The idea of not being able to enjoy your preferred foods, communicate with ease, or express yourself through smiles and laughter in public can be distressing, nerve-wracking, and overall demoralizing. Individuals with missing teeth often encounter these difficulties frequently, resulting in inadequate nourishment, reduced confidence, and complex dental issues. When a patient walks through our doors with missing teeth, we immediately want to address the gap to avoid future complications and get the individual back to a functional, happy mouth. When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dentures are frequently selected as the go-to solution, with snap-on dentures/snap-in dentures, and permanent dentures being common choices. Let’s jump in and compare these options so that you can make an informed decision at your next appointment.
What Are Snap-On Dentures Are & How Do They Work vs. Permanent Dentures
A snap-on denture, also known as an implant-stabilized, implant-supported, or over denture, is a type of removable denture that “snaps” into place on top of 2-4 titanium screws (dental implants) that are embedded into your jawbone. The implants serve as the foundation for these dentures, allowing them to stay securely in place. Snap-on dentures are ideal for individuals with multiple missing teeth, as they do not require you to have a titanium screw installed for every missing tooth. They are also a popular alternative to traditional dentures that use suction or adhesives to stay in place.
Permanent dentures, commonly known as fixed dentures or non-removable dentures, serve as a long-term solution for individuals with missing teeth. These dentures are attached to dental implants using screws or cement and require professional assistance to be taken out. Compared to traditional dentures, they offer better stability and functionality and stimulate the growth of healthy bones in the jaw, thereby preventing further tooth loss and maintaining facial structure. However, they involve a more invasive installation procedure and are generally more costly than snap-on dentures. Ultimately, the choice between permanent and snap-on dentures depends on individual dental needs, preferences, and the advice of a dentist.
The Pros & Cons Between Snap-On Dentures vs. Permanent Dentures
The Pros of Snap-on Dentures
1. They are more stable than conventional/standard dentures – zero slippage.
2. They provide fantastic, natural-looking aesthetics.
3. The implants that they connect to help prevent jawbone deterioration.
4. They require fewer implants compared to fixed or permanent dentures.
5. Regain proper speaking and eating capabilities – bite into your favorite foods without the fear of losing your teeth.
6. They tend to fit better, are more comfortable, and have less friction on the gums (say goodbye to sore spots).
The Cons of Snap-on Dentures
1. Require implant surgery.
2. May be costlier compared with other options.
3. May not be covered by your insurance.
4. The O-rings will eventually become loose over time and need replacing.
5. If your jawbone isn’t strong enough to support the implants for snap-on dentures, you may need a bone graft.
The Pros of Permanent Dentures
1. Offer a permanent solution.
2. Look more natural than temporary dentures.
3. More comfortable for chewing, smiling, and speaking.
4. Prevent your bone from deteriorating.
5. Can be long-lasting with regular maintenance and proper care.
The Cons of Permanent Dentures
1. They are costly & may not be covered by your insurance.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Snap-On and Permanent
When choosing between snap-on dentures and permanent or fixed dentures, there are several factors to consider in regard to the patient’s budget, oral health, and lifestyle. For snap-on dentures, age is a key factor to look at as they may be more comfortable to wear for older individuals because they are lighter, and easier to maintain when it comes to removing them and cleaning them. Beyond this, looking at the extent of the dental needs is highly important, as snap-on dentures are likely to be recommended for fewer missing teeth, whereas, permanent dentures may be preferred by those with a lot of missing teeth, as they can offer a more natural look and feel.
Consulting with one of our specialists here at Spring Haven Dental is the best option before making a choice, as we factor in other considerations like your jawbone dentist, overall oral health of your remaining teeth, and what device will best fit your preferred lifestyle.
What You Need to Know About Maintenance & Care
With snap-on dentures or snap-in dentures, regular removal of them at night is recommended, as they should be cleaned with a non-abrasive cleaning solution. Beyond this, we recommend that you have your connectors, known as O-rings, replaced with new ones to ensure that your snap-on dentures fit snugly. The O-rings are simply a rubber material that sits inside the denture connectors, ensuring that they snap-on tightly to the dental implants. Replacing these will instantly fix any looseness that you may feel after the first few years of wear.
To maintain your permanent dentures for longevity, it’s recommended that you keep up with regular oral hygiene practices, and that you maintain professional cleaning visits every 6-months. This means brushing your teeth and dentures at least twice a day with non-abrasive toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush, flossing once a day to remove food particles, and using antiseptic mouthwash to kill off bacteria. We also recommend that you avoid hard or sticky foods, and to wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth at night.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dentures
1. How long do dentures last?
Dentures can last anywhere from five to ten years or longer with proper maintenance and care.
2. Can dentures be repaired?
In some cases, the dentures can be easily repaired in the dental office, while in other cases, they may need to be sent to a dental laboratory for more extensive repairs. Avoid trying to repair your dentures yourself, as this can cause further damage and may even make them unusable.
3. Can dentures be adjusted?
Yes, dentures can be adjusted by one of our dental technicians. Over time, dentures may become loose or uncomfortable due to changes in the shape of your mouth, gums, or bones. This is a normal part of wearing dentures and can be easily fixed with adjustments. Dentures can be reshaped, realigned, or have material added or removed to them. It is important to have your dentures adjusted as soon as you notice any discomfort or changes in fit to prevent further oral health issues.
4. Are snap-on dentures and snap-in dentures the same?
There are no major differences between snap-on dentures and snap-in dentures, as both use special locators on the underside of the denture to snap them onto the corresponding dental implant within the mouth. Both are classified as implant-stabilized dentures, both are shaped as conventional dentures, and both are removable.
Whether you opt for snap-on dentures/snap-in dentures or permanent dentures, each will come with its own set of advantages and disadvantages to contend with. To determine which is going to be the best fit for your mouth, we recommend booking in for a consultation with us here at Spring Haven Dental. Our team here takes great pride in offering personalized treatment plans that are catered to your unique situation, and can walk you through either procedure and give you recommendations on what we think is best for enhancing your quality of life. Your smile is our passion, and we’d love to welcome you to our dental office here in Odessa, Fl. Are you ready to book an appointment? Give us a call at (813) 448-6885 or send us a message through our contact form.
