Which is the best type of denture for your needs between snap-in dentures vs permanent dentures? All variations help replace missing teeth. However, both options have their unique features and benefits.
In this post, we will help you to determine the best option for you by exploring areas such as:
- How snap-on and permanent dentures work
- Understanding the procedure for getting the dentures
- Determining their pros and cons
- Exploring the average cost of each of the dentures
What Are Dentures?
To help you determine the better option between snap-in and permanent dentures, it would be prudent first to understand what these devices are and why you should get them.
Dentures are dental prosthetics used to replace missing natural teeth. Moreover, these devices help improve your oral health while restoring your smile and quality of life.
There are various reasons why dentures may be a good solution for you, including:
- Improve your oral health: Dentures help to prevent issues associated with missing teeth, such as bone loss, gum disease, and even decay, by supporting your jawbone, improving your bite, and filling the gaps with missing teeth.
- Restore your smile: Having missing teeth may not be aesthetically pleasing and may ruin your self-confidence. Dentures act like your missing natural teeth, giving you back a natural look to make you feel more confident.
- Enhance your quality of life: Dentures improve your ability to eat, speak, and enjoy everyday activities, which are otherwise difficult with missing teeth.
- Affordable option: Dentures are the most affordable option than other dental procedures used to replace missing teeth, such as dental implants or bridges.
- Easy to care for: Taking care of your dentures is as easy as looking after your natural teeth. As long as you follow your dentist’s instructions and maintain proper hygiene, you will have a smooth ride taking care of them.
The end goal of dentures is to restore the benefits of your missing natural teeth without spending a fortune.
However, every patient has unique needs, and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for dentures. This is why there are a few different types of dentures that patients can look into. The most common types are snap-in and permanent dentures.
Let’s delve deeper to determine the differences between these two, ultimately helping you determine your best option.
What Are Snap-In Dentures?
Snap-in dentures, also known as overdentures or implant-supported dentures, are dentures that are attached to dental implants. This combination of permanent implants and removable prosthetics can replace all your missing teeth in the upper and lower jaws. Implants are surgically placed into the jawbone to act as artificial roots, providing a more stable and secure foundation for the placement of the dentures.
These dentures can be easily taken out for cleaning, but they can stay in place when speaking or eating and have no chance of falling off like traditional dentures. You can consider snap-in dentures if you are looking for an advanced level of stability and comfort that you may not find in conventional dentures.
Here’s our comprehensive guide on what are snap-in dentures for a more detailed understanding.
Snap-On Denture Procedure
Getting snap-on dentures is a pretty straightforward process that involves various steps.
- The first step involves a thorough dental examination by the dentist to determine the patient’s candidacy for the procedure. This examination involves various tests, including X-rays and other imaging tests, to assess the condition of the jawbone and other surrounding tissues.
- If you are deemed a good candidate for the procedure, the next step involves the placement of the dental implants. The dentist drills holes in the jawbone to insert implants in a procedure done under local anesthesia. The number of implants inserted depends on the patient’s unique needs. However, patients require at least two implants per arch.
- Once the implants have been placed, the procedure is paused for healing. This period is important for osseointegration, which is a process that enables the implants to fuse with the jawbone. This usually takes a few weeks to months, hence the reason patients are fitted with immediate dentures during the period.
- Once the implants are fully integrated into the jawbone, and the healing is done, the last stage involves the attachment of the snap-in dentures. The dentist places small metal attachments on the implants, enabling the dentures to ‘snap on’ securely.
In the video below, Dr. Choi from North Texas Dental Surgery Wisdom Teeth & Denture Implant Center goes over the steps you have to go through to get a snap on denture from beginning to end.
Snap-on Dentures Pros and Cons
Are snap-on dentures right for you? There are several benefits associated with snap-in dentures, but to help you determine if these prosthetics are ideal, it would be prudent to look at their benefits and potential drawbacks to help you make a more informed decision.
