“Eww!!! Granny’s teeth just fell out again!” These words strike fear into the heart of anyone wearing false teeth at social gatherings. Be it holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, or retirement parties, no one wants to be worried about their teeth falling out. Unfortunately, it is an unavoidable dental mishap for those with traditional dentures.
Luckily, there is an alternative! Snap-in dentures can offer peace of mind to those needing secure replacement teeth. Keep reading to find out more about snap-in dentures and whether you are an ideal patient for mandibular implant-supported overdentures!
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What are Snap-in Dentures?
Snap-in dentures are a more secure form of traditional dentures. Also known as implant-retained dentures or implant-supported overdentures, snap-in dentures attach firmly to the remaining teeth or dental implants set within your jawbone. While conventional dentures are made with a mold of your mouth held in place with either suction or glue, snap-in dentures stay in place through orthodontic implants.
How Do Snap-in Dentures Work?
Dental implants act like posts surgically and strategically placed into the jaw to support the dentures. Using the posts, the implant-supported dentures are then “snapped” into place. While the snap-in dentures are removable, the posts or implants are permanent fixtures within the mouth.
Sometimes, the dental implants are aided by a magnetic metal plate that runs over the gum line. The snap-in denture can then bind to the metal plate implants to help them stay in place. Other times, small magnetic connecting points are attached to the dental implants and then used to bind with the snap-in dentures.
How Do Snap-in Dentures Differ From Conventional Dentures?
The most apparent difference between snap-in dentures and conventional dentures is the ability to purposely remove them when desired. Snap-in dentures are easily removable dentures. However, unlike conventional dentures, they will not fall out inconveniently during dinner!
Am I Among the Ideal Snap-in Denture Patients?
While snap-in dentures and dental implants have become popular for many patients in the past few years, they are not for everyone. However, implant-supported overdentures may be perfect for you if you have missing teeth due to injury, dental cavities, congenital disorders, or periodontal disease.
What is the Average Snap-in Denture Cost?
Dentures are a serious investment in your oral health. Your dentists can give you a more specific quote, but you can expect to pay about $6,000 for both the implant and the implant-retained dentures. Depending on the number of denture implants and your specific circumstances, the cost of removable implant dentures may increase. If your insurance covers the implant-retained overdenture, it may be cost-effective to invest in snap-in dentures for your oral health.
How Long Do Snap-in Dentures Last?
After getting implant-supported dentures, you should have regular checkups with your dentist. Just like natural teeth, snap-in dentures experience wear and tear over time. Additionally, the jawbone and mouth change shape and the snap-in dentures may become ill-fitting, requiring more implants. According to the British Columbia Dental Association, complete dentures generally last between 5 and 10 years. The European Federation of Periodontology states that 95% of implant-supported overdentures last five years or longer.
What are the Pros of Snap-in Dentures?
Traditional dentures lessen the force exerted while biting by reducing the amount of pressure on the jawbone. Unfortunately, this process reduces your ability to chew certain foods, lowers your nutrient intake, and eventually erodes the jawbone.
On the other hand, dental implants and snap-in dentures integrate into the biting action, giving you a superhuman biting force! Researchers have discovered that those with an implanted denture can have a biting force 300% higher than those with a traditional denture. That is pretty amazing!
Just like traditional dentures, snap-in dentures can easily be removed for cleaning and comfort while being more stable than conventional dentures. But, unlike conventional complete dentures, these chomping teeth aren’t going anywhere during an exhilarating conversation or meaty meal!
Last but certainly not least, the increased stability of snap-in dentures helps you feel more comfortable and relaxed in social situations. Instead of constantly worrying about the potential for dental embarrassment, you can smile easily, knowing your teeth are under your control.
What are the Cons of Snap-in Dentures?
While there is no denying that snap-in dentures and dental implants have some incredible benefits, they also have some drawbacks. In order to fit a dental implant into the jawbone, the jawbone must be able to handle the denture implants themselves. Depending on the shape of the mouth or the erosion of the bone, sometimes, the jaw bone is not strong enough for the required dental implant.
In order to set a denture implant, you have to undergo an orthodontic procedure under anesthesia. Unfortunately, depending on your medical history, such a procedure may not be a safe option, making implant dentures unattainable. If this is the case, regular dentures are a much more suitable option.
As with any other procedure, you will have to push through discomfort during the recovery period. Fortunately, most people successfully recover within a few days without significant side effects!
Can You Sleep With Your Snap-in Dentures On?
For optimal oral health, you should not sleep while wearing your dentures. After a long day, your gums need to be able to breathe and air out. If you constantly have your gums covered by the hard acrylic of permanent dentures, they can become swollen, infected, and sore and, in extreme cases, even cause your bone to shrink. As such, you should remove your dentures before sleeping at night. Besides, both your implant dentures and your mouth need to be cleaned nightly to keep in tip-top shape.
Just like natural teeth, your snap-in dentures require daily cleaning and attention. Before going to bed, remove your snap-in dentures and brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Next, use unscented antibacterial soap and water on your new teeth to scrub away any food particles or debris. Any debris will make it more difficult or impossible for you to snap your dentures into the implants correctly. When your snap-in dentures are clean, tuck them in for the night in a water-filled denture box.
How to Care for Your Snap-in Denture
The better you care for your snap-in dentures, the longer they will be able to serve your tooth replacement needs before wearing out, becoming warped, or breaking.
The best way to insert your snap-in denture is to place it in your mouth, wiggle it back and forth until you feel the o-rings (rubber washers) align with your dental implants, then use your fingers to push it in place along your arch. You should hear a snap when the two parts have aligned properly and are secure. Next, tug on them a bit to ensure the dentures have “snapped in” correctly. The final step is to close your teeth together to make sure your bite fits properly. If something feels off during this final step, your snap-in dentures are not correctly placed on the implants.
Do not pop your snap-in denture out in your mouth and bite down to find the proper positioning, as this process can warp the rubber washers or wear down other parts of the dentures. In addition, snap-in dentures are made from acrylic, which means it is possible to break them by applying too much force. Be patient and careful when inserting your snap-in dentures.
One or twice a week, you can put a “gentle formula” denture-cleaning tablet in the box to remove any bacteria on the implant dentures that you may have missed during the scrubbing process. However, please refrain from doing this too often as it can shorten the lifespan of the o-rings. If you follow these steps to care for your snap-in dentures, your replacement teeth will last as long as intended!
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Start Your Orthodontic Journey at Loudoun Orthodontics!
Contact Loudoun Orthodontics if you think that snap-in dentures may be a solution to your dental woes. Whether you want to learn more about the benefits of using snap-in dentures or simply have questions about the process, use our live chat or call (703) 858-0303 or send us a message through our Contact Us page to connect with our friendly staff today to book a free consultation! Our office, located at 19465 Deerfield Ave, Suite 304, Leesburg, VA 20176, proudly serves not just Loudoun County but also the Greater Washington DC area. So, if you’re residing in Ashburn, Lansdowne, or Sterling, and are looking for one of the best orthodontists in Virginia, don’t hesitate to visit our office! We also invite you to keep up with our blog to get answers to many of the frequently asked questions about maintaining sparkling oral health as well as follow us on social media to become a part of our smiling community!
References
- Vermes, Krystle. “Snap-in Dentures Benefits, Drawbacks, Costs, and Care.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 23 Mar. 2020, www.healthline.com/health/snap-in-dentures#costs. Accessed 25 Jul. 2022.
- “The Pros and Cons of Snap-on Dentures.” Oral Health and Dental Care, www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/dentures/the-pros-and-cons-of-snap-on-dentures#. Accessed 25 Jul. 2022.