Dentures are effective solution for individuals who require an entire tooth replacement across the upper or lower palette. There are two options available for patients when their orthodontist recommends the solution. You can choose from resting dentures or the snap on variety.
Resting dentures will sit along the gum line to provide chewing support using an appliance that can come out of the mouth each night. You would clean them outside of the mouth, and then wear them with glue or paste during the day to help create a smile and the chance to eat some of your favorite foods.
Snap on dentures are an implant-supported orthodontic option. Instead of resting on your gums, this option would attach to implants that are secured in the jaw. People who qualify for this option must have enough bone in their jaw to support the weight of the appliance and the posts that fit in there. You would then remove this denture each day to clean the gum area and the orthodontics as you would any other similar product.
If you’re thinking about a full tooth replacement after a conversation with your dentist or orthodontist, then here are the pros and cons of snap on dentures to consider today.
List of the Pros of Snap On Dentures
1. Snap on dentures look and feel like real teeth when they are in place.
When your dentures are held in place by implants, then you can enjoy an improved confidence while you are eating or speaking in public. There isn’t the same need to avoid foods that are tough, chewy, or crunchy because there isn’t the same worry about having the prosthetic slip out of place during that activity. You will not encounter any speaking issues with that implant-supported denture either when compared to the type which rest on the gums.
2. Snap on dentures offer a higher level of durability and security.
You don’t need to worry about using glues or paste when you have snap on dentures that fit on implants installed in your jaw. This orthodontic option provides the highest levels of durability and security that are available when a full replacement is necessary for your oral health. Your prosthetics are always fixed in place once the setup procedures are finished that allow for the dentures to be worn in the first place.
3. Snap on dentures can improve your oral health.
When you begin to experience tooth loss, then the bones of the jaw can begin to degenerate. This action occurs because it stops receiving stimulation from the natural roots of each tooth. When you have a dental implant installed to support snap on dentures, then this artificial replacement simulates the same activity that you would experience if you still had all of your teeth. Many people find that this orthodontic option helps them to maintain a healthy and denser jaw over time.
4. Snap on dentures do not wear down the gums over time.
People who use traditional dentures that rest on their gums often discover that using the orthodontics causes additional wear over time that can impact their oral health. This issue can be severe enough that it requires periodic visits to the orthodontist for adjustments and re-fitting to ensure that a proper fit is always possible. Snap on dentures do not have this issue because of the support they receive from the implants. It is a product which requires little maintenance, even though it continues to help your jaw stay healthy and help you maintain a natural appearance.
5. Snap on dentures are quick and easy to place.
It does take some time for the dental implants that support your snap on dentures to heal correctly so that they can support the weight of the new orthodontics. Today’s implant-supported dentures require a minimal procedure, making it possible to have a full set of teeth and just two appointments. Even though there is a higher cost associated with this option compared to the other dentures which are available, the speed, efficiency, and durability of this long-term solution make it an easy choice for many people.
6. Snap on dentures allow you to chew food normally.
Not only do you get the benefit of eating your favorite foods when you chew snap on dentures, but you can also chew as you normally would because these orthodontics act just like regular teeth. Many people who opt for the dentures that rest on the gums complain about how they need to re-learn how to eat with the product. Traditional dentures have the potential to slip unless you are chewing food on both sides of the mouth at the same time. Because of the implants involved with this option, you can chew your food normally.
7. Snap on dentures offer a secure fit for every patient.
When you choose snap on dentures over the other options that are available, then you can enjoy the secure fit that this product offers. Each post is directly connected to your jawbone. Your orthodontics will not change in the shape to the response that your jaw encounters as your oral health improves. That means you no longer need to live in the fear that your teeth will accidentally fall out when you are having a bite to eat. Most people will not even know you’re wearing them unless you take them out.
8. Snap on dentures resemble natural teeth.
If you decide to use snap on dentures as a way to improve your oral health, then your orthodontist will precisely measure your mouth. You will have impressions taken of any remaining teeth and your gums. This process makes it possible to determine what the optimal size and shape of each denture will be. Then the full set of teeth will be made out of dental laboratory based on the measurements taken in the office. The end result is a natural look that does not make your new teeth seem out of place because of changes in contrast and size.
