With so many types of dentures and dental implant solutions in DFW, it can sometimes seem a little overwhelming to choose the one that’s best for you. Between traditional dental implants, All-on-4, and snap-on denture or overdentures, each one plays a different role when it comes to smile rehabilitation. Here are the most commonly ask questions we hear about snap-on dentures in Fort Worth and Dallas.
What is a Snap-on Denture?
A snap-on denture is essentially a traditional denture that has built-in buttons or locators on the underside of it. These locators correspond to a dental implant in your mouth, allowing it to “snap” onto it, much like buttoning a button. The snaps hold the denture in place.
Are Snap-on Dentures Removable?
Yes. The convenience of a snap-on denture is that you can still easily take it in and out of your mouth to clean it each day. Some people are completely happy having a removable appliance but they want an added layer of support to keep it locked in place during their daytime activities. We still recommend removing your overdenture at night while you sleep.
Is a Snap-on Denture the Same as All-on-4?
No. All-on-4 dentures are a streamlined, hybrid appliance that’s shaped like a “U” to follow the contour of your arch of teeth. It’s also permanently affixed into place on top of the supporting dental implants. Only a dentist can remove All-on-4 implant dentures. With an overdenture or “snap-on” denture, the appliance still covers the roof of your mouth and can be taken in and out by the person wearing it.
Do Snap-on Dentures Feel Like Normal Dentures?
Yes and no. Yes in that the overall shape, appearance, and feel of your snap-on denture does almost mirror that of a traditional denture. But when you wear your appliance you’ll notice a difference in how it fits against your mouth. There won’t be the same suction or rubbing and slipping that you might be used to with a traditional “plate.” This one is snapped into a single position.
Is an Overdenture Also a Snap-on Denture?
Yes. Overdentures and snap-on dentures are the same things, so the terms are used interchangeably. Both are removable dentures that “snap” or “clip” onto corresponding dental implants to keep them in place throughout the day. Depending on which dentist you visit or who you talk to, they may use one of the terms over the other.
Can I Convert My Current Denture into a Snap-on Denture?
If you have a fairly new denture that fits your mouth well but needs added stability — due to something like a shallow bone ridge or bone loss — it may be possible to retrofit your denture into an overdenture. Converting dentures into snap-on dentures must be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on the condition of your existing denture.
What are the Advantages of a Snap-on Denture?
With a snap-on denture, you get to enjoy the advantages of dental implants, even if you’re not a traditional dental implant candidate. For instance, if you’ve lost a lot of bone, a snap-on denture is probably still an option. Then there’s the advantage of affordability, as overdentures are just a tier above the price of traditional dentures.
Do I Need to Use Denture Adhesive or Paste with a Snap-on Denture?
No. Denture adhesives and pastes are only meant to act as a sticky seal between removable dentures and your gums to keep them in place throughout the day. Since your overdenture snaps onto dental implants, there’s no need for any extra “protection” to keep it secure. The implants themselves are more than enough support.
How do I Keep My Overdenture Clean?
You’ll want to clean your overdenture the same way you would a traditional denture. Soak it in an effervescent cleansing solution once a day to loosen any residue, then use a soft toothbrush or denture brush to clean away the buildup. Rinse your denture clean. Never use hot water, harsh chemicals, or abrasives such as baking soda.
Do I Qualify for a Snap-on Denture?
The majority of our patients with missing teeth will qualify for a snap-on denture. Since the supporting dental implants can be placed wherever the best bone support is, you have more flexibility for meeting the requirements of an overdenture or snap-on design. Especially if we want to incorporate an alternative treatment like zygomatic dental implants.
How Long Does a Snap-on Denture Last?
Most dental implants — assuming they are well cared for — can last for the rest of your life. While a removable snap-on denture may gradually wear out and need to be updated, it will last longer than a traditional denture since it has dental implants to keep it in place throughout the day. That means fewer adjustments, fewer relines, etc.
What is the Process of Getting an Overdenture Like?
Depending on whether or not you already have dentures or you have teeth that need to be extracted, any existing teeth will first need to be removed. From there, we’ll set the specific number of implants at the desired locations. Your new overdenture will be fitted with corresponding locators or “snaps” which will attach to the matching dental implants.
Where Can I Get a Snap-on Denture in Fort Worth/Dallas?
ARCHPOINT Implant Dentistry provides a comprehensive line of dental implant options, including individual, multi-tooth, All-on-4, and snap-on denture designs. We believe that offering a wide variety of dental implants in DFW allows our clients to select the one most appropriate for their lifestyle. Enjoy more flexibility during your smile reconstruction experience.
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ARCHPOINT Implant Dentistry is your choice for preferred dental implant experts in Dallas and Fort Worth. Our DFW specialists provide a variety of implant therapies to fit the lifestyles and oral health needs of our clients. Find out which type of alternative denture treatment is right for you.
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