How long do snap on dentures last

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.

Types of 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. According to the American Dental Association, the three types of dentures are immediate, conventional and overdentures.

  • Immediate dentures are placed after the dentist removes the patient's remaining teeth to provide a temporary denture while the gums are healing and adjusting.
  • Conventional dentures are permanent dentures that the dentist fits once the gums have fully healed. The replacement teeth are held in place by the gums.
  • Overdentures attach to a few remaining teeth or — more frequently — implants in the gums. To fit implant-supported overdentures, the dentist inserts metal posts into the jawbone. The denture snaps onto extensions that protrude from the gums.

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, an oral surgeon or periodontist will perform 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 can wear immediate dentures.

Many patients undergo a second surgery, in which the dentist attaches a locator to the implants. 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.

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 AAP 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.

Denture Lifespans

Patients who wear dentures should continue to visit their dentists regularly for checkups on their replacement teeth. Dentures experience wear and tear over time, plus, the jawbone and mouth change shape. These factors mean the dentures can eventually become loose and ill-fitting. The British Columbia Dental Association states that dentures usually last between five and 10 years, and according to the European Federation of Periodontology, 95 percent of implants last five years or longer.

For patients who like the security of knowing their dentures won't suddenly slip while they're chewing or talking, removable implant-supported dentures may be an effective alternative. Speak to your dentist if you think these dentures could be right for you.

There are a number of restorative options available to patients who need to replace one or more missing teeth. One of the better choices is an implant-retained denture. Using an implant-supported dental prosthesis is beneficial to the overall health of your job and structure. Dental implants act as the root of a tooth and help stimulate bone regeneration to keep potential deterioration from happening.

If you need a denture, a few implants can be placed in the jaw and a denture can be affixed onto the implants as either removable or fixed. An implant-retained denture is also referred to as a snap-in denture because it literally snaps onto the implants. Implant retained-dentures are much more sturdy and durable than traditional dentures and typically last much longer. Implant placement surgery is invasive and takes about six months to heal completely but for patients who were able to endure surgery and healing, an implant retained-denture is a great option!

What is the procedure for dental implant surgery?

Not everyone is a candidate for implant surgery but you are a dentist and oral surgeon will determine if you are or not. Some patients may need to have a preparatory surgery such as a gum or a bone graft before the implants can be placed. This will add some additional healing time but will ensure the success of the implants!

Once your oral surgeon determines how many implants will be placed in your jaw, they will determine their ideal location and make a small incision in the gum tissue at each site. They will then drill a hole into your jaw bone and set the implant in the hole. The titanium implant will heal for six months, allowing the implants to integrate with the bone. During this time, you will wear a temporary denture to allow you to eat and speak normally as well as become used to a denture.

A traditional implant will have an abutment attached to the implant that allows the implant crown to be placed but for an implant-retained denture, nylon O-rings are fitted around each implant to allow the denture to be snapped in and out of the patient’s mouth.

How long do implant-retained dentures last?

Dental implant restorations are initially more costly than other restorative options but in the long run, they are actually the more cost-effective choice! Implants have the ability to last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance though your denture will likely need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years due to regular wear and tear on the porcelain. The nylon O-rings will wear out more quickly and probably need to be replaced every one to five years.

If you are already wearing a traditional denture, you may think that you can save a little off the top by using your current denture on your implants but this is not ideal, it is important to have an implant-retained denture fabricated specifically for your implants.

Speak with your dentist to see if you are a candidate for implant placement and an implant-retained denture!

How Much Do Implant Retained Dentures Cost?

What are the cons of Snap on dentures?

The Cons of Snap-In Dentures The implants that lock to the denture device require at least one surgical procedure with a long healing time. You will potentially need two or three surgical procedures. They are less durable than permanent dentures or dental implants. They require a special cleaning process.

How often should snap in dentures be removed?

They require nightly removal and cleaning. They don't cover the roof of your mouth so allows for more taste sensitivity. They can prevent further bone loss but do require surgical placement, a process that can take up to six months.

Are snap on dentures durable?

High Level of Durability: The denture itself is also very durable and should last you for many years before needing to be updated.

What is the average cost of a snap in denture?

Snap-on dentures can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 in the US, depending on how many implants you get and where you go. You may be able to finance them in various ways. One of the best financing options is just to ask your dentist about payment plans, so you can spread your payments out over time.