Technological advances have significantly improved the quality of restoring missing teeth. These improvements have given the 40 million Americans who wear dentures different options to enhance their smiles and improve their chewing ability. One of these options is the snap-on denture, also referred to as an implant-supported denture. Here, we’ll explore the pros and cons of snap-on dentures.
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What Is A Snap-On Denture?
Conventional dentures rely on the gums and underlying jawbone for support. This method of replacing all missing upper and lower teeth has a long history, including many improvements in the materials and results for patients.
Today’s conventional dentures look and function much better than those in the past but still come with several disadvantages, including:
· Diminished biting force
· Continual loss of supporting bone
· Movement of the denture during eating and speaking
· Inability to chew some foods
· Impaired nutritional intake
· Need for frequent adjustments and replacement
· Sagging facial muscles
Although dental implants date back to ancient China, it was not until the late twentieth century that they became a predictable and successful means of replacing missing teeth. After the success of replacing single missing teeth, the technique continued to evolve to help patients with multiple or all missing teeth.
The snap-on denture utilizes implants to support and improve the complete denture. After taking dental x-rays and performing a comprehensive evaluation, your dentist will determine the number of implants needed to support your denture. The implants are titanium screws surgically placed in the jaw bone. The denture attaches to the implants for support and retention. Snap-on dentures deliver many benefits to denture-wearers, such as those listed below.
Pros Of Snap-On Dentures
Snap-on dentures offer many benefits, such as:
· Prevents bone loss. The bone of the upper and lower jaws stays healthy and strong due to the pressure and stimulation of teeth roots during chewing. After tooth extraction and the loss of this stimulation, the bone begins to resorb or dissolve. This takes place quickly on the lower jaw and causes many problems in appearance, ability to chew, and denture maintenance. Dental implants stimulate the bone and prevent this loss of bone.
· Provides a secure fit. Conventional dentures rely on the gums and underlying bone to hold them in place. As a result, patients can experience slipping of the denture during speaking or eating. This problem worsens over time as the supporting bone for the denture resorbs. Snap-on dentures provide a secure attachment of the denture to the jaws, which keeps them in place.
· Produces a more natural appearance. Although conventional dentures have improved in recent years, the secure fit of snap-on dentures offers a more natural appearance.
· Prevents sagging facial muscles. Teeth and their surrounding bone support facial muscles. These muscles tend to sag following teeth extractions due to this loss of support. Dental implants help preserve the bone and prevent sagging.
· Restores proper chewing. Implant-supported dentures allow you to eat the foods you need for proper nutrition. The superior biting forces overcome the diet limits associated with wearing conventional dentures.
· Eliminates denture adhesives. Many denture wearers rely on adhesives to hold their dentures in place. Implants furnish superior retention without the aid of these products.
· Decreases gum soreness. Implants keep the denture from moving around and causing gum sores and pain.
Cons Of Snap-On Dentures
Although snap-on dentures provide many advantages, they also come with some disadvantages:
· They need a healthy jaw bone. Implants require a certain amount of healthy bone to support them. You may need bone grafting to meet this requirement before having implants placed.
· They cost more than traditional dentures. Implant surgery and placement adds to the total cost. However, the need for future adjustments and more frequent replacements may offset this expense.
· They require surgery. Unlike traditional dentures, snap-on dentures require a surgical procedure prior to placement.
Schedule an Appointment
We hope you enjoyed learning about the pros and cons of snap-on dentures. Both traditional and snap-on dentures can help you regain your smile and resume a healthy lifestyle. For a consultation to help you determine the best option, contact Trident General Dentistry today.