What else should i know before deciding?
Other options for replacing a missing tooth do exist, including fixed bridges and dental implants, read more, whichever of these replacement tooth options is best suited for you – they can be vital in maintaining your oral health. Gaps in areas of loss can cause your other teeth to begin rotating or shifting into the empty spaces, resulting in a bad bite. And missing teeth can even lead to gum disease and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
Dentures are a great way to restore your smile if you’re missing teeth, but sometimes changes to the gums and bone result in an improper fit over time. Snap-on dentures are tooth replacement options that may be more stable and reliable than conventional dentures. For natural-looking teeth — and confidence that there won’t be any embarrassing slips — these removable dentures could be a great option for you.
Snap on – implant supported dentures
Snap-on dentures, also called implant-supported dentures or overdentures, are held in place not just by the gums, but by either a few remaining teeth or by metal posts that are implanted in the jawbone.
Fitting an Implant-Supported Denture
The procedure to fit implant-supported dentures involves dental surgery and may take up to six months to complete, according to the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP). To fit snap-on dentures, our Oral Implantologist Dr. Deepika Khanna performs a surgical procedure to insert implants into the jawbone. The implants look like small, metal cylinders or screws. Over the next two to six months, the bone grows around the implants and they become firmly embedded. During this time, the patient may be given to wear immediate temporary dentures.
Many patients undergo a second surgery, in which an attachment to the implants called as locators is fixed. These locators protrude from the gums and serve as the bases for the dentures. After approximately a two-week healing period, the denture can be attached to the locators. Some locators allow the patient to snap the dentures on and off, and others permanently fix the replacement teeth to the implants.
In some cases, you may be able to have a single procedure that encompasses placement of both the implant posts and the locators. Your dentist can advise if this option is suitable for you.
Pros and Cons of Snap-On Dentures
The Foundation for Oral Rehabilitation lists some advantages and disadvantages of implant-supported dentures. For patients who have struggled with eating and speaking while wearing conventional dentures, implant-supported dentures offer an alternative that is more stable and less likely to slip. These dentures may also be more effective at disguising lost gum tissue in an attractive way. The American Academy of Prosthodontics mentions that inserting implants into the gums helps retain bone mass, whereas patients who wear conventional dentures can experience weakening and loss of jawbone.
Despite these numerous advantages, cost is also an important factor. The cost of implant-supported dentures may be too high for some patients, according to Dental Economics. Additionally, patients may not want to undergo the surgery necessary to place implants. However, the advantages offered may make snap-on dentures more cost-effective in the long run. Discuss your denture options with your dental specialist to determine the best option for you.
