What You Need to Know About Snap-In Dentures

Mullins SC Dentist Office

diagram showing implant supported dentures being put on

Here at Blevins Dentistry, our Mullins, SC, dentist believes that missing teeth should never slow a person down. You deserve to be happy and have a healthy smile that you can show off to everyone in your life. One way to restore your smile after tooth loss is to choose snap-in dentures.

Here’s how this form of restoration is different from traditional dentures and who is considered an ideal candidate.

What Are Snap-In Dentures?

Most people are aware of full or partial dentures but may not be as familiar with snap-in dentures. They are primarily known as implant-supported dentures or overdentures, and for good reason.

A patient receiving this form of tooth replacement will have a number of dental implants, or artificial tooth roots, inserted into the jawbone to hold the dentures in place. The presence of the implants is what gives this type of denture its stability and negates the need for any adhesives down the road.

On average, about 2-4 implants are embedded into each jaw but up to 10 can be inserted. The mouth needs to be completely healed from this process before a snap-in denture can be placed. Generally, patients can expect it to take 2-6 months for the bone to grow around the implants but not to worry, you will be given immediate dentures during this time.

Who Is a Candidate?

Any patient who is currently missing teeth or will need to have permanent teeth removed via tooth extraction is eligible. However, we can discuss your specific situation with you in-depth to determine if snap-in dentures are the best solution.

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If the idea of conventional dentures doesn’t sit right with you and you want more jawbone support, we highly suggest this option. Snap-in dentures allow patients the freedom of removability while still having the long-term oral health benefits that come from dental implants.

What Are the Pros and Cons?

As with any restorative procedure, there are advantages and disadvantages. Dr. Blevins will do his best to explain every aspect of the snap-in dentures procedure and what you can expect once you have them. However, it is ultimately up to you to make the final decision.

Let’s look at how snap-in dentures compare to more traditional dentures. All are importantto consider before choosing this option for your smile.

Pros of snap-in dentures include:

  • More stable and robust
  • Better chewing ability; allows for consumption of harder and stickier foods
  • Less likely to loosen while talking
  • More comfortable fit
  • Less friction on the gums
  • Prevention of further bone loss in jaw thanks to natural stimulation from the titanium post
  • Tend to be more natural-looking

Cons of snap-in dentures include:

What Is the Care Required?

To prolong the life of your dentures, it is important that you clean them and your mouth every day. Before snapping the dentures into place, brush your gums, tongue, and roof of mouth. Remember to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and be thorough.

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In addition to brushing the rest of your mouth, you should rinse the dentures and brush off any food debris. A non-abrasive cleaner is great for cleaning dentures and is preferred over toothpaste. Remember to also submerge your dentures in water or a safe cleanser when they are not in use, i.e., during sleep.

How Long Do They Last?

Snap-in dentures are more permanent and are designed to last many years. This is thanks in part to the dental implants. Despite being more involved than traditional dentures, it is best to have them routinely inspected at our Mullins, SC, dental office.

Over time, dentures can become worn or even damaged. The mouth and jawbone even change shape naturally. Because of these reasons, snap-in dentures will eventually loosen and not fit as well. Dr. Blevins can help figure out next steps should your dentures deteriorate and become less than ideal.

Invest in a Healthy Smile

We want nothing more than for you to be confident about your teeth. What’s even better is if they are healthy in addition to looking aesthetically pleasing. If you have missing teeth and are weighing your options in terms of replacement, our dental implant dentist in Mullins, SC, would love to speak with you. Contact us online to request an appointment or call Blevins Dentistry today at (843) 561-4039.

This blog post has been updated.

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