SNAP-IN DENTURES
LET'S GET YOU SNAPPED IN
Snap-in dentures are a tremendous upgrade to traditional dentures.
A snap-in denture uses dental implants to secure your denture in your mouth. Unlike traditional (non-implant) dentures which are tough to keep in place, snap-in dentures are much more stable and don't require the messy glue.
While traditional dentures typically look nice and are the most cost-effective way to replace bad or missing teeth, they can leave a lot to be desired in terms of overall function, stability, and chewing ability. Snap-in dentures improve you ability to chew, speak, and use your teeth the way you want, and to eat the foods you have missed for so long.
REALITY OF TRADITIONAL DENTURES
Limited chewing power
due to movement and instability of the lower denture, only having 10%-20% of your biting power.
Speech issues
because of movement of the lower denture and the presence of a roof/palate in the upper denture.
Embarrassment
caused by the inability to eat around others, laugh loudly, and speak confidently due to the denture falling out
Discomfort
caused by the movement of the upper and lower denture rubbing and chafing the gums.
Poor nutrition
with losing chewing power, eating a balanced diet & chewing for proper digestion is difficult
Bone loss
after the removal of teeth that will continue over time.
Gagging
due to upper dentures covering the roof of the mouth.
Combining dental implants with dentures helps to improve all of these issues.
BENEFITS OF SNAP-IN DENTURES
Enjoy more of your favorite foods
with greater biting power and confidence.
Speak confidently
with loved ones with confidence in knowing your denture won't fall out.
Smile and laugh
without worrying your dentures fall out.
Live more comfortably
with reduced or eliminated irritation caused by moving dentures.
Receive better nutrition
by chewing better quality, fibrous foods and eating a more balanced diet.
Maintains jawbone
to prevent the appearance of natural aging
Reduce or eliminate gagging
through the removal of a significant portion of the palate in your upper denture.
Taste your food better
through the removal of the palate in the upper denture.
AM I A CANDIDATE FOR DENTURES?
The best way to see if dentures are the best option for you is by scheduling an appointment with Dr. Rod. Here are some of the most common things we hear from patients who need full-mouth rehabilitation.
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A bad experience at your previous dentist kept you from going back
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Teeth that are "past the point of being saved"
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You have infections in your mouth which "come and go"
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You've put off going to the dentist because you are worried about pain or cost of treatment
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You are embarrassed to show people or loved ones your smile
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You tend to hold your hand over your mouth to keep from showing your teeth to others
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You have a large bridge that is starting to move
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You have had lots of dental "patchwork" over the years, which is now deteriorating
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You have been diagnosed with periodontal/gum disease that you haven't been able to keep up with
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Your teeth are starting to move
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Your dentist has told you that your teeth need to be extracted
HOW MUCH DO SNAP-IN DENTURES COST?
2 Implant Snap-In Lower Denture
Starting at $3,385 (price does not include extractions)
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Includes 2 implants, 2 abutments, snaps, 1 lower denture
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Provides a lower denture that is secured much better than a traditional denture
4 Implant Snap-In Denture (Upper or LOWER)
Starting at $5,975 (price does not include extractions)
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Includes 4 implants, 4 abutments, 4 "snaps", 1 upper or lower denture
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Provides significantly improved stability and fit compared to a traditional denture
4 Implant Snap-In Denture (Upper and LOWER)
Starting at $11,755 (price does not include extractions)
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Includes 8 implants, 8 abutments, 8 "snaps", upper/lower dentures
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Provides significantly improved stability and fit compared to a traditional denture
(*Implants are $1,295 each - this includes the implant, abutment, and "snaps")
TIMELINE OF YOUR JOURNEY
Your new patient appointment
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During your initial consultation, your first stop will be at our imaging suite, where we will take any necessary X-rays.
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One of our lovely assistants will then bring you to one of our consultation rooms to determine what your goals are for your smile and work to better understand your story. At this point, we can also answer any questions you may have about any part of the process.
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Next, you will meet Dr. Rod. As a team, with you included in the decision-making process, we will determine some treatment options that are ideal to your budget and situation. It is one of our key principles at Texoma Dentures & Implants that no patient is the same. We each have different budgets and unique situations, and for that reason we make a serious effort to customize our treatment plans to you.
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Once we have determined some options, and explained the process for getting you there, we will provide you with the cost of your customized treatment options. If you have insurance and accurately provided us with your insurance information ahead of time, we will also be able to give you an estimate of how much your insurance will cover.
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Once all of your questions are answered, the next step is getting you scheduled for your big day.
