According to recent data from the CDC, about 10% of adults age 65 and older in Utah have lost all their teeth due to tooth decay or gum disease. For many years, traditional dentures have been the primary solution to this problem. But, as you may have experienced, conventional dentures come with their fair share of challenges—like coming loose or falling out of your mouth at the worst possible times. Fortunately, snap-in dentures offer a more secure, reliable alternative for replacing a complete arch of missing teeth. Keep reading to learn more about this innovative solution!
Traditional Dentures vs. Snap-In Dentures
As you may know from personal experience, traditional dentures naturally lose their stability over time. This makes everything from conversing to enjoying a meal difficult.
For a more stable solution, we can place 4-8 mini dental implants to secure a denture. We call these “snap-in dentures” or “snap-on dentures” because they easily snap on and off the implants. Because we place the implants in your jawbone, they provide a sturdy foundation for a prosthetic. This reliable implant denture system helps patients regain confidence in their smiles and enjoy improved function in their daily lives.
You can remove both traditional dentures and snap-on dentures for cleaning and maintenance. The key difference is that snap-in dentures stay securely in place!
Advantages of Implant-Retained Dentures
Snap-in dentures offer many advantages over traditional dentures. In addition to the characteristics described above, they also provide:
- Improved chewing ability: Snap-in dentures securely attach to mini implants, providing significantly greater bite force than traditional prosthetics. This added strength allows you to confidently enjoy foods that were difficult to eat with conventional dentures.
- Greater comfort: Snap-in dentures are more comfortable because they connect to the implants, allowing for a less bulky base. In contrast, traditional dentures rely on a larger plastic base to stay in place, which can feel cumbersome and intrusive. This bulky design can also limit your ability to fully taste your food, as it covers parts of your palate with taste buds. Snap-in dentures eliminate these issues, offering a sleeker and more enjoyable experience.
- Better long-term jaw health: The mini implants used to anchor snap-in dentures stimulate your jawbone and help to prevent bone loss. In contrast, conventional dentures rest on the gums without providing the stimulation needed to maintain bone density, which can lead to gradual bone loss over time.
Implant-retained dentures provide enhanced stability, greater comfort, and long-term benefits for your jaw health, making them an excellent choice for restoring your smile.
Can Traditional Dentures Be Converted to Snap-In Dentures?
Dr. Tillmann may be able to modify and convert your existing dentures to snap-in dentures. Sometimes, conventional dentures, which were not originally designed for implants, lack the specifications to accommodate mini implants. But we can certainly explore the potential of your dentures to see if a conversion is possible. If it is, we will be delighted to turn them into an even better and more reliable denture solution!
Are Snap-In Dentures Affordable?
Some snap-in denture systems use conventional dental implants, which are larger in diameter and require a more invasive surgical procedure. These implants often require additional treatments, such as bone grafting, to create enough jawbone support for proper placement. This complexity adds to the overall treatment cost.
At Utah Denture and Implant Center, we also offer mini dental implants, a more affordable alternative. Because mini implants are smaller, they require less bone for support. Dr. Tillmann can typically place them in a single visit, reducing the time, complexity, and cost associated with traditional implants. This streamlined approach makes snap-in dentures with mini implants more accessible without compromising quality or durability.
We understand that even with the reduced cost of our snap-in dentures, dental care costs can still be a concern. To address this, our team will happily file claims with your insurance company on your behalf. Additionally, we offer flexible financing options so that you can take advantage of affordable monthly payments.
During your free implant denture consultation, we’ll review your insurance benefits and financing options, ensuring you have all the information you need to make the best decision for your care.
Start Your Journey to a New Smile Today!
Snap-in dentures with mini dental implants provide a secure, comfortable, and durable solution for replacing missing teeth. With improved chewing ability and a sleeker, more comfortable design, these innovative dentures offer a superior alternative to traditional options. By stimulating the jawbone, they also help prevent bone loss, contributing to long-term oral health. Best of all, mini dental implants make this transformative treatment more affordable and accessible than ever before.
If you’re considering implant dentures, we invite you to schedule a free consultation at Utah Implant and Denture Center, where we specialize in dental implant solutions!
