Snap In Dentures: Everything You Need to Know About Overdentures (2022)

Planning to get snap-in dentures to put on top of your dental implants? This article provides everything you need to know about overdentures.

gloved hands holding snap-in dentures - blyss dental san diego

If you’re missing several teeth and looking for dental work in San Diego to redesign your smile, you’re in luck. There are now a variety of dependable cosmetic dentistry treatments to choose and this includes snap-in dentures or overdentures.

This is a popular option for restoring a confident smile. This type of denture is designed to snap into place over existing teeth or implants. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a durable and natural-looking teeth replacement solution.

But before making your decision, it’s important to consult with a qualified dental implant dentist to discuss your options. At Blyss Dental, we offer snap-in dentures that can be customized to meet your individual needs.

What are Snap-in Dentures?

As mentioned earlier, these are removable dental prostheses attached to dental implants to keep them in place. This makes them much more stable and less likely to shift around when speaking or eating. Snap-in dentures work unlike traditional dentures, which are supported by the gums and rely on suction to stay in place.

They are usually made of high-quality acrylic or resin and are intended to provide a more natural-looking and comfortable alternative to traditional dentures.

close-up of a snap-in denture

Snap-in dentures are removable teeth replacements that are attached to dental implants. This sets them apart from traditional dentures which rely on suction.

In addition, they can be removed and cleaned like regular removable dentures. They are easier to care for than fixed teeth replacement solutions such as All on 4 dental implants, which require special floss to clean.

Snap-in dentures are an excellent option for patients who want the security of dental implants without committing to the more expensive implant-supported fixed teeth. See our article about your full mouth implant options here.

In most cases, they can also be placed on existing implant fixtures or screws, which can help reduce the overall treatment cost.

Snap in Dentures are also known by the following names:

  • Overdentures
  • Implant Dentures
  • Implant Supported Dentures
  • Dentures Secured with Implants

What are the Benefits of Snap-In Dentures?

Snap-in dentures offer several benefits over traditional dentures. Discussed below are the top three benefits of this well-known teeth replacement option.

Snap-In Denture Benefit 1: Increased Stability and Security

Snap-in dentures are much more secure than traditional dentures, making them less likely to shift around when you eat or speak. This can be a significant advantage for people with trouble keeping their dentures in place.

They are also aesthetically superior, providing you with a more natural-looking smile. Dental implants also help prevent jawbone degeneration common among patients who have lost their teeth.

Read more: Not All Dental Implants Are The Same: Know Why The Best Dentists Use Top Implant Brands

In addition, snap-on dentures are often more comfortable to wear and can provide a better fit than the traditional ones. As a result, they are an excellent option if you are looking for a more secure and comfortable way to replace missing teeth.

Snap-In Denture Benefit 2: Easy to Care For

Overdentures are worth considering since they are easier to clean and maintain.

dentures being brushed on the sink

Snap-in dentures, or overdentures, are easy to maintain. Since they are removable, they can easily be cleaned by brushing or by soaking into denture cleaning solutions.

Snap-in dentures are removable and can be cleaned like conventional dentures. After a meal, you can go to the bathroom, snap off the dentures from the implants, and brush them. Then you can easily snap them back in for a fresh clean mouth. You can also leave them overnight with denture cleaning solutions.

In addition, you can wear them for a more extended time without causing discomfort. So if you are looking for a tooth replacement option that won’t be a hurdle and is comfortable to wear, snap-in dentures may be right for you.

I also like to recommend snap-in dentures to my patients that are older. As you age, your hand dexterity decreases. Having teeth that are easier to clean is a big plus.

Snap-In Denture Benefit 3. Cost-effective

Implant-supported dentures are very durable and long-lasting. Although it requires implants and surgery, they are less costly than All on 4 dental implants or fixed bridges supported by implants.

Typically, you need four implants per jaw to support an overdenture. But you can get this with as little as two dental implants.

Do you live in Del Mar or San Diego? Schedule a free consultation for Snap-in dentures at Blyss Dental to know if you are a good candidate. We can also go over the cost of full-mouth snap-in dentures.

What are the Risks of Snap-in Dentures?

Like any dental treatment, there are some risks associated with snap-in dentures. If you’re considering an overdenture, talk to your dentist about the risks. Once you’ve decided to go ahead with the procedure, be sure to follow your dentist’s instructions for care to reduce your risk of complications.

Below are the most common risks attributed to implant-supported dentures:

Snap-In Denture Risk 1. Mouth injury

An overdenture is anchored to the jawbone using implants. As with any surgery, there are a few risks involved. There may be slight bleeding and swelling of the gums, which are usual for a week or more after it is placed.

female with a painful jaw

Pain in the mouth is a common aftereffect of having overdentures, especially after the installation of dental implants. This should go away after a week at the minimum. But, prolonged pain should be reported to your dentist.

However, in rare cases, the pain in the mouth may grow more severe due to an unplanned and unanticipated injury to the oral cavity. Blood vessels may be injured in some cases resulting in a mouth injury.

Notifying your dentist if you have any unbearable discomfort is crucial. Following a mouth injury, the dentist can check for any serious issues and provide additional treatment to minimize pain until a full recovery is achieved.

In rare cases, an overdenture may become loose and need removal. However, this can easily be avoided by taking proper care of your dental implants and following your dentist’s instructions.

At Blyss Dental, I use an advanced 3D Guided Surgery technique to create an exact surgical guide for the procedure. It minimizes the pain and the long recovery process because we won’t have to open up your gums to install the dental implants. It’s relatively a painless and quick implant surgery.

Best of all, we avoid such injuries because we are not going to freehand the installation of your implant. We are using a surgical guide based on 3D models of your mouth to place the implants in the proper location with a high degree of accuracy while avoiding deviations.

