Snap-In Dentures: Making Tooth Replacement a “Snap!”

In Syracuse, NY, many residents over 65 face a common challenge: complete tooth loss. According to the NYS Department of Health, approximately 17% of older adults in the state have lost all their teeth, leading to oral health issues and a significant impact on their overall quality of life. For years, the go-to solution was traditional removable dentures, but now, thanks to advancements in dental technology, a more effective solution has emerged: snap-in dentures.

What Are Snap-In Dentures?

Snap-in dentures, also known as implant-retained overdentures, represent the next evolution of traditional removable dentures. Their use of dental implants classifies them as implant dentures, but they are the only option that maintains the removability of old-fashioned dentures. To create a snap-in denture, we anchor your teeth securely into the jawbone using mini dental implants. This gives them a much more stable and functional foundation than traditional dentures. This connection enhances the wearer’s chewing and biting power and eliminates the need for messy adhesives and constant adjustments.

The denture is less bulky than a conventional denture, so it looks and feels more like natural teeth. Thanks to its removal of the palate section, it also allows you to taste food more naturally.

Implant dentures don’t just enhance your smile aesthetically; they also offer significant long-term oral health benefits. Traditional dentures don’t replace your missing tooth roots, which are crucial in maintaining jawbone health. The mini dental implants in snap-in dentures act as prosthetic roots, preventing jawbone and facial tissue deterioration. This feature is vital in retaining both jawbone health and facial structure.

Types of Implant Dentures

At The Mini Dental Implant Center of America in Syracuse, NY, we offer various types of implant dentures to suit different needs and preferences:

1. Snap-on dentures: These are removable dentures that snap onto 4-8 mini implants. They offer improved stability and functionality with the convenience of removability for cleaning.
2. Semi-removable roundhouse bridge: Even though this is a “bridge,” a zirconia roundhouse is designed to replace all your teeth. It’s often called Fixed-on-Six® because we use 6-10 mini implants to secure it to your jawbone. An alternative to the older All-on-4® system, this option provides more stability and support. It’s classified as semi-removable because only a dentist like Dr. Bradford will remove it for professional cleaning.
3. Non-removable roundhouse bridge: For those seeking the most stable and durable option, we cement these permanent zirconia bridges onto 10-12 mini dental implants. All roundhouse bridges eliminate the pink plastic base of traditional dentures, so they mimic the look and feel of natural teeth much more closely.

The Advantages of Using Mini Implants

One of the big benefits of snap-in dentures compared to other restorative options is their use of mini dental implants. We’ve already discussed the many benefits of implants, but mini implants bring extra advantages. When compared to the larger traditional dental implants, mini implants are:

• Less invasive: We can place mini implants quickly and without invasive surgery, only a tiny pilot hole. This is great for patients nervous about lengthy or extensive dental procedures. It’s also beneficial for those with limited jawbone space who may not be eligible for larger implants.
• Faster healers: Traditional implants take months to fully fuse with your jawbone, while mini implants only need a few weeks.
• Equally reliable: Don’t let their small size fool you—despite measuring about as thick as a toothpick, mini implants are just as strong and durable as conventional implants.
• More affordable: Their smaller size and easier placement combined with fewer required appointments means mini implants are about half the cost of traditional implants. When you come in for your free consultation, our office staff will help you navigate your dental insurance or any financing options to help make snap-in dentures affordable for your budget.

Schedule Your Consultation for Snap-In Dentures Today

Don’t let tooth loss hold you back any longer. Contact Dr. Bradford at the MDICA in Syracuse, NY, today to schedule a free consultation and discover how snap-in dentures can transform your smile and life. With our expertise in mini dental implants and commitment to patient care, we dedicate ourselves to helping you regain the smile you deserve.