If you have a row of missing teeth and are wondering if there is a replacement option for traditional dentures, you may be surprised to find out that there is a type of dentures that can stay securely in your mouth (due to the placement of dental implants) and provide you with a higher level of bite strength—snap-in dentures.
Below is more about snap-in dentures, dental implants, and whether or not snap-in dentures are the right choice for you.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a teeth replacement option in which false teeth are attached to the jawbone via metal implants. These implants can replace as few as one tooth and as many as an entire row of teeth.
What Are the Advantages of Dental Implants?
There are some fantastic advantages to dental implants that include:
- Longevity. Dental implants are known for their longevity, and—if properly cared for—can last decades. They are built with high-quality titanium, which fuses with the jawbone. This creates unparalleled strength and security.
- Healthy jawbone. Did you know that having missing teeth can actually affect the health of your jawbone? Our teeth help to keep our jawbone strong. With missing teeth, over time, your jawbone will begin to deteriorate. Dental implants help to keep the jawbone strong and prevent deterioration.
- Improved bite strength. If you currently have traditional dentures or you are missing multiple teeth, you know how difficult it can be to bite and chew. This severely restricts the types of food that you can enjoy. Dental implants allow for greater bite strength, allowing you to eat most of your favorite foods with confidence.
- Increased self-esteem. Smiling can boost your mood, and having an amazing smile can provide you with confidence and increase your self-esteem. Dental implants allow you to smile wide and with pride.
Do Dental Implants Look Real?
Generally, yes. Dental implants can look extremely realistic and can be very difficult to notice. With that said, it depends on the materials chosen for the prosthetic. Porcelain and ceramic, for instance, can easily mimic the appearance of natural teeth. Materials like gold, on the other hand, stand out. With that said, you can choose whether or not you want a natural appearance. If you choose to go with a more organic look, your dentist can match the color and shade of your natural teeth, so your replacement blends in perfectly.
What Are Snap-In Dentures?
Imagine snap-in dentures as a mix between dental implants and dentures. As with traditional dentures, snap-in dentures replace a row of teeth. The difference is snap-in dentures are held in place with the help of dental implants. Snap-in dentures snap into place (as the name implies), preventing them from slipping around.
This type of denture often involves the installation of two to four implants, but as many as ten implants may be required to keep the dentures securely in place.
Why Choose Snap-In Dentures?
There are a variety of advantages to snap-in dentures. These include:
- Strength. Snap-in dentures provide a superior level of strength when compared with traditional dentures. They hold in place well, allowing you to bite and chew your favorite foods without worry about shifting and other concerns that come with traditional dentures.
- Comfort. Snap-in dentures are held in place with implants, meaning they don’t move around. This stability makes them much more comfortable.
- Appearance. Snap-in dentures are very attractive and can look very natural. This allows you to smile with confidence.
- Jawbone strength. As snap-in dentures are held in place with implants, they help to support your jawbone and prevent deterioration.
Disadvantages of Snap-In Dentures
While there are many great benefits to snap-in dentures, they also have their drawbacks. Some of the disadvantages of snap-in dentures include:
- Higher cost. It’s probably no surprise to hear that snap-in dentures are more expensive than traditional dentures. The placement process is more involved, and they are made with materials like titanium and porcelain. If your jawbone has begun to deteriorate, you may also need to pay for a bone graft to increase your jaw density, which will add to the cost.
- Need for surgery. Snap-in dentures require surgery to place, as the titanium rods need to be installed in the jawbone.
- Lack of insurance coverage. Insurance companies often either don’t cover snap-in dentures or provide very little coverage. As this is the case, your out-of-pocket cost will be higher than with traditional dentures.
- Maintenance. Snap-in dentures require occasional maintenance. They become loose over time and will need to be tightened.
While these disadvantages aren’t ideal, it’s important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of both traditional and snap-in dentures to decide which choice is right for you.
The Cost of Snap-In Dentures
The cost of snap-in dentures is going to be higher, which reflects the many advantages that they provide. With that said, your insurance may at least cover a portion of the costs. If not, you can expect the out-of-pocket cost to be somewhere in the range of $6,000. It’s important to note, though, that your titanium dental implants should last decades.
You may be able to take out a loan to cover the cost of snap-in dentures, but make sure you don’t overextend yourself when doing so.
Reach Out Today
Whether you have lost your teeth, or your remaining teeth are about to be extracted, snap-in dentures may be a great replacement option to meet your needs. Speak with your dentist to see if you are a candidate for snap-in dentures, and to learn more about the advantages and disadvantages. If your jawbone isn’t currently strong enough to support dental implants, ask your dentist about whether a bone graft is an available option.
Ultimately, the decision between traditional or snap-in dentures is up to you. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of both and choose the option that is right for your needs.