- Stability and comfort: Snap-on dentures offer more comfort and stability than traditional dentures. This is mainly because they attach to dental implants securely anchored in the jawbone, leaving no room for them to shift or move around in the mouth. This enables the wearer to chew and speak more confidently.
- Improved oral health: These dentures help preserve the jawbone's health and integrity as they stimulate bone growth and prevent bone loss. This is mainly because the dental implants act as tooth roots, ultimately keeping the bone tissue stimulated and healthy.
- Improved aesthetics: Snap-on dentures are designed to look and feel like natural teeth. An improved appearance of the smile is just one result of wearing a snap-in denture which can boost the wearer's self-confidence.
- Durability: Snap-in dentures are generally more durable than traditional dentures. This is mainly attributed to the fact that they are attached to dental implants made of strong and durable materials.
- High cost: Snap-on dentures are generally more expensive than traditional dentures. This is mainly because they require additional and more complex procedures.
- Time-consuming: The process of getting snap-on dentures can take several months to complete because it involves multiple stages. This requires the wearer to be patient and committed to the process.
- Involves surgery: The placement of dental implants involves a surgical procedure, which may be intimidating or uncomfortable for some people. Moreover, not everyone can be considered an ideal candidate for implant placement for various reasons, such as insufficient jawbone density.
Cost of Snap-in Dentures
The average snap-in dentures cost in the US ranges from $5,000 to $10,000 per arch. However, in some cases, the price might even be higher.
The huge disparity in pricing for snap-in dentures depends on various factors, including:
- The number and types of implants used
- Cost of tooth extraction, if required
- Materials used for the dentures
- The location of the dental practice
The cost of snap-on dentures is generally higher than that of traditional dentures. Besides using dental implants, which are quite pricey, you also have to factor in the procedures involved, such as surgery and anesthesia, long healing periods, temporary dentures, and other additional expenses.
What Are Permanent Dentures?
Permanent dentures, also known as fixed or implant-supported dentures, look and function similarly to snap-on dentures. They are both supported by dental implants that mimic a natural tooth root.
However, the main difference between permanent and snap-on dentures is that the former are permanently fixed and not removable. This means you can easily remove snap-on dentures to clean. The same cannot be done for permanent dentures.
Permanent Dentures Procedure
The procedure of getting permanent dentures is more or less similar to that of getting snap-on dentures. However, there’s a slight difference in terms of fitting the dentures. Here’s a summary of the process that you should expect to undergo when getting permanent dentures:
- Examination by the dentist: The first step when getting permanent dentures is to get a thorough examination from the dentist, who will determine your candidacy for the prosthetics. They will check the condition of your teeth, gums, and jawbone through a number of tests, including X-rays.
- Implant placement: If you are cleared for the procedure, the dentist will place the dental implants. This process involves surgically placing titanium posts into the jawbone to serve as anchors for the dentures.
- Osseointegration: Once the implants have been secured, they are left for a few weeks or months to properly fuse with the surrounding bone tissue through osseointegration.
- Abutment placement: After healing and the implants are securely bonded, the dentist attaches a small connector piece known as an abutment to each implant.
- Creation of dentures: The dentures are thereafter custom-made to fit securely onto the abutments before the dentist securely places them on top. These are permanent dental prosthetics that you may not remove at will.
Permanent Dentures Pros and Cons
Permanent dentures provide a more ‘permanent’ solution for people that wish to replace missing natural teeth. However, they also have some downsides that some people may not find appealing.
Here are the main pros and cons of these dentures to help you determine if they are an ideal solution for your needs.
- Stability: Dental implants anchor and fix permanent dentures to the jawbone. This gives them stellar stability and a proper foundation for the dentures making them less likely to slip or shift position, unlike full dentures.
- Longevity: These prosthetics are designed to be a long-term solution for people that have lost most or all natural teeth. With proper care and maintenance, these dentures can go for many years without the need to replace.
- Improved aesthetics: Permanent dentures are custom-made to look, feel, and function like natural teeth. Using them to replace missing teeth is an excellent way to regain your oral aesthetics.
