Dentures are the most widely used tooth replacement option in the United States, with 90% of individuals missing all of their teeth using dentures. Dentures help restore confidence and quality of life but also bring some unique downsides. Snap-in dentures are one option that can remedy many of those faults — could they be right for you?
What Are Snap-In Dentures?
Snap-in dentures are similar in many ways to conventional dentures. They provide a full tooth replacement that restores the ability to eat and speak naturally, along with a natural-looking smile. The main difference is that snap-ins are supported by mini dental implants.
Mini dental implants are thin posts that are embedded into the bone with a screwlike base. They provide strong support for many different types of tooth replacements, including crowns and bridges. A series of several mini dental implant posts can also hold an entire row of teeth, making it possible to support snap-in dentures.
There are several different types of snap-in dentures available today that vary in how permanent or removable they are. Acrylic overdentures for implants are very similar to conventional dentures and can be removed as needed with ease, although they are held firmly enough to prevent unwanted slippage.
Other options are more permanent, such as the Fix-on-Six dental implant system. These arches can’t be removed unless they’re being replaced at the dentist’s office. There are also semi-removable roundhouse dentures that have a custom bridge affixed to the implants that can be removed easily by your dentist.
What Are the Benefits?
One of the key benefits of snap-in dentures is the added stability. Conventional dentures can slip fairly easily, especially if they’ve become worn over several years. This slipping can cause difficulty when eating or speaking, and regular movement can also create sore spots in the mouth.
Snap-in dentures don’t budge, eliminating this issue. They provide a strong foundation so that patients can have confidence that the dentures won’t slip. This simple improvement can improve a patient’s quality of life.
Patients with all of their teeth missing suffer from jawbone loss over time, and conventional dentures do little to stop this. Snap-ins provide resistance, as the mini dental implants exert pressure on the jawbone similar to that of natural teeth. This provides a better long-term outlook for jawbone deterioration.
Because snap-in dentures use mini dental implants, patients don’t have to undergo the more invasive surgery associated with conventional dental implants. This means that they will have fewer required visits, faster healing, and a more convenient overall process.
Finding Out If Snap-In Dentures Are Right for You
If you already have conventional dentures and are looking for a better option, or if you’re missing most or all of your teeth, visit Diana Rodriguez & Associates to learn more about your options. With a free consultation from Dr. Diana Rodriguez, you can see if snap-in dentures are right for you. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.