If you’re missing most of your teeth, replacing them is crucial. Luckily, dental implant therapy is a great option. This can come in the form of Snap-in Dentures or All-on-4 Dental Implants. Both of these treatments use implants secured in the jawbone.
Dental implants are titanium posts that are attached to the jawbone. Once they fuse with the bone, replacement teeth can then be connected. Patients and dentists can decide if implant-supported dentures (snap-in) or All-on-4 implants would be best since one is a removable option while the other is permanent.
What are Snap-in Dentures?
Your dentist will place 2-6 implants in your mouth and then create a denture that simply “snaps” on the implants. These snap-in dentures still need to be removed and cleaned at bedtime. It’s also important to maintain the implant attachments to prevent tartar buildup. You’ll need to visit your dentist regularly to make sure your implant-retained dentures stay stable because repeated insertion and removal weaken them over time.
What are All-on-4 Dental Implants?
All-on-4 dental implants attach replacement teeth to the titanium implant posts permanently. All-on-4 implants are a little more secure than snap-in dentures since they do not come out. However, they still require proper dental hygiene to stay functioning.
Snap-in Dentures vs All-on-4s: Which is Better?
Sore Spots and Chafing
Both eliminate discomfort since gums won’t be rubbing up against a traditional denture.
Speech
Snap-in dentures have an acrylic plate that covers the roof of the mouth, which means the wearer needs to relearn some speech sounds. Since All-on-4s follow the natural shape of your mouth you won’t have to learn how to speak differently.
Eating
Both provide stability when eating and drinking, giving back confidence when dining on favorite foods. As far as taste is concerned, the acrylic plate of implant-supported dentures covers the roof of the mouth, which limits taste whereas All-on-4 implants do not have that issue.
Maintenance
Snap-in dentures will need to be removed daily to be cleaned, much like traditional dentures. All-on-4s are permanent and should be treated like natural teeth with regular flossing and brushing maintenance.
Affordability
Implant-supported dentures are a bit more affordable than All-on-4s, making them a cost-effective solution to tooth loss.
Bone Health
Implants support bone health to avoid sunken features from tooth loss. The All-on-4 option uses more implants, which makes them a sturdier option.
Both snap-in dentures and All-on-4 dental implants provide strength and stability to the jaw to prevent bone loss. Dental Implant therapy is a long-lasting treatment that gives smiles their look and function back. Both options have their strengths and weakness, so your Mile High dentist will make the right choice based on your dental needs and budget.
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