Snap In Dentures
If you are missing all your teeth, you may be wondering what your options are for replacement. Whether from injury or health related issue, missing all your teeth is a significant problem that must be solved with urgency. Missing teeth poses several health risks including loss of ability to eat, exposed gums that are more prone to infection, bone loss, and structural changes to your face. It also poses significant challenges with talking and can cause self-esteem damage over fear of smiling and unease with your appearance. If you are missing all your teeth there are solutions for you! One of these solutions is snap in dentures.
What are snap in dentures?
Snap in dentures differ from conventional dentures in many ways. One of the most significant differences is in stability. Unlike conventional dentures which sit atop the gums and often move and slide, snap in dentures are attached to your jawbone using screws. This ensures that the snap in dentures stay in place and function as natural teeth would. Some snap in dentures are removable for cleaning purposes and some are fixed in place. Either way, the snap in dentures are stable and secure in your mouth through the screws attached to the jawbone.
What is the procedure for installing snap in dentures?
The procedure for snap in dentures can be lengthy. The first step in the procedure is installing the implants into the jawbone. Dentists will usually install 2 to 6 implants in each jawbone which will serve as the anchors for the dentures. These screws take time to heal before the dentures can be put in place. This can take anywhere from 2 to 6 months. While healing, the implants fuse to the jawbone forming a “root” like system for the dentures to snap to. Once the healing is complete, a secondary surgery may be necessary. In this surgery the implants are uncovered, and extensions are added. In some cases, this step is skipped because the extensions are already in place in the implants. Once the implants are fully ready and in place, a connecting device is added and tightened to secure firmly to the mouth. Then the dentures are created and attached to the device. It is important to remember that the specifics of the procedure are unique to each person’s circumstances and health needs. Talk to your dentist to find out more about what your procedure might look like.
Who is a candidate for snap in dentures?
People who are missing all or most of their teeth due to injury, cavities, periodontal disease, or other health issues are top candidates for snap in dentures. This is especially true for people who want to avoid the drawbacks of traditional dentures.
What are the benefits of snap in dentures?
Snap in dentures offer many benefits, especially when compared with traditional dentures. Here are a few of the main benefits you will find from getting snap in dentures.
- Fit: Snap in dentures typically fit more comfortably than traditional dentures. This is due to the snugness of the fit, but also because of the lack of movement in the dentures themselves. Traditional dentures tend to move around causing friction and eventually sores in the mouth. Snap in dentures are meant to stay in place securely.
- Stability: Snap in dentures are more stable than traditional dentures. Because they are attached to the jawbone, they do not move in the mouth. Traditional dentures are designed to be taken out daily and cleaned and it is in this design that traditional dentures can be more likely to move around in the mouth. Snap in dentures stay in place. This stability also aids in chewing and speaking. Because the snap in dentures stay in place, they behave more like natural teeth when eating and speaking.
- Oral Health: Snap in dentures provide the benefits of preventing exposed gums and sores in the gums which can lead to infections. They also preserve the jawbone and prevent further bone loss.
What are some of the drawbacks of snap in dentures?
Although snap in dentures have many benefits, they do present several drawbacks as well, which are important to consider when exploring having snap in dentures installed. Here are a few of the drawbacks to consider.
- Cost: Snap in dentures tend to cost more than traditional dentures. This is due to the additional structures and surgeries required for installation. Your dentist can go over the specific costs of snap in dentures for your circumstances, but the average cost can run between $5,000 and $10,000. This cost can vary depending on the amount of dentures needed and the extent of damage needed to repair.
- Surgery: Snap in dentures do entail at least one surgery to install the implants. This surgery also has a lengthy healing time before the dentures can be attached to the implants.
- Graft: If you have significant gum or tooth decay, you will require an additional procedure to repair the damage known as a bone graft. This will require additional healing time.
- Longevity: Although snap in dentures are made to last awhile, they will eventually breakdown and need to be replaced. Additionally, over time the attachments and implants may become loose requiring replacement.
Should I get fixed or removable snap in dentures?
There are a few key differences between fixed and removable snap in dentures. One of the biggest differences is the impact of the dentures being removable. Removable snap in dentures are meant to be taken out at night and cleaned, whereas fixed snap in dentures are cleaned in the mouth. The ability to remove the dentures can over time lead to slipping due to wear. The other big difference is cost. Fixed dentures usually cost more than removable ones.
What should I do next?
If you are considering snap in dentures as a replacement for your missing teeth, talk to your dentist today. It is vital that you address your tooth loss for your overall health and snap in dentures may be a great solution for you. Your dentist will be able to guide you through the process and answer any question you might have.