Your big day
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On this day, you will usually come in the morning to design your smile with Dr. Rod. At this time, we will take some impressions, and you and Dr. Rod will discuss your new smile. Together with our highly-trained lab team, we will design your new smile. If you have pictures of what your teeth used to look like, or what you would like them to look like, please bring them! We will also choose the shade of your teeth and gums to make it fully custom to you!
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After we're done, your prescriptions are digitally sent to your pharmacy, and you will have a break for a few hours while we are making your new teeth in our lab. We ask that you pick up your prescriptions during this break and bring them all back with you.
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Later that same day, you will come back (with all of your prescriptions picked up) for your procedure. Once we are done, your dentures will go in immediately afterwards, and we will review post-operative instructions with you and your driver.
On the first night, we ask that you try your best to wear your new teeth all night. The main purpose is to control any swelling, so that your denture will fit as well as it can afterwards, and also to protect your gums as you start to heal.
The next day
Dr. Rod will normally see you the day after your procedure, (or on Monday if your extractions were on Friday), for a follow-up. It is not uncommon to have some sore spots from the denture that need to be adjusted. It is important to understand that healing is a process, and it doesn't happen overnight. Patients that follow Dr. Rod's instructions are often surprised to experience less pain than they expected, and one of the most common phrases we hear is "I thought it was going to be much worse."
Softliners (during your healing period)
It takes approximately 5-6 months for your gums to completely heal. During your healing process, your gums and bone are adapting, and as they settle in, it can cause your denture to not fit as well. For that reason, every immediate denture includes a series of three soft-cushioned liners, or softliners, that are placed along the inside of your denture during your healing process to help fill any gaps and help your denture be as comfortable and fit as well as it possibly can until your healing is complete. The first soft liner is placed at approximately 2 weeks, the next is 6 weeks later, and the last is 8 weeks after that.
Second Procedure
After 5-6 months of healing, Dr. Rod will expose your implants and place the small "buttons" (abutments) on top of your implants. The gums will heal around them before the final Snap-In dentures are made.
Final Reline (Usually 2 weeks later)
Once your gums are completely healed, we take a brand new impression of your mouth, and completely reline your denture to fit your new snaps. This appointment is a two-part appointment, and your dentures will be ready to snap-in the same afternoon! This is also when your palate will be removed from your upper snap-in denture!
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Is it really possible to have teeth extracted, dental implants placed, and immediate dentures delivered in one day?"In the majority of cases, yes. Most of our patients have all teeth removed, dental implants placed, and immediate dentures placed all in the same appointment. However, the dentures do not snap-in at first. This method shortens your treatment time and the number of surgical procedures needed.
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How long does the process take from start to finish?After your procedure, we need to let the gums and mouth heal until we can move forward with getting you snapped-in, and this period is usually 5-6 months. During this period, we will see you for follow-up appointments, to make sure your dentures are comfortable to wear, as well as to place your cushioned soft-liners for a snug fit. After you are fully healed, your doctor will place the attachments on your implants and make your final denture.
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I’ve been wearing dentures for years, am I still a candidate for Snap-In dentures?"In most cases, yes! Today’s dental technology allows for many available options for getting dental implants, and we treat many patients who have been in dentures for decades. The first step is getting a complimentary consultation and 3D scan so that we can determine your options.
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Is it true that Snap-In dentures help keep my jawbone from shrinking?Since dental implants are placed and integrated within the jaw, the natural act of chewing and using your Snap-In dentures allows for stimulation in the jawbone, which helps prevent the jaw from shrinking and encourages the body to continue to produce new bone.
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I already have dentures, can I just get the implants and snap them in?"In most cases, we will need to make you a new denture to ensure we have a properly-fitting, secure denture that can withstand the stronger biting forces you get with denture implants.
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How many implants will I need?A top Snap-In denture requires at least 4 implants. A lower Snap-In denture requires at least 2 implants. The more implants you have, the more stable your denture will generally be. This is especially true with the lower denture. Three or 4 implants in the lower is usually much better than 2, however 2 is also much better than none at all.
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I have a bad gag reflex. Are Snap-In dentures right for me?This is a tricky question, because it depends on if you are able to tolerate an upper denture for 5-6 months while your implants are healing. If your reflex is intolerable to the point where you don’t think you could, then Teeth in a Day/All on Four may be a better option for you (where you never have a palate or denture).
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Do you use mini implants for my Snap-In dentures?Absolutely not. At Texoma Dentures and Implants, we only place full sized implants. These implants have a much higher success rate and will last much longer than mini implants, ensuring the best outcome for you (and your implants). Please proceed with caution at any office recommending mini dental implants as a permanent solution. They have a very high failure/complication rate.
