If you're missing teeth and you're ready to start enjoying life with a full set of pearly whites in your mouth that allow you to enjoy the food you love and smile with confidence, snap-on dentures are an excellent solution. At Kingston Dental Care, we provide a full range of denture services at our professional dentistry practice in St. Louis, Missouri. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to find out if snap-on dentures are right for you.
Snap-On Dentures Pros and Cons
When it comes to replacing missing rows of teeth, snap-on dentures, which are also known as snap-in dentures and implant-supported dentures or overdentures, are one of the best options available.
The Benefits of Snap-On Dentures
The benefits of snap-on dentures include:
- Chewing. With snap-on dentures, you do not have the same dietary restrictions that you have with some of the alternatives. As a result, you can enjoy a wide variety of different types of food, including those that are relatively hard and sticky — characteristics that can dislodge traditional dentures, which are held in place with adhesives, suction, and the muscles of your own mouth, as opposed to being firmly attached to dental implants.
- Confidence. While traditional dentures can come loose while you're eating or talking, snap-on dentures snap into place by securely attaching to surgically implanted screwlike posts known as dental implants. This allows you to talk, eat, and live your life without worrying about whether your teeth will become dislodged and potentially fall out of your mouth while you're engaged in activities that exert pressure on your mouth.
- Stability. The design of snap-on dentures provides increased stability when compared to traditional dentures. Dentures that snap on attach to dental implants that are anchored to your jaw, making them unlikely to become unintentionally dislodged through normal activities, such as talking and chewing.
- Appearance. While certainly subjective, many people consider snap-on dentures to have a natural appearance, which can add to the overall confidence of those who use them.
- Preservation. One of the numerous benefits of snap-on dentures is their ability to reduce further bone loss by preserving the jaw bone. As snap-on dentures naturally integrate with the live gum and bone, they help strengthen the jawline and prevent facial bone loss and resorption.
- Fit. Snap-on dentures typically fit better than conventional dentures. With less friction on your gums, you may find them to be more comfortable than the traditional alternative.
The potential downsides of snap-on dentures
- Cost. The price of snap-on dentures can be greater than the traditional denture alternative. But the enhanced quality of life makes it well worth it.
- Surgery. Implant surgery is a requirement for snap-on dentures, as overdentures attach to dental implants that have been surgically anchored to your jaw. This is usually a relatively painless procedure.
- Maintenance. Like natural teeth, overdentures do require maintenance, such as tightening components that can become loose.
What are snap-on dentures?
Snap-on dentures are removable dentures that attach and detach from dental implants, which are screwlike posts that are surgically attached to your jaw. They serve as prosthetic teeth, allowing you to chew food, talk, and otherwise enjoy your life much as you would with your own natural teeth.
How much do snap-on dentures cost?
The cost of snap-on dentures varies greatly depending on a number of factors, including the total number of dental implants required, the cost of implant surgery, whether there are teeth that must be extracted, your geographical location, whether preliminary dental work is required, and the cost of denture materials, x-rays, exams, and other necessary dental procedures. To find out how much snap-on dentures will cost you, contact the dental office at Kingston Dental Care today to schedule a consultation.
How long do snap-on dentures last?
While your overall health, the quality of the materials, the level of oral hygiene practiced, and how often and well maintenance is performed can all impact the lifespan of snap-on dentures, they can typically last anywhere from 10-30 years.
Are snap-on dentures right for you?
To find out if snap-on dentures are the right solution for your missing teeth, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.