Snap-In Implant Dentures
What Are Snap-In Implant Dentures?
Snap-In Implant Dentures are dentures that have unique attachments enabling them to securely snap onto the dental implants placed by your doctor. By anchoring your dentures with dental implants, you can:
- Enjoy more of your favorite foods | By securing your denture with dental implants, patients are able to chew with much greater power and confidence.
- Non-removable | Doesn’t come in and out of the mouth like a denture.
- Smile and laugh without worry of your dentures falling out
- Live more comfortably | Dentures not moving as much, less rubbing and chafing
- Receive better nutrition | Chew up food better
- Requires the least amount of bone | Great for people who have been told they don’t have enough bone for implants.
- Reduce bone loss | While a person may continue to lose bone after having their natural teeth removed, dental implants provide stimulation down into the jaw which encourages the body to continue to produce bone.
- Reduce or eliminate gagging | In some cases a portion of the palate can be removed exposing the roof of the mouth. This reduces or eliminates gagging caused by your denture.
- Increased comfort | Dental implants help reduce or eliminate the irritation caused by movement of the dentures.
- Taste your food better | Some patients with implants can have part of their upper denture’s palate removed. This allows you to taste your food better.
Snap-In Implant Dentures vs. Traditional Dentures
Traditional dentures may appear aesthetically pleasing and are a budget-friendly option for replacing damaged or missing teeth. However, they often fall short in terms of functionality, stability, and chewing ability.
- Limited chewing power: Lower dentures provide very little chewing power, usually only 10-20% of what natural teeth offer. The constant movement of the tongue and cheeks can make the denture unstable.
- Speech difficulties: Speaking can be challenging due to the movement of the lower denture.
- Embarrassment: Inability to eat in front of others, laugh freely, or speak confidently due to fear of dentures becoming loose and falling out.
- Discomfort: Traditional dentures, especially lower ones, can move around and cause irritation and discomfort by rubbing against the gums.
- Poor nutrition: Loss of chewing power may prevent patients from eating a balanced diet and properly digesting food.
- Bone loss: After teeth are removed, significant bone loss occurs and continues throughout life, making traditional dentures increasingly difficult to wear over time.
- Gagging: Traditional upper dentures covering the roof of the mouth for stability can cause gagging for some individuals. Trimming the denture to reduce gagging may result in decreased stability and suction.
Snap-In Implant Dentures help to improve all of these issues tremendously.
Am I a Candidate?
The majority of patients are eligible! A brief consultation is required to confirm. During this appointment, a 3D scan of your jawbones will be taken, the doctor will conduct an oral examination, and review your medical history in depth.
How Many Implants Will I Need?
Upper | An upper implant denture requires at least 4 implants.
Lower | A lower implant denture requires at least 2 implants, although 3 or 4 typically provide a significant improvement in retention and stability.
Snap-In Implant Dentures Cost
Our pricing is unmatched in the area and guarantees the best outcome. Our skilled dentist and in-house dental lab technician work together seamlessly, having completed this procedure countless times with expertise.
Frequently Asked Questions
For an upper implant denture, a minimum of 4 implants is needed. For a lower implant denture, at least 2 implants are required. The greater the number of implants, the greater the stability of your denture, particularly for the lower denture. Having three or four implants in the lower jaw is typically more beneficial than just two.
At this time, we do not provide zirconia implants as they are a newer option on the market and their long-term success is still unknown. We prioritize offering our patients the most successful and predictable long-term results, which is why we currently only offer titanium implants with a proven track record of success over decades.
Snap-In Implant Dentures Procedure Timeline
The process typically takes around 6 months from start to finish.
1
Procedure
Once all remaining teeth have been extracted and any required oral surgery procedures have been completed, the implants are inserted into the jawbone. Following this, the implants are usually not visible and will remain untouched in your jaw for a minimum of 4 months as your bone fuses with them (osseointegration).
2
Post Op
We look forward to seeing you for a brief post-operative appointment scheduled for the day after your procedure. During this visit, we will assess your mouth, ensure your dentures are comfortable, and address any concerns you may have.
3
Soft Liners / Soft Re-Fittings
Soft liners are cushions that we periodically place in your denture as you heal. They fill in the spaces between your gums and dentures that are created during the healing process, providing cushioning for your gums. This helps improve the fit and feel of your dentures.
4
Uncovery
This is a minor surgical procedure in which we uncover the implants and attach small healing abutments to shape your gum tissue and prepare you for the final placement of your snap-in dentures.
5
Attachment of Implants to Dentures
We will replace your healing abutments with denture abutments and complete the necessary steps to attach your dentures to your implants. This process typically takes one day, but may occasionally require additional time.
