Are you experiencing a denture disaster? Do your dentures hurt, feel loose or constantly seem like they’re about to fall out? We think we might just have what you’re looking for!
Snap-in dentures are a type of implant-supported dentures. When you think of an “implant,” you may correlate it with permanence, rather than removable dentures. But with recent advancements in the dentistry industry, you can now have both!
What are they?
Snap-in dentures are dentures with special fittings that allow them to be attached (snap-in) to the dental implant. Depending on your needs, snap-in dentures —which are also known as implant-supported dentures — require two to four dental implants for them to work and function properly. This is accomplished by carefully positioning them just below the gum line so that they latch on to the new teeth.
These posts are used to enhance the adhesion and make sure that your new teeth perform just like natural ones, while eliminating the need for uncomfortable denture glue.
The procedure
The procedure to fit an implant supported denture can be quite lengthy and may take up to 6 months to complete. However, providing a guaranteed timeframe before your consultation is difficult, as each case is highly individual. What is for certain, is that the results will be worth it.
In order to fit the snap-in denture, a dental surgeon will insert the implants into the jawbone. implants look like small, metal cylinders or screws. Over the next two to six months, the bone grows around the implants and they become firmly embedded. During this time, the patient can wear immediate dentures.
It is not uncommon for patients to undergo a second surgery, in which the dentist attaches a locator to the implants. These locators serve as the bases for the dentures. After approximately a two-week healing period, the denture can be attached to the locators. Some locators allow the patient to snap the dentures on and off, and others permanently fix the replacement teeth to the implants. Depending on how the overdenture and implants are created, the overdenture itself may be fixed permanently in place or removable for cleaning purposes.
The benefits:
There are several benefits associated with snap-in dentures when compared with conventional dentures.
- – Snap-in dentures are more stable than conventional dentures, made to be removable daily. No more worrying about whether or not they are visible or likely to fall out!
- – Snap-in dentures improve chewing ability. You will be able to eat harder and stickier foods.
- – Eliminates the need for messy dentures creams or adhesives to keep the appliance firmly in place
- – Helps provide various oral health benefits
- – Easy snap-on and snap-off functionality allows easy cleaning and maintenance
- – The palate-less dentures help you taste food flavours better and help you enjoy delicious food again
- – Snap-in dentures tend to fit better and are more comfortable. There is less friction on the gums as a result of wearing a snap-in denture.
- – Many people consider snap-in dentures to be more natural looking than conventional dentures.
- – The jawbone is preserved and further bone loss is prevented with snap-in dentures.
Snap-in dentures drawbacks
- Snap-in dentures require implant surgery. Although the complication rate is relatively low, it’s still a procedure that will require at minimum local anaesthetic in an outpatient setting.
- Snap-in dentures can be a costlier alternative to conventional dentures.
- Depending on your level of tooth or gum decay, you may require a bone graft to support the implants necessary for snap-in dentures. This can come with an extended healing period.
- Snap-in dentures eventually break down. As well, the attachments may become loose over time and need tightening.
Care
After your denture has been placed, you should continue to visit your dentist regularly for check-ups on the replacement teeth. Dentures experience wear and tear over time, and as you jawbone constantly changes, it is important to keep an eye out for any issues that may arise. Plus. These factors mean the dentures can eventually become loose and ill-fitting. The British Columbia Dental Association states that dentures usually last between five and 10 years, and according to the European Federation of Periodontology, 95%of implants last five years or longer.
Removable implant-supported dentures may be an effective alternative for patients who like the security of knowing their dentures won’t suddenly slip while chewing or talking.
Call 020 3974 1777 to book your FREE Remote Consultation today here at Maida!
