No one wants to lose their natural teeth; it can be embarrassing and emotional, not to mention how it affects your ability to speak properly and eat your favorite foods. At Anderson Dental, we understand how personal it is when the time comes to choose the best tooth replacement option for your smile.
Understanding the differences between traditional and snap-in dentures is the first step in making the best choice for you and your oral health.
What Are Traditional Dentures?
Traditional dentures sit on top of your gums; they can replace several or all of your teeth, depending on your situation. Traditional dentures are held in place with denture adhesive or suction.
Some of the things you should know about traditional dentures include the following:
- They are an affordable treatment option.
- No surgery is required.
- We can customize them to fit your mouth.
- They sometimes slip or shift when eating or speaking.
- They can lead to gum irritation or sore spots.
- You may have to visit our dental office for adjustments or relining.
- You could lose jawbone density with stimulation from the roots of your teeth.
What Are Snap-In Dentures?
Snap-in dentures are also known as implant-supported dentures; they’re secured by dental implants, giving them increased stability and function. We’ll surgically place several implants into your jawbone, and then your new dentures will snap onto the implants.
Some of the things you should know about snap-in dentures include the following:
- They are more expensive than traditional dentures.
- You won’t have to worry about slipping or shifting; you can speak clearly and eat all your favorite foods.
- You’ll preserve your jawbone density and facial structure.
- They look and feel like your natural teeth.
- They do require a surgical procedure.
- Not everyone is a candidate for snap-in dentures; you must have healthy teeth and gums, as well as good overall health.
Quick Comparison: Snap-In Dentures vs. Traditional Dentures
| Feature | Snap-In Dentures | Traditional Dentures |
|---|---|---|
| Stability | Maximum stability; dentures "snap" onto implants and won't slip | Held in place by suction or adhesives; may shift while talking or eating |
| Bone Health | Preserves jawbone density and prevents facial sagging | Does not stimulate the bone, which can lead to jawbone shrinkage |
| Chewing & Diet | Excellent chewing power; eat your favorite foods with confidence | Reduced chewing force; may require avoiding tough or sticky foods |
| Procedure | Requires a surgical procedure for implant placement | Non-surgical; involves impressions and custom fittings |
| Daily Comfort | High comfort; looks and feels like natural teeth | Can lead to gum irritation or sore spots if they shift |
| Price Point | Higher initial cost due to surgery and implants | Most affordable upfront tooth replacement option |
Looking for Dentures in Champaign, IL?
To learn more about whether snap-in dentures are right for you, please get in touch with our experienced dental team! We will be happy to answer your questions about the types of dentures we offer and help you make an informed decision that suits your budget and smile goals.
You can reach us by calling (217) 356-7334.