part. If so, we can retrofit the ones you now have so they’re customized and compatible with your newly installed implants. This also can lower the cost if you were to get a new set, potentially by thousands.
Snap-in dentures are designed to mimic the appearance and function of natural teeth, providing a more natural look and feel.
Furthermore, if you have dental insurance, this can defray the expense even further. Your provider may not be able to cover the cost in its entirety, but whether it’s paying for a specific percentage or maximum dollar amount, every little bit helps.
Finally, whether you do or do not have dental insurance, we offer financing arrangements in which you can pay off your new and improved dentures at regular intervals. Most of our patients do so once a month. For as little as $200 a month
While we can’t say for certain how much snap-in dentures will cost you, we can just about guarantee that you’ll be very satisfied with the results. The investment is well worth it. You’ll feel like a million dollars with pearly whites that are purely priceless.
How Do Snap-In Dentures Compare to Implant Supported Dentures?
Advancements in the quality of dentures have led to more opportunities and options for dentures. From fixed to flexible to metal to partial, form
follows function. In other words, the way they’re applied affects their use.
Snap-in dentures are an excellent solution for individuals with missing teeth, helping to restore essential functions like chewing and speaking, while also maintaining facial structure.
For example, fixed dentures are permanent, meaning you don’t take them out because they’re designed to be immovable. As a result, they usually require the implantation of between four and six posts rather than four or two like with snap-in dentures. Implant-supported dentures have a great deal of stability while combining the convenience of removability, which also makes them easier to clean. These are yet more reasons why so many of our patients have chosen snap-in dentures. They’re easy to maintain (no more denture adhesive!), durable and more cost effective than fixed. You get more than your money’s worth with snap-in; you gain self-confidence, convenience and comfort, while shedding embarrassment, doubt and disillusionment.
Can you Sleep in Snap-In Dentures?
This is a great question. If you wear contact lenses, you know that you can sleep with them on, but it’s generally not recommended due to complications that may result. The same standard applies to sleeping in snap-in dentures: you can, but it’s not the best idea.
Snap-in dentures work by using dental implants placed into the jawbone, which heal and integrate with the bone. Connectors called abutments are then attached to the implants, allowing the denture to securely snap onto the implants through a retentive ring. Removing them before sleep can help maintain oral health and prevent complications.
Our dentists tell patients to avoid sleeping in their snap-in dentures. Frequently wearing your dentures overnight can lead to complications and discomfort.
From a health perspective, sleeping in dentures increases your risk of candidiasis, a fungal condition that can develop in the mouth. The fungi thrive in moisture-rich environments, which your dentures create. The condition can cause loss of taste, difficulty swallowing, sore throat and white patches around the cheeks and tongue. And once you contract candidiasis, it can be very difficult to get rid of the condition.
Because the infection is resistant to antifungal solutions, it’s very difficult to treat after you experience symptoms, which may include loss of taste, throat soreness, difficult or painful swallowing and white patches developing in and around the mouth (e.g. tongue, inner cheeks, upper palate, etc.). In other words, once you get it, it’s very hard to get rid of.
Therefore, our dentists tell patients that when the stars come out at night, their snap-in dentures should too.
Again, like sleeping with your contacts in, going to bed with your dentures still on comes with the risk of infection.
Say Goodbye to Bruxism-Related Discomfort with Snap-In Dentures!
Another reason why it makes sense to remove them before falling asleep is teeth grinding, which in the dental industry is called bruxism. For example, if you grind your teeth while sleeping (bruxism), the force can wear down or warp the shape of your dentures. This will decrease their effectiveness and functionality over time.
Teeth grinding is very common. In fact, it’s estimated that approximately 40 million Americans in the U.S. alone grind their teeth at night, accounting for over 1 in 10 people, Business Insider reported. That figure could be even higher, maybe significantly so, because many people don’t know they’re doing it (similar to snoring).
Maintenance and Care
Proper maintenance and care are crucial to ensure the longevity of your snap on dentures. To keep them in top condition, brush your dentures daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild soap. Rinse them with water after meals to remove any loose food particles. It’s also important to soak your dentures in a denture-cleaning solution regularly to keep them fresh and free from bacteria. Additionally, make sure to visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleanings. By following these simple maintenance and care tips, you can enjoy the benefits of your snap on dentures for many years to come.
