Snap-in dentures, also called implant-supported dentures, are a possible solution to the problem of tooth decay and missing teeth. The American College of Prosthodontists reports that as many as 120 million Americans have lost at least one tooth, while another 36 million have lost all their teeth. If you need dentures to replace your natural teeth, snap-in dentures may be an option to consider instead of traditional dentures.
What Makes Snap-In Dentures Different?
Traditional dentures use a mold of your mouth held in place with either suction or glue. You clean them just as regularly as natural teeth. When you’re not using them, they should be safely stored away. Although they work pretty well in most daily circumstances, they do have some drawbacks:
- Traditional dentures can come loose while eating, talking, or doing virtually any activity that puts pressure on your mouth.
- Since the dentures sit relatively lightly in your mouth, the jawbone may weaken from reduced use.
- Loose or poorly fitted dentures often rub against the gumline, which can cause damage over time.
On the other hand, snap-in dentures attach to your jaw using dental implants. These are posts that are surgically placed into your jaw at specific points. They support the dentures, which are “snapped” into place.
“Once it is placed in the jaw, bone grows around the implant to hold it in place. It acts like an artificial tooth root,” says Edmond Hewlett, DMD, a spokesperson for the American Dental Association.
Some snap-in denture implants include a metal plate that runs over your gumline, and the dentures attach magnetically to that plate. Others have small magnetic connecting points that attach to the implants themselves, and these points attach to the dentures. Which option you go for is a matter of personal choice. Either type is easy to remove, but unlikely to detach accidentally.
What’s the difference between fixed dentures and snap-in dentures?
Like snap-in dentures, fixed dentures attach to your jaw using dental implants. But unlike the snap-in type, fixed dentures can only be removed by a dentist.
Fixed dentures need more implant posts than snap-in types since they require more support. You usually need only two to four implants to keep snap-in dentures in place, but you might need eight or more for fixed dentures.
How the Snap-In Denture Procedure Works
The procedure for getting snap-in dentures isn’t the same for everyone. Your dentist will make a treatment plan based on your specific case. For example, if you have any teeth that need to be removed, your dentist will do this before starting the snap-in denture procedure. If you’ve lost bone density in your jaw, you may need a bone graft.
In either case, your procedure might be scheduled a few months later after you heal.
What happens during the snap-in denture procedure?
During your surgery appointment, your dental surgeon will numb your mouth (or in some cases, give you general anesthesia). They’ll cut into your gum and drill small holes in your jawbone. Then, they’ll place the metal implants into those holes.
It’ll take a few months for your jawbone to grow around the implants. While you heal, you’ll wear a set of temporary dentures.
After the healing process, your dentist will make molds of the top and bottom of your mouth. They’ll send these molds off to a lab to create your dentures. Once the snap-in dentures are ready, your dentist will attach them to your implants. They’ll also teach you how to take care of your dentures.
What Are the Benefits of Snap-In Dentures?
Traditional dentures don’t put much pressure on the jawbone. It can lessen the force you use to bite into food, making it harder to chew certain foods. You might not get enough nutrients, and over time, your jawbone might weaken.
But the orthodontic implants used for snap-in dentures connect directly with your natural bite. Researchers have found that people with snap-in dentures can bite with up to 300% more force than those with traditional dentures.
Yet most snap-in dentures can be taken out and cleaned, just like traditional dentures. Because you don’t need adhesives to attach them, they’re often easier to clean.
Despite that flexibility, they’re much more stable than traditional dentures. You won’t have to worry about them slipping out of place during a conversation or a meal.
“It may be easier to eat or speak without the dentures shifting or slipping since they are stabilized by implants,” Hewlett says. “They also do not rub against the gum as much as other denture options which results in less irritation.”
This stability can help you feel more comfortable and confident in social situations.
What Are the Drawbacks of Snap-In Dentures?
Nothing is perfect, and no solution is right for everybody. Snap-in dentures need to fit into implants made on the jawbone, but not every jawbone is ideal for implants. For example, you might not be able to get implants depending on your bone density or the shape of your mouth.