9. Snap on dentures often come with a financing package.
If you are thinking about dentures as a solution for your missing teeth, then your first step needs to be a dental consultation with your preferred provider. Have a conversation with them about the type of dentures you may need and how much they will cost. Most orthodontic offices offer a financing plan that can make this procedure affordable with a low monthly payment if your insurance does not cover the cost. You can also ask if your dentist is affiliated with a service like Compassionate Finance to help with the cost of this procedure.
10. Snap on dentures can be a same-day procedure for some people.
Although there can be a waiting period for some patients when pursuing snap on dentures, some people do you have the opportunity to have a same-day procedure completed. That means there are fewer issues in dealing with prosthetics while the implant heals. You will still need to follow the instructions to have the implant fuse correctly in the bone based on your orthodontist’s recommendations and instructions. If this is a possibility, it may also cost more, but you will also receive your results faster.
11. Snap on dentures allow you to regain the function of your natural teeth.
Even when you receive a same-day snap on denture procedure, you gain the advantage of regaining the function of your natural teeth. When the prosthetic is attached to your implant, you are free to speak and eat comfortably after leaving the office. There may be special instructions to follow to encourage the healing process that will limit specific foods, but you are generally free to resume your lifestyle. This process works especially well when your dentist recommends the “all on four” procedure to restore your oral health.
12. Snap on dentures can last for the rest of your life.
Snap on dentures might be in the investment for some people, but it is also one that can last for a lifetime. When you properly maintain your new orthodontics, then the wear and tear placed on them is minimized. If you invest in a premium product from the start and follow all of the instructions for care, then this procedure might be the last one you need to go through to support your oral health.
13. Snap on dentures follow an easy maintenance procedure.
Taking care of your dentures is the same as maintaining your natural teeth when using the support of implants. Many of these products can even stay in full-time once your mouth heals from the procedure. That means you must brush your teeth as you normally would to take care of the snap on dentures. There are fewer transition issues for people who are not required to snap their new teeth out because it helps them stay in their usual routines. Some dentures are screwed directly to the implants by the dentist, which means they do not come out unless you visit the office once again.
14. Snap on dentures support temporary crowns, bridges, or placements.
If you are thinking that the waiting period for healing when considering snap on dentures is long, then you are not alone. Going three months or more without the full function of your teeth can be extremely disadvantageous. That’s why your orthodontist will likely provide temporary crowns or bridges that could help you continue to eat while your mouth starts the healing process. There are some unique changes that can be uncomfortable with this process, but it also allows you to maintain a semblance of a normal lifestyle before the full set of dentures is ready for installation.
List of the Cons of Snap On Dentures
1. Snap on dentures require a surgery for successful placement.
If your orthodontist recommends snap on dentures as a way to replace your missing teeth, then it is necessary to undergo minor oral surgery that will place the implant posts which will eventually support your new teeth. Restorations such as bridges or crowns may require the same intervention if a full tooth replacement is the recommendation. This procedure is usually performed in an outpatient setting where you will receive local anesthetic with sedation to help keep you comfortable through the entire process.
The complication rates for dental surgery when preparing for snap on dentures is relatively low. Some orthodontists see a rate of 1%. The industry average, however, is up to 10% for some specific demographics.
2. Snap on dentures cost more than other restoration options.
Implant-supported dentures typically cost more than their traditional counterparts, but it is an orthodontic procedure that also varies from person to person based on the preparation work that is necessary. The general principle of “you get what you pay for” applies to this product, so patients are encouraged to purchase the best set of dentures they can afford.
If you want to receive high-end dentures to support your future eating habits, then you might spend up to $5,000 for a full set that includes the upper and lower jaw. The cost of a warranty against wear and tear may not be included in this price. Look for an option that is made from composite acrylic resins for the best possible results.
3. Snap on dentures may still have some eating restrictions.
Although implant-dependent dentures offer more eating options than the traditional options do for patients, there is still difficulties in chewing specific foods when choosing this orthodontic product. Some sticky or crunchy foods will cause problems for denture wearers no matter what type they happen to have. You may find that eating these items can cause pain during the chewing process. It is even possible for the teeth to shift off of their implant if enough pressure is place on specific areas.
