If you are missing teeth, there are plenty of solutions available to you. From clip-in veneers to traditional dentures, you have options — and one you should look into is snap-in dentures. Sturdier than all alternatives save for dental implants, these dentures closely mimic the look and function of natural teeth.
But where can you find these dentures? And how can you decide between snap-in dentures vs permanent dentures? We have the details you need to figure out the ideal replacement for your missing teeth.
What Are Snap-In Dentures?
Before you go Googling “snap-in dentures near me,” start with understanding just what these appliances are. Also known as implant-supported dentures, snap-in dentures consist of 2–6 dental implants per arch plus the false teeth themselves. The implants serve as anchors, holding the dentures in place once they are snapped in.
Unlike traditional dentures that use adhesive to hold onto the gums, these dentures are firm in their positions as long as they are snapped in properly. They can be removed when needed for cleaning and typically should be taken out at night.
Snap-In Dentures Procedure
Getting snap-in dentures is typically a lengthy procedure. The process starts with tooth extractions, assuming you have remaining teeth that are in poor health. If you do not have any remaining natural teeth or the teeth you have are healthy, extractions can be skipped.
Once the gums and jawbone are healthy enough to support implants, these will be placed into the jaw. The surgery itself usually takes about an hour, but healing can take up to six months. After the bone heals around the implants, they can be used as anchors for snap-in dentures.
The snap-in dentures will be customized to your needs and preferences, delivering the smile you want. Once they are made, your dentist will teach you how to insert and care for them.
What Do Snap-In Dentures Look Like?
Snap-in dentures look like natural teeth. Since they don’t have a plate, they are typically undetectable by others. When not in place, 2-6 implants will be visible, but these are fully disguised when the dentures are worn. The overall effect is that of a naturally perfect smile.
Snap-In Denture Benefits and Harms
Snap-in dentures can be an excellent solution for those missing multiple teeth — but no dental appliance is perfect. Before signing up for treatment, it is essential that you know not just the benefits of snap-in dentures, but also their potential harms.
- Stability: Since the dentures are held in place using dental implants, they offer greater stability than traditional dentures. Unless the dentures are damaged, there is no risk of them slipping out of place.
- Chewing: With implants anchoring the dentures, they are able to fully perform, mimicking the function of natural teeth. This means you can fully chew your food, benefiting your overall and oral health.
- Speech: As with chewing, the function of natural teeth is also mimicked with speech. This eliminates the lisping and other impediments that tend to emerge with dentures.
- Comfort: Unlike traditional dentures, snap-in ones do not slip and slide over the gums. This reduces or eliminates issues like sores and blisters.
- Bone Preservation: When teeth are lost, the jawbone tends to go next. Because dental implants stimulate the bone where they are implanted, they help reduce or eliminate bone loss.
- Surgical Intervention: While the surgical aspect of snap-in dentures is what gives them strength, it’s also the biggest risk of harm. Surgery always comes with risks, no matter how safe the procedure is overall.
- Cost: Since snap-in dentures require implants, the denture cost is higher than traditional options. And since they are considered an alternative to traditional dentures, insurance might decline coverage.
- Bone Grafting: While this is not needed in all cases, if you have lost a lot of density in your jawbone, you might require a graft to give the implants sufficient space for anchorage.
Which Is Better: Snap-In Dentures or Full Implants?
If you are interested in snap-in dentures, you might also be interested in just opting for implants. But when looking at snap-in dentures vs implants, which is better?
It all depends on your unique circumstances and priorities. For some, snap-in dentures will be the better option, while for others, replacing all their missing teeth with implants will make the most sense. In general, snap-in dentures are better for those on a budget while full implants will work best for those with plenty of money to spend.
Cost of Snap-In Dentures
Snap-in dentures’ cost isn’t the cheapest — traditional and cheap dentures will come at a lower cost. So, how much are snap-in dentures?