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Will my dentures snap-in the same day I get my implants?Denture implants need 5-6 months to heal before they can be snapped in. While you will never be without teeth since you get a new denture the same day, the implants need time to integrate in your mouth before we can snap-in to them. If you would like a more immediate solution for your smile, Teeth in a Day/All on Four should be considered.
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Are Snap-In Dentures removable?Yes, Snap-In dentures are meant to be removable, however the benefit is when you are using them, they are much more secure than traditional dentures.
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Can I get food stuck under my Snap in Dentures?With a traditional denture, one of the downsides is you can get lots of food under them, especially after a big meal. With Snap-In dentures, since the dentures are anchored down into the dental implants, it is much more difficult for food to get under them. While the amount of food that can get underneath is decreased greatly, any denture will still get a small amount of food under them. A benefit of Snap in Dentures is that they can be removed, easily cleaned, and snapped back in.
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Can I taste my foods better with Snap-In Dentures?Yes! The biggest benefit of getting four implants on the top is that we can remove a big portion of the palate/roof in your upper denture, which allows you to taste foods much better compared to traditional dentures and gives you a more natural experience. Because your tongue also has more room when the palate is removed, patients report a great improvement to the general comfort of an upper Snap-In. For patients who have a severe gag reflex, removing the palate will also provide a huge relief.
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Can Snap-In Dentures still have some movement?The dental implants significantly reduce movement of the dentures, especially with four on the top/four on the bottom. However, it is possible to still have slight movement of the dentures, especially with only 2 implants on the bottom. This varies from person to person and the shape of the mouth. Generally, the more dental implants, the more stable the dentures are.
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Will my dentures look natural?Our talented lab team will make sure you don't end up with "horse" or "buck" teeth, or "chiclets" - just a beautiful, natural-looking smile. Our goal is for no one else to know you're wearing dentures, and to give you the smile you have always dreamed of - no exceptions!
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Can I be put to sleep for my Snap-In denture procedure?The majority of our patients are comfortably treated with oral sedation. If desired, a dental anesthesiologist can also be brought in for an additional fee.
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How much do Snap-In dentures cost?This depends on how many you get and if you still have natural teeth left to be extracted. Each denture implant costs $1,095, and you would need at least 2 for the bottom to snap in and at least 4 for the top to snap in.
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Will there be pain after my Snap-In dentures procedure?While some soreness can be expected after any dental procedure, most of our patients report minor discomfort after the procedure, even when extracting 20 or more teeth and getting 8 implants. Your doctor will also prescribe you medications based on your medical history, to help alleviate swelling and discomfort.
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How long will I need to be off of work after the Snap in Dentures procedure?Time off varies from person to person. Some patients return to work the very next day while others need a few days off. Since some swelling and discomfort is expected as well as getting used to your new teeth, the longer you can take, the better.
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Can Snap-In denture implants fail?Dental implants have a very high success rate of about 98%. If a dental implant fails to integrate into the jawbone, it usually happens during the 6 month healing phase. If a dental implant fails to integrate, we will replace it at no cost up to one year after attachment. Smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, and certain medications can decrease dental implant success rates.
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How often do I need to replace the denture snaps?Just like the treads of a tire wear down over time, snapping your dentures in and out can wear the rubber part inside your “snaps”, resulting in the strength of your snap-in denture to decrease once they are worn down. For most patients, we recommend to replace the rubber part every 1-2 years. For some patients, they may need to replace them every 6-9 months. Getting your snaps replaced is a very simple, affordable process (each replacement band is $25), and can be done in a short visit. It is very important that you do not get in the habit of “biting” your snaps into place, as this can result in the rubber part wearing down much more quickly.
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What are Snap-In dentures?If you have made it this far down and are still wondering what Snap-In dentures are, that’s something to be proud of. Snap-In Dentures use dental implants to provide a more stable and comfortable fit compared to traditional dentures. Snap-In dentures are removable but are much more stable than traditional dentures and don’t require messy denture adhesive or glue. Over time, wearing traditional dentures can lead to the loss of natural jawbone. The dental implants used in Snap in Dentures help stimulate and retain your natural jawbone. With Snap in Dentures you will be much more confident in speaking, smiling, and eating compared to traditional dentures. Other names commonly used for Snap In Dentures include: Implant Overdentures, Dental Implant Dentures, and Semi Permanent Teeth.