Aside from the fact that teeth grinding can interrupt your quality sleep, bruxism can cause damage to your teeth, including snap-in dentures. While these implant-supported overdentures are highly resilient and sturdy, they’re not impervious to damage. Implant dentures, including snap-in dentures, are highly resilient but require proper maintenance to avoid damage from bruxism. Repeated teeth grinding episodes may cause the upper, lower or both of the dentures to wear or worse yet crack or break in half.
Bottom line: You can wear your snap-in dentures during your slumber, but can and should don’t go together. At least not in this case. In short, when the stars come out at night, your snap-in dentures should too.
Am I a Candidate For Snap In Teeth?
Are you a candidate for snap-in dentures? The only way to know for sure is by scheduling a consultation.
With over 20 years of experience in restoring, placing and replacing inferior dentures with superior dentures, Dr. Norkiewicz and his esteemed team at Rockville Dental Arts are prepared to give you the smile you’ve always wanted but didn’t think was an option. It is now.
Contact us today. We’re just a phone call or click away.
How do snap-in dentures compare to removable dentures?
Nearly 90% of denture patients at Rockville Dental Arts choose snap-on dentures because of the extensive benefits they provide. The most notable advantage of snap-in dentures is their easy insertion and removal. The replacement teeth quickly snap into place, and all you have to do is press the denture outward and up from both sides while keeping your fingers underneath the flange. Once you’re used to it, the process only takes a few seconds.
Other benefits of snap-in dentures include:
- Preserving a patient’s jawbone and preventing bone loss around the face
- Providing optimal comfort and stability
- Eliminating the need for a palate by snapping onto secure dental implants
- Preventing dentures from rubbing against the gums (which is common in traditional dentures and can be very painful)
- Fewer food particles stuck between dentures
- Easy cleaning and maintenance
- Better comfort and a more natural feel than conventional dentures
- Eliminating the need for dental adhesives
- Being more cost-effective than a fixed or traditional denture
The experienced dental professionals at Rockville Dental Arts understand that every patient requires a one-of-a-kind denture. That’s why we provide a thorough consultation to review your needs and create dentures that fit your specifications. We’re always available to answer any questions you have about inserting your snap-in dentures, and we walk you through every step of the insertion and removal process.
Snap-on dentures vs. dental implants
A denture implant is a titanium post that gets fused to the jaw. The implant acts as a root for the snap-on denture, which fastens over the pillar. The key difference between a snap-in denture and a dental implant is that the implant is permanently secured to the jawbone while the snap-on dentures are not. Additionally, dental implants may be used when inserting other types of replacement teeth, such as permanent dentures.
How much do snap-in dentures cost?
Snap-on dentures vary in price, and patients can spend anywhere from $5,000 to over $20,000 on their new teeth. The disparity in price depends on a few variables, such as:
- How many implants you need to support your new dentures
- Tooth extractions before inserting the implants (for severely decayed teeth)
- If you need immediate dentures while your gum tissue heals
- The number of snap-on dentures you require
- Your dental insurance coverage
The cost of implant dentures, including snap-in dentures, varies based on several factors but offers long-term benefits such as increased comfort, functionality, and reduced risk of movement during daily activities.
Additionally, the amount of labor required will increase the time and money it takes to create your snap-on dentures. At Rockville Dental Arts, our process includes taking impressions, creating a customized product, fitting the dentures and locating the proper implant placements. Your dentist will follow this method to ensure your new dentures fit and blend in with your remaining teeth.
The good news is if you already have a pair of dentures, we can retrofit and customize each artificial tooth to be compatible with your new implants. By doing so, you can significantly reduce labor and material costs.
Paying for your new dentures
If you’re on a fixed budget, which many seniors in need of dentures are, paying for replacement teeth can feel overwhelming. But the team at Rockville Dental Arts has you covered. Our dentists offer free denture consultations to new patients. During this time, we establish how many implants you need and what you can expect to pay. Our dental specialists also try to insert two implants instead of four to reduce your total cost.
After the initial consultation, we confer with your dental insurance carrier (if you have it). Our office accepts most plans, and while your provider may not cover the entire process, we’ll make sure they cover as much as your policy allows.
For those without dental insurance, our office provides financing arrangements. The payment plans allow patients to pay for their dentures in regularly-scheduled intervals. Most of our patients make monthly payments with installments as low as $200.
Overall, our team is here to work with you. We strive to provide affordable dental treatments to all of our customers, and we’re ready to get you fitted in your new and improved dentures.