The average cost of snap-in dentures in the United States is $6,000. This includes the cost of two implants, dentures, and surgery. If you need more implants, bone grafting, or extractions, expect the cost to increase.
Also keep in mind that, as with all dental care, denture cost can vary by location. Google “snap-in dentures cost near me” to get an idea of prices in your area. And remember to use your benefits; snap-in dentures cost with insurance can be 50% less than you’d pay out of pocket.
Cost of Implants
Dental implants average $3,000 per tooth. This cost includes the surgery, post, abutment, and crown. As with snap-in dentures, things like bone grafting and extractions are extra costs that can add to your total. Depending on the number of teeth you need to replace, implants can become quite costly.
Snap-In Dentures Customer Reviews
So, are snap-in dentures a good option? The best way to find out is to hear from those who have them. By reading snap-in dentures reviews online, you can get a better feel for the patient experience and long-term results.
On the whole, customers are happy with their snap-in dentures, being big fans of the balance between cost and effectiveness. Of course, not everyone is thrilled. Here are some notable reviews we’ve come across, and below you’ll find a patient testimonial video.
Snap-In Dentures Before and After Gallery
Curious about what your results might look like? The best way to know is to check out pictures of snap-in dentures. Below are some before and after photos of snap-in dentures users showing off their results.
How Can You Care for Snap-In Dentures?
Overall, snap-in dentures are easy to care for. You treat them mostly like your natural teeth, and eating with snap-in dentures requires nothing special once the implants are healed. The only time you need to focus on additional care is after implant surgery until the gums are healed. During this time, you need to avoid anything but soft foods, practice oral hygiene as directed by your surgeon, and stay away from hot foods and beverages.
Aftercare for Your Snap-In Dentures
Once the bone is healed and your snap-in dentures are in place, care for them is simple and intuitive. You will need to brush your dentures, tongue, gums, and the roof of your mouth at least twice a day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste for this to minimize damage.
If your snap-in dentures are removable (most are), you should also rinse them when you brush and soak them overnight or for a few minutes if using fast-acting cleansing tablets. Never leave them sitting out; they should be in your mouth, soaking, or in a protective case. Keep them away from extreme heat, including direct sunlight, to prevent warping.
What Are the Risks of Snap-In Dentures?
Snap-in dentures are, on the whole, safe. Hundreds of thousands of people use them every day without issue. Still, no treatment is without its risks, and the following are the most notable complications and issues with snap-in dentures.
- Snap-in dentures tend to be more fragile than their traditional counterparts. Despite being made of excellent materials, they are delicate where they attach to the implants. This is the greatest problem with snap-in dentures.
- Their design means snap-in dentures give bacteria more places to hide and grow. Without proper cleaning, you can develop more oral health issues, including gum disease.
- Since surgery is required for snap-in dentures, all the usual surgical risks are there, including infection and excessive bleeding.
- While it is rare, the body can reject the dental implants. This risk is greatest right after surgery but it can happen even years down the road.
What Is the Lifespan of Snap-In Dentures?
The lifespan for your snap-in dentures will depend on many factors, including how well they are made, if you properly care for them, and how your body responds to the implants. With that said, the dentures should last 7–10 years when well made and cared for. The dental implants last longer, usually lasting at least 20 years, with some staying in place for the rest of your life.
FAQ
Yes and no. It is possible to get implants and dentures in one day, but the dentures are temporary. While not a lasting solution, this can be of great benefit to those motivated to get snap-in dentures for aesthetic reasons. Just understand that this will increase your costs since you will need to replace the temporary dentures in 2–6 months.
Snap-on veneers clip onto the natural teeth and are not stable enough to mimic the function of the natural teeth. Snap-in dentures connect to dental implants and are strong enough to replace the function of actual teeth. Learn more by reading about veneers vs. implants.
No, snap-in veneers are a type of denture that does not require a plate that comes into contact with the roof of your mouth.
If they are removable, remove them when sleeping. If not, you must keep them in place.
