What are implant dentures?

What are snap on dentures?

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Denture implants are a removable tooth restoration solution. They can be full or partial. Implants are inserted into the jawbone and a row of teeth in the form of dentures “snaps” onto the rods. Other names of clip in dentures include implant retained dentures and snap-in or snap-on overdentures.

This technique takes advantage of dental implants' biggest benefits, i.e. their strength and durability.

For full mouth restorations, the denture is usually mounted on 2-rods. Depending on the patient’s mouth condition, the dentist might decide to increase the number to 4. This helps make the denture more stable. Snap-on dentures are suitable for the upper and lower arches. The false teeth must be removed at night and for cleaning.

Snap-in denture candidate profile

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The dental implant procedure has requirements that must be met. It is part of getting snap-on dentures. Here is a general candidate overview:

• missing or severely damaged teeth,

• moderate or no bone loss,

• non-smoker,

• no TMJ syndrome or gum disease, and

• readiness to avoid hard foods.

Implant-retained dentures are placed on a smaller amount of rods than permanent implant solutions. You may even get away with mini implants. This makes the whole thing more affordable, a little bone loss is not a huge problem, and you may get away without bone grafting or sinus lifting.

Smoking and dental implants, however, don’t mix. If you are a smoker you must be willing to quit, at least during and for a few months after the procedure, while recovery takes place. Cigarettes are a common reason for implant loss.

Patients with TMJ syndrome usually prefer to keep their teeth in at night and have a sturdier attachment. This is why permanent solutions may be better for them. The same applies to those who enjoy steaks or other food that is difficult to chew and don’t want to commit to a soft food diet.

And lastly, any solution with dentures and implants requires a healthy mouth. The patient has to undergo excellent aftercare but might also have to be prepared for treatment beforehand. Periodontitis must be healed before implantation takes place. What’s more, if you have a history of gum disease, you may be more prone to dental implant infections.

Implant dentures pros and cons

You should consider all snap-on dentures pros and cons before making your decision.

First of all, implant dentures help prevent bone loss and improve facial structure to make you look younger. They provide more comfort in speaking, eating, smiling, and laughing than a traditional denture. There is often no need for bone grafting or sinus lifting.

On the other hand, removable denture implants may cause sore spots and relines are needed on occasion. Despite being the most affordable implant solution for full mouth restorations, they can still be quite expensive for some patients.

Implant-retained vs. implant-supported dentures

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Implant-retained (overdentures) and implant-supported (hybrid fixed) dentures may easily be confused. Either one can be a great fit for a patient who needs multiple teeth replaced or a full-mouth restoration. Here are some key differences between the two:

A patient who has undergone a little bone loss may be a good candidate for one type of implant-supported solution called the All-on-4. Still, the appliance is a fixed bridge and can only be removed by the dentist.