EMERGENCy & NEW PATIENTS Welcome!
What Are Snap-In Implant Dentures?
Snap-In Implant Dentures are a type of denture designed to securely attach to dental implants that your dentist places in your mouth. This anchoring system offers several benefits, including:
- Enjoy your favorite foods: Securely anchoring your denture with dental implants enhances your ability to chew with greater power and confidence.
- Non-removable: Unlike traditional dentures, Snap-In Implant Dentures stay firmly in place and do not need to be removed for cleaning.
- Smile with confidence: No more worrying about your dentures falling out while you smile or laugh.
- Increased comfort: With dentures secured in place, there’s less movement, rubbing, and chafing, leading to greater comfort.
- Better nutrition: Improved chewing efficiency helps you break down food more effectively, supporting better nutrition.
- Minimal bone requirement: Ideal for individuals who have been told they lack sufficient bone for traditional implants.
- Reduce bone loss: Implants stimulate the jawbone, helping to prevent further bone loss and promoting natural bone production.
- Eliminate or reduce gagging: Removing part of the palate can reduce or eliminate gagging caused by the denture.
- Enhanced comfort: Implants minimize irritation from denture movement, leading to a more comfortable experience.
- Improved taste: Removing part of the upper denture’s palate allows for better taste sensations.
Snap-In Implant Dentures vs. Traditional Dentures
While traditional dentures can offer an attractive appearance and serve as a budget-friendly option for replacing missing or damaged teeth, they often fall short in functionality, stability, and chewing efficiency.
Shortfalls of traditional (non-implant) dentures:
- Limited Chewing Power: Traditional dentures typically offer only 10-20% of the chewing power of natural teeth, with the constant movement of the lower denture due to the tongue and cheeks compromising stability.
- Speech Challenges: Speaking can become challenging, as the movement of the lower denture may impact pronunciation and clarity.
- Embarrassment: Concerns about eating in public, laughing loudly, or speaking confidently may arise from the fear of dentures loosening or falling out.
- Discomfort: The movement of traditional dentures, particularly lower ones, can lead to rubbing and chafing against the gums, resulting in irritation and discomfort.
- Poor Nutrition: Reduced chewing ability can hinder the consumption of a balanced diet, making it difficult to chew food properly, which can impact digestion.
- Bone Loss: After tooth extraction, bone loss is common and can persist throughout life, making traditional dentures increasingly challenging to wear over time.
- Gagging: Traditional upper dentures cover the roof of the mouth for suction and stability, but this can trigger a gag reflex for many individuals. Trimming the denture to alleviate gagging often compromises its stability and suction.
Snap-In Implant Dentures help to improve all of these issues tremendously.
Am I a Candidate?
Most patients are eligible! To confirm this, we’ll need to schedule a brief consultation. During this appointment, we’ll take a 3-dimensional scan of your jawbone, conduct a thorough oral examination, and review your medical history in detail.
How Many Implants Will I Need?
Upper: An upper implant denture requires a minimum of 4 implants.
Lower: A lower implant denture typically needs at least 2 implants; however, using 3 or 4 implants usually provides a significant enhancement in retention and stability.
Snap-In Implant Dentures Procedure Timeline
The process typically takes around 6 months from start to finish.
1
Procedure
After any remaining teeth are extracted and any additional oral surgeries are performed, the implants are placed into the jawbone. Once inserted, the implants are usually hidden beneath the gums. They will remain in your jaw for at least 4 months, allowing the bone to integrate with them through a process called osseointegration.
2
Post Op
We will schedule a follow-up appointment for the day after your procedure. During this short visit, we will examine your mouth, assess the fit of any dentures, and address any questions or concerns you may have.
3
Soft Liners / Soft Re-Fittings
Soft liners are cushioning materials that we periodically place in your denture during your healing process. They fill the gaps that develop between your gums and dentures, offering additional cushioning for your gums. This helps enhance the fit and comfort of your dentures, making your experience more pleasant as you adjust.
4
Uncovery
This is a minor surgical procedure where we expose the implants and place small healing abutments on them. These abutments play a crucial role in shaping your gum tissue and preparing you for the final placement of your snap-in dentures.
5
Attachment of Implants to Dentures
We will replace your healing abutments with denture abutments and complete the necessary steps to attach your dentures to the implants. This process is usually completed in one day, though it may occasionally take a bit longer.