What are Snap-In Dentures?
Snap-In Dentures are exactly what they sound like—they snap in! Instead of using adhesives and suction to keep them in place, Snap-In Dentures easily connect to 2 to 6 dental implants inserted into your jaw. They snap into place with the locator abutments that extend off the implants. The dentures have rubber washers that easily connect and lock into place when the abutments are pushed into place.
Once the dentures snap into place, they won’t go anywhere while you eat, smile, speak, or go about your day. They will feel so secure that once you get used to them you won’t even think twice about biting into corn on the cob, steak, apples, or anything else that requires careful chewing. At the end of the day, you will carefully remove your Snap-In Dentures and let them soak overnight just like traditional dentures.
Benefits of Snap-In Dentures
When you get Snap-In Dentures, you can look forward to a number of benefits.
- More stability
- Easier to eat with
- No speech problems
- Can taste more food
- Prevent bone resorption
- Maintain youthful appearance
- Feels natural
- Improved confidence
- Stronger bite
- All-day comfort
When you get Snap-In Dentures, you can say goodbye to all the problems that pop up with traditional dentures. These benefits can have a huge impact on your overall quality of life.
Am I a Good Candidate?
Most patients are good candidates for Snap-In Dentures. We strongly recommend them to patients who need a tooth replacement solution and those who are unhappy with their current pair of dentures. To determine whether or not you’re a good candidate for the procedure, Dr. Strober will conduct a comprehensive dental exam. He will make sure your gums are in good health and see if your jaw has sufficient bone to hold the implants in place.
If for any reason you are not a good candidate, we will present you with treatments that will help you become a good candidate such as gum disease treatment or a bone graft. We will also recommend alternative options. To find out if Snap-In Dentures are right for you, please contact our dental office at (760) 832-7915 to book a consultation.
Procedure Overview
If you’re a good candidate for Snap-In Dentures and ready to start the procedure process, our first step is to place the dental implants. Some patients may only require 2 dental implants to secure the dentures while others may need up to 6. Dr. Strober will recommend the right number of implants for you to ensure you achieve long-lasting results. Dr. Strober will take a CBCT scan to plan your implant placement. After mapping out your implant placement, he will apply a local anesthetic to the placement site. Once you’re numb, he will surgically insert the implants.
For the next 4 to 6 months, osseointegration will occur. In other words, your jaw bone will grow around the implants to hold them in place. During this time, you will wear a set of temporary set. Then, once you’re healed enough, we will take impressions to create your permanent pair of Snap-In Dentures. When they return from the lab, we will show you how to insert and remove them and go over care instructions.
Caring For Snap-In Dentures
When you have Snap-In Dentures, you need to take the proper steps to maintain good oral health to prevent implant failure and to help your dentures last as long as possible. Here are some care tips that will help.
Insertion
By properly inserting your Snap-In Dentures, you can prevent them from becoming warped, breaking, or wearing out prematurely. To insert the Snap-In Dentures, carefully place them in your mouth and wiggle it back and forth until you feel the rubber washers align with the dental implants. Then, carefully push the appliance into place along the arch. You should hear a snap when the two pieces engage correctly. To ensure they’re secure, give them a gentle tug. If anything feels off, it means your they aren’t placed properly.
We encourage you to not pop the dentures in your mouth and bite down once you find the right position. This can lead to warping and may damage the denture—especially because the denture is made of acrylic which isn’t durable if you’re too forceful.
Cleaning Instructions
Keeping your dentures and implants clean is one of the best ways to prevent bad breath, gum disease, and help them last as long as possible. To clean them, at the end of the day, remove and brush them with a denture brush and unscented antibacterial soap and water. Make sure to gently scrub the rubber washers too.
Once you’re done cleaning, place them in a cup of water overnight. Then, using a soft-bristle toothbrush and toothpaste, gently brush your gums and your tongue to remove any remaining bacteria from your mouth. It’s also important to use a water flosser around the implant site to keep the area clean. This will help keep your breath fresh and your gums free of gum disease. In the morning, brush your gums and tongue again before placing your dentures back in your mouth.
In addition to daily cleaning, we recommend letting these soak overnight in a denture cleaning solution once or twice per week. This will help remove any remaining bacteria you might have missed when brushing them.
Maintenance
Snap-In Dentures aren’t a set it and forget it type of procedure. They will require maintenance and adjustments throughout the year to ensure they function properly. Every few months, we will need to replace the rubber o-rings and professionally clean the dentures. Additionally, we will check your dental implants to make sure they are healthy and functioning properly as well. Dr. Strober will let you know how frequently you should visit our office for maintenance.
Book a Consultation For Snap-In Dentures in Rancho Mirage Today
If you’re interested in potentially replacing your missing teeth with Snap-In Dentures in Rancho Mirage, Dr. Strober is happy to answer all your questions and let you know if you’re a good candidate for the procedure. Please contact Country Club Dentistry to book an appointment by calling (760) 832-7915 today.
