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Snap on Dentures

Most people have heard of snap on dentures, but few truly understand what they are or the advantages and disadvantages associated with them. Snap on dentures are a prosthetic designed to replace missing teeth. They fit securely over existing teeth for an improved look and feel, as well as a better fit than traditional dentures.

Struggling with the traditional ill-fitted dentures or need some relief from the irritation, discomfort and pain due to removable dentures, opt for snap- on dentures to forget al your denture problems. Also known as mini implant dentures, snap on dentures is a type of over – denture that sits or snaps over the mini implants that have fixed at strategic points along the gum lines or fits and attaches over the underlying and remaining natural teeth. This palate -less and removable dentures includes rubber housings located over the mini implants. To learn more about them, take a look at this interesting guide below.

All About Implant Dentures: Pros & Cons, Cost, and the Procedure

How is this mini dental appliance attached?

To attach snap-on dentures, four titanium dental implants are planted on the upper jaw and two on the lower jaw. The dental appliance is then snapped on the implants with the help of its special removable attachments. While the implants help provide this dental device strong anchorage, the removable attachments help provide more comfort and stability. The process of implanting the titanium posts as well as the new dentures can be completed in seven days. However, if you want to use your current dentures, the procedure can be completed in one day.

Types

Common types of snap on dentures available in the market include full and partial types, bar and ball retained

The full snap denture is a palate-less dental appliance that is affixed to 4-5 implant posts for a firmer hold. This type of denture is a great option for all those who do not wear a denture on the roof of the mouth. On the hand, partial snap- on dentures is a great choice for people who require a few or several teeth replacements.

Bar-retained snap dentures require three or more dental implants to be positioned into the jaw bone. A thin metal bar that flows along your jaw curve is attached to these implants. Clips and various other types of attachments that are used to fit these dentures rest on this metal bar.

Ball-retained snap dentures uses the ball and socket mechanism. A metal ball-shaped dental implant in the jaw bone is designed to fit into a socket attachment on the denture.

Traditional Dentures vs Snap on Dentures

Comfortable Chewing: People who wear traditional dentures often find it difficult to eat their food comfortably. This is because these dentures are secured with adhesives which tend to move around, making it difficult to chew food. Snap on dentures are palate – less dentals that feature O-rings or rubber housings that help keep the denture in place over your jaw bone and prevent them from moving after they are snapped. Since no adhesives or messy glues are required to keep this mini implant denture in place, you can bite and chew even hard vegetables, lettuce, nuts or a steak.

Promote Healthy Mouth: Traditional dentures may often require your teeth to be pulled in order to achieve the desired fit. In contrast, when fixing snap on dentures, there is no need to remove healthy natural teeth. These dentures can be attached easily over any remaining teeth with the snapping action to provide a snug, but comfortable fit.

Improved Gum Health: Traditional dentures that have fitted several years ago often slip and move around due changes in bones ad jaw tissues caused due to aging. As a result, they begin slipping and moving around your mouth, rubbing against your gums and causing sores in your mouth. On the other hand, since snap on dentures are attached to implants and teeth and not gums, they are unlikely to rub against gums and cause irritation.

Improved speech clarity: Traditional dentures are fitted to your mouth. However, since the size of the mouth is changing constantly, these dentures move around in your mouth, making it difficult for you to speak. Sometimes the dentures can also separate from the roof of your mouth, causing a strange whistling, clicking or smacking sound. However, since snap on dentures is snapped directly over your jawbone, they remain intact and have strong anchorage ability, preventing any kind of movement in the mouth. As a result, wearing these dentures helps give you improved speech clarity.

Cost- Effective: Unlike partial or complete denture plates, snap- on devices is cost effective. Since the cast of the overdentures can be captured easily by using a mold, an entire set of both the upper and lower dentures are created quickly that can provide an ideal fit. The process not only requires less preparatory work in terms of building gums and removing teeth, but also less labor- intensive, making it one of the most economical denture.