Oral surgery is the only way to set the implants in place. There are many reasons why that might not be right for you. The surgery requires the use of anesthesia, which might not be an option for people with certain medical conditions.
As with other dental surgeries, there’s a recovery period during which you might feel discomfort. Most people get through this within a day or two, but it’s something to consider.
Since they require surgery, you’ll pay more for snap-in dentures than for traditional dentures. But they can also last longer.
Are They Right for You?
Your dentist can help you decide whether snap-in dentures are a good choice, based on your health, budget, and lifestyle.
Although the use of snap-in dentures has increased greatly in recent years, they’re not expected to completely replace traditional dentures. They’re an excellent option for many people, but some can’t tolerate them. A small number of implants fail in the long term.
How Much Do Snap-In Dentures Cost?
The costs of snap-in dentures can vary a lot depending on:
- Your location
- How many implants you need
- The brand or type of implant
- What your dentures are made of
- What type of imaging tests you get
- Whether you need extra procedures, such as bone grafts
How much do snap-in dentures cost without insurance?
Some sources put the cost of snap-in dentures at $3,000–$12,000 per row of teeth (upper and/or lower) before insurance. But you may pay more or less than that.
“Two implants plus the overdenture cost approximately $2,800 at dental school pricing,” says Aaron Segal, DDS, chair of the Department of Restorative Dentistry at Temple University. “In my school’s faculty practice, the fee if a prosthodontist did the treatment can be over $11,000.”
How much do snap-in dentures cost with insurance?
Check with your insurer to see what they cover. Some plans may cover the cost of the actual dentures but not the implants that hold them in place. Others may cover both dentures and implants.
Dental implant surgery might be covered under medical insurance, dental insurance, or both. How much you’ll pay depends on your specific coverage and annual cost limits.
How to Care for and Maintain Snap-In Dentures
Snap-in dentures, like all removable dentures, should be taken out and brushed every day to get rid of plaque and bits of food.
“Brushing also can help keep the denture teeth from staining,” Hewlett says. “Rinse your dentures before brushing to remove any loose food or debris.”
Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and a nonabrasive cleanser to gently brush the denture surfaces. Clean your mouth thoroughly — including your gums, cheeks, the roof of your mouth, and tongue— to remove any plaque. This lowers your risk of bad breath and oral irritation.
It’s a good idea to take out your dentures at night before you sleep. That lets your gum tissue recover from wearing the dentures all day. “When you’re not wearing your dentures, put them in a safe place covered in water to keep them from warping,” Hewlett says.
Just like with natural teeth, you’ll also need routine exams and cleaning by a dental professional. Eventually, you’ll need to replace the snap-in sections of the dentures since they wear out over time.
Takeaways
Snap-in dentures are removable dentures that snap into your jaw using dental implants. They cost more than traditional dentures but often last longer and make it easier to eat and speak. Snap-in dentures should be removed and cleaned daily to get rid of food particles and plaque. It’s a good idea to take them out when you sleep at night to let your gum tissue recover from wearing dentures all day.
FAQs About Snap-In Dentures
Here are some commonly asked questions about snap-in dentures.
How long will snap-in dentures last?
Snap-in dentures are made to be long-lasting. The implants that hold the dentures can last your whole lifetime. The dentures themselves need to be replaced about every 15–20 years.
Can you eat normally with snap-in dentures?
Yes. Snap-in dentures are more comfortable than traditional dentures, making your biting and chewing more natural.
What are the requirements for snap-in dentures?
To get snap-in dentures, you have to have enough bone in your jaw to hold dental implants. If there’s too little, you may be able to get dental bone grafts, which can be natural or man-made. The grafts increase density and volume where bone is lost or thinning.
Every person is different, so talk to your dentist to find the best available option for your specific situation, needs, or desires for your teeth.
Who’s a suitable candidate for snap-in dentures?
Snap-in dentures can be a good option if you are missing some or all of your teeth and have healthy, dense gums. Your dentist can let you know whether snap-in dentures might be right for you.