- Bone preservation: These dentures are anchored within the jawbone. This means they help to maintain the structure and appearance of the face by preventing bone loss.
- Cost: Permanent dentures are typically more expensive than removable dentures, as they require dental implants and a more involved surgical procedure.
- Surgical risks: Placing dental implants involves a surgical procedure, which carries a small risk of complications such as infection or nerve damage.
- Healing time: It can take several months for the dental implants to fully integrate with the jawbone, which means that patients may need to wear a temporary denture during this time.
Cost of Permanent Dentures
The cost of permanent dentures varies depending on several factors, including the number of implants needed, the material of dentures, the location of the dental clinic, and other additional procedures that may be required, such as tooth extraction.
However, on average, the cost of permanent dentures can range from $5,000 to $20,000 per arch, with the total cost for a full set of permanent dentures being double that cost.
Both snap-on and permanent dentures do not have fixed pricing structures. These products are quite pricey, and what’s more, your dental insurance may not cover them unless proven to be medically necessary. This means it is important to get a quote beforehand from your service provider.
Snap-In Dentures Vs Permanent Dentures: A Comparison
Both snap-in and permanent dentures offer the same solution for people that have lost most of their natural teeth. However, while both offer more convenience and improve stability, unlike traditional dentures, they differ in a few ways.
Here are some of the key differences between snap-on dentures and permanent dentures:
- Implants: One of the main differences between these two types of dentures is the number of implants involved. Snap-on dentures typically require fewer dentures. Most patients only need two to four implants per arch. However, permanent dentures require more, usually four to six per arch.
- Removability: You can easily remove snap-in dentures at will, while permanent dentures are fixed and designed to be non-removable, similar to natural teeth.
- Cost: Permanent dentures generally cost more than snap-on dentures.
- Durability: Permanent dentures are typically more durable than snap-on dentures due to the number of implants used and the materials used.
Tips for Maintaining and Caring for Your Snap-on and Permanent Dentures
Proper maintenance and care of your dentures, whether snap-on or permanent dentures, is essential to ensure their longevity and function. Here are some tips for maintaining your dentures:
- Clean your dentures daily: It is important to clean them daily to prevent bacteria buildup and keep them looking their best. Use a soft-bristled brush and a mild denture cleaner to gently clean your dentures.
- Soak your dentures overnight: Soaking your snap-on dentures in water or a denture cleaning solution overnight can help remove any leftover bacteria and keep them fresh and clean.
- Avoid harsh cleaners or abrasive materials: Harsh cleaners or abrasive materials can damage your dentures and cause them to wear down over time. Stick to mild cleaners and soft brushes.
- See your dentist regularly: Regular dental check-ups are important for maintaining your oral health, as well as the health and function of your dentures.
Final Thoughts
When choosing the best solution to replace missing natural teeth between snap-in dentures vs permanent dentures, there are a few considerations to make, including the number of implants you require, the cost, and your personal preferences.
However, as a rule of thumb, it would be prudent to consult with your dentist beforehand before settling on a dental solution. Your dental practitioner will carefully assess your condition and needs to help you determine the best tooth replacement solution.
FAQ
Snap-in dentures attach to the gums using dental implants, which are topped with snaps to connect to the dentures. These implants are placed in the jawbone and act as artificial tooth roots.
Snap-in dentures can last for several years with proper care and maintenance. However, the longevity of the dentures will depend on various factors, such as the quality of the dentures, the health of the gums, and how well the dentures are cared for.
Snap-in dentures can be worth it for people who want a more stable and secure denture option compared to traditional dentures.
Snap-in dentures can allow you to eat and speak normally. Because they attach to dental implants, they provide a more stable fit, making eating and speaking more comfortable and natural.
Sources
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- A 25 year longitudinal study of patients treated with removable partial dentures. (1995). Retrieved 28 April 2023, from https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/A-25-year-longitudinal-study-of-patients-treated-Bergman-Hugoson/a62cbb1f8aea07ef1f3fbbbec9e53b31ab28a4f9
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