Dentures that snap onto dental implants have several different names which include these names:
- Snap-in dentures
- Snap-on dentures
- Locator dentures
- Implant retained dentures
- Implant retained overdentures
- Complete removable implant retained dentures
- Removable implant retained overdentures
All of the above terms refer to the same basic denture. The denture is held firmly in place, increasing your confidence since the denture will not move while talking and eating. The denture can be removed for easy cleaning in a private area. Most importantly, the denture looks great restoring your youthful appearance.
How Do Snap-in Dentures Work?
Between two and four implants are placed in each jaw. The implants are allowed to heal. During healing the implant fuses to the bone. An abutment is then screwed into the dental implant. You do not need to be numb this step has no pain. The abutment is a connector that is like a snap. The inside of the denture has a receiver called a retentive ring that allows the denture to snap onto the dental implant securely.
How to Remove Snap-in DenturesFirmly press downward on the back edge of the upper denture. Pull upward on the front edge of the lower denture. The denture should be firmly in place, but also able to be removed and cleaned. Some people find it helpful to use a denture removal tool. Zest corporation makes a Zest Chairside ® denture removal tool. This tool can be placed on the edge of the denture to assist in pulling the upper denture down or pushing the lower denture up.
What Is the Cost of Snap-in Dentures in Indiana?
The cost will vary depending upon the individual person and situation. Generally, it can range from 12,000.00 to 14,000.00 for either the upper or lower arch or jaw. Some offices will have one fee for each arch which will include extractions, sedation, implants and abutments. The fee for your condition will be clearly given to you at your examination appointment.
Do Snap-in Dentures Require Maintenance?
Implant retained removable overdentures will need the following maintenance:
- The teeth with all dentures may need replaced every 8-10 years.
- The locator abutments have wear on the metal as the denture slides over the abutments. Occasionally, the abutments become worn and need to be replaced.
- Dental implants have an over 90% success rate. But sometimes the implants need to be replaced. The snap-in denture has strong advantage since it can be repaired. New implants can be placed and fitted to an existing denture unlike the screw retained hybrid denture.
- The retentive rings inside of the denture connect to the abutments. These rings are designed to wear and will need replacement every few years. It is a very simple procedure. The removable overdenture system is designed to have easily replaced parts since the dentures will be used for many years.
- Daily cleaning is essential to remove harmful bacteria.
What Is the Process or Treatment Steps for Snap-in Dentures?
If you have some teeth that need to be removed and replaced with an complete implant removable overdenture, then below is a general guide for how treatment may progress. If you have an existing denture and would like to have a new denture that is retained by implants, then after the examination appointment you would likely proceed to implant placement. The healing times are important to have long-term success. Bone grows and matures slowly but you will have teeth present while this is occurring.
- Examination appointment
- Remove Back Teeth
- Immediate Denture
- Immediate Denture Delivered
- Implant Placement
- Denture Conversion
- Maintenance Cleanings
