The Snap-On Dentures Procedure

In the United States, 41 million people wear dentures. But for people looking to replace missing teeth without turning to traditional dentures, there are other options. One potential choice is snap-on dentures. 

Snap-on dentures can offer all the benefits that traditional devices provide without any of their drawbacks. Read about what snap-on dentures are and what the procedure involves. 

Understanding Snap-On Dentures

Snap-on dentures, sometimes called overdentures or implant-supported dentures, look almost identical to traditional dentures until you turn them over. There, you can see attachments that will connect to the dental implants you need to have placed in your jaws. 

Dental implants are titanium posts that function like the roots of your teeth. Most people need two to four implants to hold the dentures in place. 

The best candidates for snap-on dentures are people who:

• Have sufficient jawbone density for implants
• Are in good overall health
• Have no oral infections

By holding the dentures firmly in place, the dental implants allow you to speak and eat as you normally would without the fear of moving dentures. They also give you a more forceful bite because the implants are attached to your jaw or gums. 

Snap-on dentures offer another benefit that traditional dentures cannot: prevention against further jawbone loss. To create more bone cells, your jawbone depends on the stimulation of the roots of your teeth. 

When you have missing teeth, this stimulation is no longer there, leading to bone loss. Because dental implants function like tooth roots, these types of dentures help prevent further damage. 

Getting Snap-On Dentures

The first step in the process of getting snap-on dentures is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Harvey Chan at Vegas Dental Experts. During this appointment, he will take a CBCT scan to see where to place the implants and assess your needs and ask about your medical history. Make sure to tell him about any medications you take and the goals you have for your treatment. 

To prepare for the procedure, Dr. Chin will ask that you stop taking blood-thinning medications like aspirin and ibuprofen. You should also avoid alcohol for a few days before the appointment. 

When you come in to obtain your implant, you will receive local anesthesia, though Dr. Chin can also provide sedation options if you have dental anxiety. In addition, it’s important to know that we use mini dental implants for our procedures, which do not require incisions or much drilling into your jaw. Dr. Chin prefers these because they are faster and less invasive. 

On the day of the procedure, Dr. Chin will begin by numbing your jaws and gums. Once you are comfortable, he will set the implants in place and then add the dentures. 

A benefit of snap-on dentures is that the recovery process is short, and you can get right back to your normal routine. For the first couple of days, you may want to take over-the-counter medications for pain.

Turn to Experts for Help

If you want to get dentures but are not sure about the best options, you can turn to Dr. Chin at Vegas Dental Experts. He has over 40 years of experience helping people regain the full use of their teeth. Reach out to him to schedule a free consultation.