Snap on Dentures Benefits

  • Improves facial aesthetics and helps boost your self-confidence
  • Eliminates the need for messy dentures creams or adhesives to keep the appliance firmly in place
  • Implant thwarts the jawbone from resorbing
  • Helps provide various oral health benefits
  • Placing the dentures is a minimally evasive procedure, heals in less than three days
  • Easy snap on and snap off functionality allows easy cleaning and maintenance
  • The palate-less dentures helps you taste food flavors better and help you enjoy delicious food again
  • Will not slip or move around, allowing you laugh and speak freely in social gatherings

Disadvantages:

  • Fixing the dentures requires a filing of teeth for a better fit. This can be sometimes painful.
  • Changes in gum line and mouth may require you to be fitted with a new set, for a comfortable and snug fit
  • May not be suitable for everyone. Recommended to be used only after consulting your dentist.

Who can benefit?

Snap on dentures is a perfect solution for those who have no teeth in the jaw, but sufficient bone in the jaw to support implants. The dentures are designed for lower jaw because lower dentures cannot be worn easily. The denture would be less stable without the implants. Custom made to fit properly in your mouth, these dentures help fulfill your needs and requirements.

Snap on dentures are one of the best and reliable dental treatment can make patients eat, laugh, socialize and feel confident about them. Use them and enjoy a beautiful, confident smile every day.

FAQ

How long do snap in dentures last?

With repeated snapping in and out of the denture prosthesis, the overdenture attachments eventually wear out over time, resulting in diminished snap retention and perceived looseness of the overdenture. A typical replacement schedule is every 12 to 18 months.

Are Snap on Dentures any good?

They are less likely to become loose while speaking. Snap-in dentures improve chewing ability. People are able to eat harder and stickier foods. Compared with conventional dentures, snap-in dentures tend to fit better and are more comfortable.

What is a snap on denture?

Snap-on dentures, also called implant-supported dentures or overdentures, are held in place not just by the gums, but by either a few remaining teeth or by metal posts that are implanted in the jawbone.

Can you sleep with snap on dentures?

Sleeping with your snap on denture in place is not recommended for the simple reason that your gums need to breath and “air out” at some point. Having your gum tissue constantly covered by a hard acrylic can cause it to become swollen, infected, and sore (not to mention cause bone shrinkage.)

What is the average cost for Snap In Dentures?

Depending on the number of implants you receive, treatment usually costs between $3,500 to $10,000 per arch: The $3,500 to 5,500 range is for snap on dentures involving just 2 dental implants and an overdenture. Four implants and an overdenture typically costs between $5,500 to 8,000 per arch

How much do screw in dentures cost?

To give you an idea of the average cost, one dental implant to replace a single tooth can cost anywhere from $3,500 to $6,700. So whether you’re getting upper or lower denture implants or a full denture implant, the cost will multiply from that range.

Are permanent dentures expensive?

Temporary or immediate dentures can be full or partial dentures depending on your needs. They are often used as a temporary solution while you wait for your permanent. The cost of immediate dentures can vary from $800 to $1500 per plate.

What’s the best denture?

Snap-in dentures are the most effective choice when it comes to stability. They are held securely in place with the help of dental implants or anchors onto the existing teeth.

Are Snap on Dentures suitable for all patients

When it comes to dentures, one size does not fit all. There are a variety of denture options available, including Snap-on Dentures, which are held in place by dental implants. However, not all patients are good candidates for Snap-on Dentures.

Snap-on Dentures are a great option for those who have lost some or all of their teeth, as they provide a permanent, stable solution for denture wearers. These dentures are much more secure than traditional dentures, as they snap onto dental implants, which are surgically placed into the jawbone. This means that they will not move around or slip, allowing for a comfortable, confident smile.

However, Snap-on Dentures are not suitable for all patients. Those who have experienced significant bone loss or gum recession in the jaw may not have enough bone density to support dental implants. In these cases, traditional dentures or other alternatives, such as All-on-4 implants, may be a better option.

It is important to consult with a qualified oral surgeon or prosthodontist to determine whether Snap-on Dentures are a suitable option for your individual needs. Factors such as your oral health, jawbone density, and overall health and wellness will be considered when determining the best course of treatment.

In conclusion, while Snap-on Dentures offer many benefits for those in need of dentures, they may not be the right choice for everyone. It is important to work closely with a qualified dental professional to determine the best treatment option for your unique needs and circumstances.