Snap-In Dentures
What Are Snap-in Dentures (Overdentures)?
Snap-in dentures are a removable dentures with implants for stability. Snap-in implants need locator abutments (like a button). When it’s a Snap-in denture, you have a button located on the gum. Snap-in dentures combine the advantages of conventional dentures with dental implants. Snap-on dentures are also called implant-supported dentures or overdentures and are a more permanent alternative.
The denture is supported by metal posts in the jawbone, not just the gums. Bone regrows around the implant, a process known as “osseointegrateâ€, accepting and bonding the dental implant 
to the bone.
Are Snap-in Dentures Your Best Option?
Snap-in dentures were designed for patients who are suffering from severe tooth decay or missing teeth, however, Snap-on dentures may not be the best choice for everyone.
The jawbone must be fully developed so there is enough bone to support implants. Snap-in dentures are most suitable for adults and seniors. Moreover, patients in good health and non-smokers have a lower chance of early failure. If failure does occur, the patient would have to consider other options.
What’s the Pros and Cons of Snap-on Dentures?
- Snap-in dentures will not slip off or trigger a gag reflex; they’re not maintenance-free. They require nightly removal and cleaning.
- They don’t cover the roof of your mouth, so they allow for more taste sensitivity.
- They can prevent further bone loss but do require surgical placement, a process that can take up to six months.
- Although typically more cost-effective than conventional dentures, Snap-in dentures can still be pricy depending on your case.
Final Thoughts on Snap-in Dentures (Overdentures)
If you’re considering a Snap-in denture procedure, educate yourself about the common failures of this procedure. There are a lot of articles written on Snap-in dentures.
If you decide that Snap-in dentures are your best choice, avoid mini-implants. Mini-implants are well-known for their high failure rate.
Snap-in dentures (overdentures) can provide patients with 40 to 50% of their chewing ability (compared to natural teeth). Snap-in dentures, on average last five to ten years.
Snap-in dentures can provide lip support to prevent physical changes in a patient’s face. The All-on-4 procedure is not best for all patients.
If a patient has enough bone, Snap-in dentures can be an option but typically not recommended. It’s only recommended for patients who want All-on-4 (fixed dentures) but can’t afford it.
For more insight on determining if Snap-in dentures are right for you, check out our Snap-in (Overdentures) blog.
If you’re interested in getting a no-obligation, complementary dental treatment estimate for your individual case, click this link to send us your inquiry and we’ll get back to you.
