There’s more than one way to use dental implants to replace all of the teeth in your upper or lower jaw. Some patients choose to get snap-on dentures, also known as removable implant dentures; others elect to pursue All-on-4 implants. Both options can be excellent ways to reclaim a complete smile, but before choosing one over the other, it’s important to make sure that you fully understand the differences between them.
What are All-on-4 Implants?
All-on-4 is a procedure that involves replacing an entire arch of teeth with just four dental implant posts that have been inserted into specific spots in the jaw at carefully chosen angles. The implant posts support a customized denture that serves as the replacement teeth. Notably, the prosthesis is designed to stay attached to the implant posts 24/7; it can only be removed by a trained dental professional.
What are Snap-On Dentures?
Snap-on dentures are anchored to the jaw with two to six implant posts. Unlike with All-on-4, snap-on dentures can be taken out of your mouth at any time. In particular, you will need to remove them every night before you go to bed; this is to give your gums and jaw an opportunity to rest.
Comparing All-on-4 Implants and Snap-On Dentures
On the surface, All-on-4 implants and snap-on dentures seem fairly similar; both involve attaching a full denture to sturdy implant posts in order to correct extensive tooth loss. However, there are a few key differences between these two tooth replacement options:
- Maintenance: With All-on-4, the denture remains in your mouth at all times, allowing you to brush and floss it the way you would your natural teeth. In contrast, a snap-on denture must be removed for routine maintenance. This makes it easier to clean the gum tissue that the prosthesis normally covers.
- Speech: When you get snap-on dentures to replace your upper teeth, the prosthesis may come with a plate that covers the roof of your mouth. As such, you might need to relearn how to make certain sounds when speaking. With All-on-4, this typically isn’t an issue.
- Cost: Snap-on dentures often come with a lower price tag than All-on-4 implants. Of course, the cost of either treatment can vary from patient to patient based on a variety of factors.
- Stability: With All-on-4, the prosthesis is permanently fixed in place, making it more stable than a snap-on denture.
Having a firm grasp of the differences between All-on-4 implants and snap-on dentures is essential for determining which option is right for you. If you schedule an appointment with your dentist, they can explain the pros and cons of the two treatments in more detail, and they can help you figure out which one is the best fit for your smile.
About the Author
Dr. Theresa Lassetter is a graduate of the University of Texas Health Science Center School of Dentistry. She has earned the honor of being named a Diplomate of the International Dental Implant Association, and she holds membership with the American Dental Association and the Texas Dental Association. At Heart of Texas Smiles General & Cosmetic Dentistry in Waco, she offers All-on-4 implants and snap-on dentures for patients who have lost most or all of their teeth. If you’re interested in getting dental implants to rebuild your entire smile, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Lassetter by visiting her website or calling (254) 848-0240.