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How are your denture prices so affordable?At Texoma Dentures & Implants, we built a denture lab right in our office! This allows us to eliminate the need for an outside lab and their marked up prices. You will find most traditional dental offices charge 2-5 times as much as we do. Not to mention they can take weeks or even months to get your new teeth when we can make them in one day. In addition, you benefit from having a highly-trained team dedicated to making beautiful dentures every day.
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I don’t like how my old dentures look. Can you fix that?This is one of our favorite things to do. By having our denture lab in the office, we get to have a much higher level of control over how your dentures turn out. We encourage you to bring your dentures with you to your appointments, no matter how much you don’t like them. This allows us to see what needs to be corrected and correct them.
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How quickly can you make my dentures?In most cases, we are able to make your dentures in one day.
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What are the differences in your denture levels?Our dentures offer better wear resistance, better stain resistance, and a longer warranty as you go up in level. Each level also has a stronger/more durable tooth than the one before it. Our highest level denture (Top of the Line") is the only level where both the teeth and base are covered. (If a tooth were to “pop” off 4 years and 11 months later, we will fix it for free!)
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Do I need to take my Snap-In dentures out every night?In short, yes. When you wear your dentures for long periods of time, the gums underneath do not get enough oxygen to “breathe”, and the moisture in your mouth can lead to bacterial and even fungal growth. That’s why it’s best practice to take them out every night and clean them thoroughly. For some patients with atypical schedules, it makes sense to remove them during the day instead. The main idea is to give your gums time to rest and “breathe” at some point every day. Also, for people who grind their teeth, taking their dentures out while sleeping will increase their usable life.
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What are denture adjustments and how often will I need them?At first, new dentures may have certain spots that rub and can cause soreness. During a denture adjustment, we can pinpoint the spot(s) on your denture that are bothering you, reduce the amount of pressure they put on the tissue, and smooth them thoroughly. This is completely normal with new dentures, and one or more adjustments should be expected.
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Is there a charge for denture adjustments?We provide denture adjustments free of charge for the life of any denture that was made in our office.
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What is an “arch”?Put simply: a dental arch is either the top or bottom set of teeth.
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How do dentures fit?The fit of dentures largely depends on the anatomy of the person wearing them. Full upper dentures tend to fit relatively well, acting like a suction cup against the roof of the mouth. Full lower dentures tend to feel loose and have a tendency to "float" in the mouth since your tongue and cheeks are constantly working to dislodge them. It is for this reason that we strongly recommend dental implants with lower dentures.
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How long does it take my jaws to fully heal after extractions?The healing process is a journey, and it is different from person to person. Your journey is dependent on factors varying from age, your overall health, your willingness to follow instructions like rinsing with salt water, and abstaining from smoking after your procedure. The first “stepping stone” is usually between 1-3 weeks for most patients. The normal full healing time is approximately 6 months. Again, this will vary from person to person.
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How do I care for my Snap-In dentures?Snap-In dentures are very easy to take care of because you can take them out. Clean them daily with a soft bristled toothbrush or denture brush and a non-abrasive cleaner (do not use regular toothpaste). You should store them in water when not in use.
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What do I use to clean my dentures?Antibacterial soap (like dawn dish soap) and either a denture brush or very soft bristled tooth brush. Scrub them at least once a day. Soak them in a denture cleanser for 5 minutes (optional). You may also clean them in an ultrasonic cleaner.
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Can I boil my dentures to clean them?No! Please do not boil your dentures to clean them. There is a strong chance that this will warp your dentures and ruin them.
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Can my dentures be damaged?Yes, your dentures are made from acrylic teeth and an acrylic base, and while these materials are very strong, they can be damaged. Be careful not to drop your dentures, especially onto porcelain sinks, ceramic tiles, etc. One of the most common ways dentures are damaged beyond repair is when a dog (or sometimes cat) gets ahold of them. Pets and animals love to chew on dentures and can often damage them beyond repair very quickly. Be extra careful to put your dentures up where your pet can’t get to them.
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If my dentures are damaged, can they be repaired?"Yes, in most cases they can. One of the great features of acrylic dentures is the ease and affordability of repairing them compared to other materials. And in most cases, repairs can be completed the same day.
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My friend's teeth look like buck teeth. Will mine look like that?Absolutely not. When we say that we take pride in the work we do - we mean it! Our talented lab team will make sure you don't end up with "horse teeth" or "chiclets" - just beautiful, natural-looking teeth. Our goal is for no one else to know you're wearing dentures, and to make you a smile that you can be proud of - no exceptions! TEXOMA FACT: By having an in-office lab, we have control of exactly what your smile will look like. If there is something you (or we) don't like about your smile during your try-in, we have the ability to improve it before your final denture is made.