If you are missing all or most of your teeth, snap-in dentures may be a great option for you. They look, feel and function better than traditional dentures because they are securely attached to the jaw bone, allowing them to provide more stability and minimize slippage. They also help to disguise any loss of soft tissue. In addition, they can help prevent further bone loss in the jaw.
Unlike conventional dentures that rest on top of the gums, snap-in dentures are attached to dental implants in your jaw bone. This surgical procedure is more invasive than conventional dentures, but it has a very low complication rate and only requires local anesthetic in an outpatient setting. However, the cost of the implants and associated surgery can make this treatment less affordable for some patients.
There are two kinds of snap-in dentures: removable and fixed. Removable Snap-in Dentures can be taken out by the wearer daily for cleaning, while fixed snap-in dentures are more permanent and require a dentist to remove them. Both types of snap-in dentures can be cleaned with a non-abrasive denture cleaner and should be allowed to soak for the recommended time each day in warm water. Using harsh or abrasive cleaning materials can damage your dentures, so it’s important to avoid these and to brush your dentures thoroughly after soaking them.
Although there are many benefits to snap-in dentures, they aren’t right for everyone. Because they are fitted to implants in your jawbone, they require a jaw bone that can handle this. This can be an issue for people who have undergone dental treatments like gum disease or who have bone deterioration due to age or other conditions. In some cases, a bone graft is necessary to support the implants in a patient’s jaw to make them suitable for snap-in dentures.
Additionally, because a snapped-in denture’s acrylic plate covers the roof of your mouth, it limits the full taste of food. The All on 4 implant denture, which is a type of snap-in denture, does not cover the roof of your mouth and is therefore a better choice for this reason.
Another issue with snap-in dentures is that they aren’t convertible into permanent teeth, as regular implants are. This can be a problem for some patients who want to continue with this treatment later in life, and is something to consider if you are thinking about long-term tooth replacement.
Finally, a drawback of snap-in dentures is that they can sometimes feel uncomfortable or loose, as they aren’t as secure as regular dentures. This is a normal side effect of this treatment, and should resolve itself as the bone heals and the dentures settle into place. If the discomfort persists, your oral surgeon may recommend that you use a mouthguard or softener to reduce irritation and pain.