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Posted: 06.29.2022

This blog has been reviewed and approved by Dr Robert Lee, a dental professional of 35 years.

What are Snap on Dentures

There are so many innovations in the dental and denture world that it can feel daunting to keep up. You may hear terms like snap-in dentures and wonder what those are? Read on to learn all about snap-in dentures, their pros and cons, and whether they’re the right option for you.

What Are Snap-In Dentures?

Snap-in dentures—also known as implant-supported dentures or snap-on dentures—use implants placed into the jaw in specific areas to support dentures that can be “snapped” into the posts. They are similar to hybrid dentures, except these dentures are removable.

How Do Snap-In Dentures Work?

Conventional dentures normally rest on the gum line—often using denture adhesive to help keep them securely in place—whereas snap-in dentures are snapped onto implants. You can think of these dental implants as posts to support the dentures in place. Sometimes, these implants also have a metal plate along the gum line that can bind the dentures magnetically to the plate to keep them in place. Other dentures just use small magnetic connecting points on the implants themselves, which are used to attach the dentures.

Snap-in dentures can stay in place, while being easy to remove at the same time.

Pros and Cons of Snap-In Dentures

Interested in snap-in dentures? Read on to see the pros and the cons to see whether snap-in dentures are right for you.

Pros

Improves chewing ability. You can eat harder and stickier food. Conventional dentures don’t put much pressure on the jawbone, so you end up biting with less force, which can affect your ability to chew. Implants used with snap-in dentures allow for a biting force that can be as much as 300 percent more than with standard dentures.
More secure and stable than conventional dentures. Snap-in dentures are more stable than conventional dentures, so you won’t have to worry about them slipping out of place or becoming loose, making you more confident in speaking, smiling, and eating.
Easily removable for cleaning. You can easily remove snap-in dentures at the end of the day and clean them like conventional dentures.
More comfortable than conventional dentures. Snap-in dentures fit better and cause less friction on the gums, so they’re more comfortable than conventional dentures.
Helps preserve the jawbone. Snap-in dentures help preserve the jawbone and prevent further bone loss.
Looks more natural than conventional dentures.

Cons

The implants need to be surgically fitted. The implants themselves need to be placed surgically. This may not be an option for those who have certain medical conditions, so talk to your dentist about your options.
Not all jawbones can take implants. Implants need a jawbone for it to be anchored, and sometimes the shape of the jaw or amount of bone is not suitable for the implants needed for snap-in dentures. In some cases, additional bone graft may be required.
There is a recovery period after getting implants. Like with any surgical procedure, you will have a period when you may feel discomfort for a few days after getting implants.
Can cost more than regular dentures. Since snap-in dentures require implants, it can be more expensive than conventional dentures and may not be covered by your insurance.
Snap-in dentures may need replacement or maintenance. Snap-in dentures can eventually break down, and attachments can become loose and need tightening over time.

How Much Do Snap-In Dentures Cost?

Snap-in dentures come in a wide price range, costing as low as $1000 and as high as $10,000. This variation depends on how many implants you need, the materials used in your denture, and the clinic you go to. On average, they can cost around $6000. Talk to your dentist about the cost of a snap-in denture.

Frequently Asked Questions about Snap-In Dentures

What is the average cost of snap-in dentures?

On average, snap-in dentures can cost $6000. Snap-in dentures vary wildly in price ranging from $1000 to $10,000.

How long do snap-in dentures last?

Implants can last a lifetime with the right care and maintenance, but the denture part of the snap-in denture may need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years, as it is subject to wear and tear as well as changes of the jawbone and gums over time.

Are snap-in dentures the same as implants?

Snap-in dentures use dental implants as a support on which the dentures can snap in. However, the teeth part of it is a removable denture, rather than having every single tooth replaced by a dental implant.

Do snap-in dentures feel like real teeth?

Snap-in dentures can feel more secure and natural when compared to conventional dentures, but they will feel a little different when compared to natural teeth.

If you’re trying to decide between dentures and implants, snap-in dentures could be a good compromise, especially if you would like the security and stability implants can give you, but without getting every single tooth replaced. Talk to your dentist about your options.