Learn more about this procedure by booking a free consultation with us.

Snap-In Denture Risk 2. Infection

The best way to avoid this complication is to follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions. This includes taking antibiotics as prescribed and keeping the area clean.

If you do develop an infection, it is essential to seek treatment right away. Infections, if left untreated, can lead to serious health complications.

Snap-In Denture Risk 3. Nerve damage

When nerve damage occurs, it is usually minor and does not result in severe consequences. However, it is still critical to recognize the risk factor and notify your dentist if any problems occur.

Nerve damage can be unpleasant. It creates a tingling or numbing sensation in your natural teeth, gums, and lips. In most cases, the problem resolves on its own within a few weeks or months.

However, If the nerve damage is more serious, treatments are available to help resolve the issue. Overall, nerve injury is extremely rare that can usually be resolved without any long-term problems.

As mentioned above, I use 3D Guided Surgery to minimize this risk by using computer modeling to avoid sensitive areas such as nerves during the implant surgery.

How long will Snap-In Dentures Last Before Needing to be Replaced Again?

If you’re in the market for a new set of dentures, you might be wondering how long they will last. The answer, unfortunately, is that it depends. Snap-in dentures, or implant dentures, usually have a lifespan of five to seven years. However, this can vary depending on how well you take care of them.

Eventually, you will need to replace them or have them professionally cleaned. Of course, the dental implants we placed are intended to last a lifetime.

So if you’re from San Diego and looking for a new set of implant dentures, contact us here at Blyss Dental. We’ll be happy to help you replace your existing dentures.

How Can I Tell if I’m a Candidate For Snap-In Dentures?

Tooth loss is a common problem, particularly as we get older. You may be a good candidate for snap-in dentures if you have lost most or all of your teeth. This type of denture is supported by dental implants anchored in the jawbone.

missing teeth - candidate for snap-in dentures

People who are missing multiple teeth can be candidates for implant-supported dentures or overdentures.

Before proceeding with this treatment, it is essential to make sure that you have enough bone density in your jaw. If you don’t, a bone graft may be necessary.

We do a CBCT Cone Beam X-ray to produce 3D images of your bone. This will allow us to confirm if there’s sufficient bone for teeth implants and to check for any deep infection. Treating any infection or gum disease is vital before proceeding with the implant procedure.

Related Article: Top 12 Most Important Questions to Ask Before Getting a Full Mouth Reconstruction

What is the Process of Getting Snap-In Dentures?

The snap-in denture procedure involves placing dental implants into your jawbone and then attaching dentures to the implants. This gives you a much more secure fit than regular dentures and helps preserve your jawbone.

At your initial appointment, we’ll complete a full examination of your oral health and take a 3D X-ray to see if you meet the overdenture criteria. If you have any infection, we’ll treat it at this time.

3d scanning of the mouth

At Blyss Dental, we use 3D imaging to confirm if there’s sufficient bone for teeth implants and to check for any deep infection.

We’ll also use 3D imaging to help us determine your dental implants’ exact shape, size, and placement. Once the implants are placed, we’ll put a healing cap over them, and you’ll need to wait about three to four months for the implants to heal before we can fit you for your new dentures.

After you’ve healed, you’ll come back for one final visit, and we’ll get you fitted for your new dentures.

How Much Do Snap in Dentures Cost?

The cost of a snap-in denture varies depending on the type of procedure you need and the number of implants required. However, they are generally more expensive than traditional dentures but cost lesser than full mouth implants with permanent (fixed) dentures such as All on 4 dental implants.

Each dental implant generally costs around $1500 to $2500 but the actual price will vary depending on how many implants you would need. Snap-in dentures can cost between $11,000 to $20,000 per arch here in San Diego or Del Mar.

Read more: Dental Implant Cost Insider Tips: How to Save Up to $20,000 On Your Dental Implant Procedure

If you have dental insurance, your policy may cover a portion of the cost. Check with your insurance provider to find out how much they will cover.

What we can assure you is at Blyss Dental, we believe that you deserve high-quality care at a fair price.

So if you’re looking for high-quality, affordable dental care in Del Mar, California, look no further than Blyss Dental. We’ll take care of you from start to finish and help you achieve and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. Contact us now and book your free consultation.

Aftercare For Your Snap in Dentures

Immediately after your overdenture surgery, you must follow your surgeon’s instructions for care and maintenance. This will help ensure a successful outcome and help you avoid any complications.

We also recommend sticking to a soft food diet for at least seven days after surgery. This will give your surgical site time to heal and help reduce the risk of any discomfort or inflammation.

After seven days, you can gradually add more solid foods to your diet. Eat them slowly and chew thoroughly to avoid putting too much pressure on your surgical site.

Caring for your denture implant over time is relatively simple. In most cases, you can brush them just like natural teeth or a regular denture. You can also use a denture cleaning solution accordingly.

With proper care, snap-in dentures can provide you with a natural-looking smile that lasts for a long time.

The Bottomline

Snap-in dentures are an excellent option for those who have lost most or all of their teeth. They are supported by dental implants, which help to provide a more secure fit. Getting this denture is a perfect way to regain your confidence.

If you’re considering snap-in dentures, contact Blyss Dental now about how they can be tailored for your specific needs. And, don’t forget to ask about our competitive pricing!

We believe that you deserve high-quality care at a fair price. We stand behind our work. That’s why we offer a 5-year Peace of Mind Guarantee. Enjoy your smile. If something requires our attention, you’re covered.

Contact Blyss Dental today to learn more about overdentures and how they can benefit you.

Call us now: 858-799-0570

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