Dentures are nothing new. In fact, around 90 percent of elderly Americans wear some form of dentures, so they’re definitely more of an “in” thing than you might have thought.
There are many types of dentures on the market, but one that’s growing in popularity are snap-in dentures. Many users say that they’re easier to work with and fit their lifestyle. However, before you order a set for yourself, you need to be made aware of some common problems with snap in dentures.
Problems With Snap-In Dentures
What exactly could go wrong with these types of dentures? This article goes into detail with a few of the problems you might expect. Keep reading to find out more!
The Denture Is More Fragile
One of the first things to know is that snap-in dentures tend to be more fragile than their conventional counterparts.
Snap-on dentures are created with quality materials, but their design is made finer and a bit more delicate at the implant section than the chunkier traditional dentures.
This means that snap-ons are more susceptible to breaking where the implant is located. You’ll want to make sure you take care of the dentures as you use them for your daily activities.
If the snap on denture breaks, it will usually happen at the site of the implant. Don’t worry though, our dentists are trained to repair all denture problems, usually in office. So if your denture cracks, then call us right away and we can have it fixed in about an hour.
You’ll Need to Brush the Implants to Prevent Problems
Cleaning your dentures is an important part of maximizing their longevity and protecting your health. However, this is especially important when it comes to snap-on dentures.
The implants used in snap-on dentures can house unwanted plaque and calculus over time, allowing unhealthy bacteria to grow in their crevices if left unattended. You’ll want to make sure you clean your dentures as often as you would actual teeth (at least twice a day) to keep germs at bay.
Also be sure to brush the implants in your mouth with a soft toothbrush. Brushing can be accomplished in under 10 seconds per implant.
And make sure to visit your dentist once a year to have them evaluate your prosthetics.
The Snaps Wear Out Over Time
Snap-on dentures are designed to fit your mouth to precision. However, sometimes even the best jobs can wear out over time.
Your denture parts will become loose and wear down as time goes on. The blue colored plastic inserts take the brunt of the chewing forces and therefore become squished over time. The plastic parts simply wears out. These need to be replaced every 6-12 months depending on the case.
In and of itself, this isn’t much of a problem provided you have your dentist handle it early on. However, long-term looseness could lead to damaged gums and implant problems.
Luckily, replacements are simple and inexpensive. Make sure to see a professional dentist to have your implant parts replaced every six to 12 months or as the dentures loosen.
Other upper denture problems include:
- denture cracking
- teeth popping off
- breaking in half
- gum soreness
At Rockville Dental Arts, we are highly trained to fix all the above problems in our office in a fast and efficient manner. We will get your denture fixed and back to chewing normal foods in no time!
Additional Problems That Arise
Bone resorption is a common concern associated with snap-on dentures, also known as implant-supported dentures.
When natural teeth are lost, the underlying jawbone can begin to deteriorate due to the absence of tooth roots. This process, known as bone resorption, can continue even with traditional dentures. However, snap-on dentures help mitigate this issue by providing stimulation to the jawbone through dental implants.
The implants act as artificial tooth roots, transmitting forces to the bone and helping to maintain its density and shape. While bone resorption may still occur over time, the use of implant-supported dentures can significantly slow down the rate of deterioration, preserving the jawbone structure and supporting long-term denture stability.
Regular check-ups with a dentist are crucial to monitor the condition of the bone and ensure appropriate adjustments or interventions are made if necessary.
Remember These Problems With Snap-In Dentures
Snap-in dentures may be a popular choice for many, but you’ll certainly want to stay aware of the problems with snap-in dentures before you buy dentures of your own. Your best bet is to have a professional help you find the right dentures for your needs — and we can help you do that.
Rockville Dental Arts is dedicated to helping those in Maryland and surrounding regions get back their best smile. We work on many types of dentures, including professionally installed snap-in dentures, fixed dentures, and partial dentures, as well as dental implants and other dental services.
Are you ready to get a new pair of pearly whites?
Take a look around our site to learn more about all of the services we have to offer, and make sure to book an appointment when you’re ready. We can’t wait to see you smile!