
What Are Snap-In Implant Dentures?
Snap-In Implant Dentures are custom-made dentures that securely attach to the dental implants placed by your dentist Weatherford . This innovative solution offers numerous advantages, including:
- Elevate Your Dining Experience: Opting for dental implants to anchor your denture ensures you can savor your favorite meals with enhanced stability and confidence.
- Permanent Solution: Unlike removable dentures, non-removable options stay firmly fixed in place within your mouth.
- Confidence in Your Smile: Enjoy peace of mind knowing your dentures are securely positioned, allowing you to smile and laugh freely.
- Enhanced Comfort: Experience reduced denture movement, minimizing discomfort from rubbing and chafing.
- Improved Nutrition: Chew food more effectively with enhanced denture stability, promoting better nutrition.
- Created for patients with insufficient bone for traditional implants, this product fulfills minimal bone requirements.
- Prevent Bone Loss: Dental implants stimulate ongoing bone production in the jaw, even after tooth extraction, helping to prevent bone loss.
- Reduce or Eliminate Gag Reflex: In certain cases, part of the palate can be removed, reducing or entirely eliminating the discomfort of gagging often associated with dentures.
- Enhanced Comfort: Dental implants greatly improve comfort by minimizing or eliminating the discomfort caused by denture movement.
- Enhance Taste: Some implant recipients may have the option to remove part of the upper denture's palate, potentially enhancing their ability to taste food.
Snap-In Implant Dentures vs. Traditional Dentures
While traditional dentures are often aesthetically pleasing and a cost-effective solution for replacing damaged or missing teeth, they can fall short in terms of functionality, stability, and chewing capability.
Challenges of traditional (non-implant) dentures include:
- Limited Chewing Power: Movement of lower dentures results in significantly reduced chewing effectiveness—typically only 10-20% of natural teeth's chewing power. Tongue and cheek movements constantly destabilize lower dentures.
- Speech Impediments: Movement of lower dentures can make speaking challenging.
- Social Embarrassment: Fear of dentures slipping or falling out can lead to discomfort eating in public, laughing freely, or engaging confidently in conversations.
- Discomfort: Frequent movement of traditional dentures, especially lower ones, can cause gum irritation and discomfort.
- Nutritional Challenges: Reduced chewing power can hinder the ability to eat a balanced diet and properly digest food.
- Bone Loss: Removal of natural teeth often leads to significant bone loss over time, making traditional dentures less secure and comfortable as the jaw structure changes.
- Gag Reflex: Upper dentures covering the palate may trigger gag reflexes in some individuals, compromising comfort and stability. Trimming the denture to alleviate gagging can reduce suction and stability.
Snap-In Implant Dentures offer substantial improvements in addressing these issues.
Am I a Candidate?
Nearly all patients are potential candidates! To confirm eligibility, a brief consultation is necessary. During this visit, we will conduct a 3D scan of your jawbones, perform an oral examination, and thoroughly review your medical history with you.
How Many Implants Will I Need?
- Upper Implant Denture: Requires a minimum of 4 implants for optimal support and stability.
- Lower Implant Denture: Requires a minimum of 2 implants, with 3 or 4 implants generally offering notably enhanced retention and stability.
Snap-In Implant Dentures Procedure Timeline
The procedure generally spans approximately six months from beginning to completion.
1
Procedure
Following the extraction of any remaining teeth and completion of any necessary oral surgeries, the implants are inserted into the jawbone. Once placed, the implants are typically not visible and will remain undisturbed in your jawbone for at least four months while they integrate with the bone (osseointegration).
2
Post Op
We look forward to your follow-up appointment, typically scheduled the day after your procedure. During this visit, we will assess your oral condition, ensure your dentures fit comfortably, and address any queries you may have.
3
Soft Liners / Soft Re-Fittings
Soft liners are cushions placed in your dentures periodically during the healing process. They fill the gaps between your gums and dentures caused by healing, providing cushioning and enhancing the fit and comfort of your dentures.
4
Uncovery
This minor surgical procedure involves exposing the implants and placing small healing abutments on top of them. This process shapes your gum tissue and prepares 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 procedure is typically completed in one day, although it may occasionally take a bit longer.