You will experience this disadvantage if you opt for a same-day procedure based on the recommendation of your dentist. Eating foods that are too hard could dislodge the placement of your implant, requiring an additional surgery to repair it. You may find a restriction of up to six months in place asking you to eat softer foods.
4. Snap on dentures may still cause speech impediments for some people.
Even when you choose snap on dentures over the traditional alternatives, you may discover challenges when trying to say or speak specific words. You may find that there are whistling, clicking, or smacking sounds that occur as you start to get used to young new teeth. Most people see this as a temporary disadvantage, but there are a few who struggle to adapt and may encounter a long-term impediment that they find to be somewhat embarrassing.
5. Snap on dentures require an extensive recovery time from the initial procedure.
If you are facing issues with tooth decay or gum disease, then your dentist may determine that extractions are required because some teeth cannot be saved. Each remaining tooth in your mouth will receive a thorough examination. Some may qualify for restoration with inlays, onlays, or fillings. Once you go through the entire extraction process, your gums will require up to three months to fully recover.
Should your dentist determine that a bone graft is necessary for the support of snap on dentures, then the healing time for this procedure can add up to 60 days to the development process.
6. Snap on dentures require a specific level of gum and bone support.
If your jawbone does not have the required density to support implants, then you will not qualify for snap on dentures. There could also be issues with the amount of gum tissue available in your mouth. If you have lost too much healthy gum tissue because of disease or tooth loss, a graft may be necessary before the implant procedure begins. This disadvantage could add another 30 to 60 days to the overall procedure. Your gums and jaw must be healthy enough to accommodate dental implants before they will support replacement.
7. Snap on dentures may not be covered by your insurance.
Dental insurance can be a significant disadvantage when considering the pros and cons of snap on dentures. Most plans will not cover dental implants, sinus lifts, bone grafts, or the other procedures which are necessary to create the intended final result. Some policies may cover part of the procedure, such as the abutment, crown, or the implant itself.
Even if you do receive coverage from your dental insurance, it is essential to remember that the benefits will not usually go very far. Most policies have a low yearly limit, which is a structure that has not changed in more than four decades. If you are spending $5,000 on the cost of this procedure and your coverage stops at $1,500 on the yearly limit, then you’ll be entirely responsible for the remaining amount.
8. Snap on dentures can create some bothersome side effects.
Once you have the snap on dentures in place and can use them like regular teeth, this disadvantage goes away. During the preparation process, it is possible to experience infections, damage to your other teeth, nerve damage, delayed healing, and even bone fractures. If these issues are not handled immediately, it could delay or prevent a patient’s ability to continue with the preparation work for their dentures.
9. Snap on dentures will eventually wear out.
Even though snap on dentures have a superior level of durability when compared to the traditional orthodontic options which are available today, it is important to remember that they will eventually wear out – no matter how good the quality of the product happens to be. You can expect about 20 years of life out of the best products in the industry today. Some manufacturers may offer a few additional years above this level. Low-quality dentures may last between 5 to 10 years. That means you may eventually need to finance a replacement for your teeth.
10. Snap on dentures can cause bone loss around the implant site.
It is normal to experience some level of bone loss because of the regular aging process. This aspect of life does not stop even though you have a dental implant instead of tooth roots supporting your jawbone. If you happen to lose too much bone from this procedure, then it may be necessary to replace the entire implant. That can mean losing the ability to use your dentures until the healing process repeats itself.
The quality of the original surgery and the fabrication of your dentures are the most significant factors involved in the long-term health of your implants.
11. Snap on dentures can experience lengthy delays due to bone integration.
There are some people who can have their dental implants and snap on dentures placed in the same day to walk out of an office with a healthier smile. Most people need about three months for the implants to integrate with the bone properly to continue with the placement procedure. Some unique situations that require grafting and other bone health repairs may extend this timeframe to 18 months.
Because of this significant delay, snap on dentures may not be the first Troy’s for song patients.
The pros and cons of snap on dentures show us that this orthodontics option is a tremendous advancement in the field of supportive dentistry. Although there are cost options to consider and some patients may not qualify immediately because of their oral health, this product offers several comparative advantages when placed next to the traditional options that are available. Only you and your dentist can determine if this option is right for you, so be sure to schedule an appointment right away if you would like more information about this opportunity.