At Vannasane Dentistry, we fit patients throughout Burlington with snap-in dentures that stay in place while chewing and talking, yet come out easily for daily cleaning.
Why Patients Choose Snap-In Dentures
- Stronger stability. Small attachments on the underside of the denture snap onto implants anchored in the jaw. That connection holds the denture in place far more securely than suction or adhesive alone.
- Bone preservation. Traditional dentures rest on the jaw and can’t stop the bone loss that follows tooth loss. Implants act like replacement tooth roots, stimulating the jawbone and helping preserve its shape and density over time.
- Easier hygiene. Snap-in dentures are removable. Patients take them out at night and for cleaning, brushing both the denture and the implant attachments to keep the gums and remaining bone healthy.
- Better function. With a stable base to bite against, patients chew a wider range of foods with more confidence than they typically can with a traditional denture.
Getting Snap-In Dentures: The Procedure
Exam and 3D Imaging
Treatment starts with a comprehensive exam and a CBCT (cone beam CT) scan, which gives us a 3D view of the jawbone. This scan shows whether there’s enough bone volume to support implants or whether a bone graft should come first.
Implant Placement
Once we confirm candidacy, we place two to four dental implants in the jawbone. The lower jaw typically needs two implants to support a denture, while the upper jaw, which has softer bone and more surface area to secure, typically needs four.
Healing Period
After placement, the implants need time to fuse with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration. Most patients wear a temporary denture during this healing phase, which generally takes a few months.
Attaching Your New Denture
Once the implants have fully integrated, we attach the corresponding connectors, either a ball, locator, or bar-retained attachment system, and fit your custom denture to snap securely onto them.
Snap-In Dentures Vs. Traditional Dentures
Traditional dentures rest on the gums and rely on suction or adhesive to stay in place. They cost less upfront but tend to loosen over time as the jawbone changes shape. Snap-in dentures cost more because they involve implants, but they hold firmly in place and help preserve the jawbone underneath.
Snap-In Dentures Vs. Fixed Implant Dentures
Fixed implant dentures (often called All-on-4 or All-on-X) use four to six implants per arch and stay in the mouth permanently, so patients never remove them. Snap-in dentures use fewer implants, cost less, and come out for cleaning, making them a strong middle ground between a traditional denture and a fully fixed solution.
Are You a Candidate for Snap-In Dentures?
Most patients who have lost most or all of their teeth in an arch and have enough jawbone to support implants are good candidates. If a scan shows insufficient bone, a bone graft can often build up the site so treatment can move forward. A thorough exam at Vannasane Dentistry is the best way to find out which option fits your case.
Ready to Replace Your Missing Teeth?
If loose or uncomfortable dentures are holding you back, contact our office today to schedule a consultation and find out if snap-in dentures are right for you.
