Missing teeth can be a hassle. Not only can it make it more difficult to bite and chew, but it is also bad for your overall oral health.
The oral health issues that come with missing teeth can be exponentially worse when there are whole rows of teeth missing. You may have been in an accident where your teeth were knocked out, or they may have fallen out over time. Whatever the case may be, it’s important to get those missing teeth replaced. One excellent form of replacement is dental implants.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are false teeth (dental crowns) that are attached to the jawbone with a titanium screw or screws. While many people think of individual teeth when they think of dental implants, they can also be made to hold larger portions of teeth in place. This includes entire rows of teeth.
Advantages of Dental Implants
There are some major advantages to dental implants that you’ll want to consider. These include:
* Better Bite Strength. If you have missing teeth, you know how difficult it can be to bite and chew. Even if you are able to bite and chew, it can be exponentially more difficult. While traditional dentures allow you to bite and chew better, they don’t provide the same level of support that dental implants do. Because they are held in place, it’s much easier to eat your favorite foods with dental implants.
* Long-Lasting. Dental implants are built to last. Whether it is a single tooth or a row of teeth, your implants are built with quality, strong materials. The implants themselves are titanium screws—so they aren’t going anywhere.
* Improved Confidence. Everyone loves a full smile. Many people with missing teeth find it difficult to smile. They are self-conscious, so they choose to show as few teeth as possible. With dental implants, you can smile wide without worrying. This, in turn, can greatly boost your mood and self-esteem.
* Stronger Jawbone. Something many people don’t consider when they think about missing teeth is the impact it has on the jawbone. Over time, your jawbone will begin to deteriorate if there isn’t a replacement. Dental implants encourage jawbone strength and prevent your jawbone from deteriorating.
Do Dental Implants Look Natural?
Yes! One of the biggest advantages of dental implants is how natural they can be made to look. While some patients choose more unnatural-looking materials (such as gold), you are able to choose materials that are very similar in appearance to natural teeth. It’s likely that people won’t even notice you have teeth replacements.
What Are Snap-In Dentures?
Snap-in dentures are a sort of hybrid between traditional dentures and dental implants. Traditional dentures aren’t attached to anything, so they can slip around a bit. Snap-in dentures, on the other hand, are attached to titanium screws in the jawbone. This allows them to snap in place (as the name implies).
Often only two to four implants are used, but you may need as many as ten implants to ensure the security of the dentures.
Why Snap-In Dentures?
There are a few different advantages that snap-in dentures have. These include:
* Strength. Snap-in dentures are very strong and secure. Because of this, you don’t have to worry about shifting. You’ll be able to bite and chew your favorite foods without the concerns that come with traditional dentures.
* Jawbone integrity. Without the jawbone having something to hold in place, it will begin to deteriorate. With snap-in dentures, your jawbone will be holding titanium screws in place. This, in turn, can help to maintain the integrity of your jawbone.
* Comfort. Because they are held in place and often fit better than traditional dentures, snap-in dentures are a lot more comfortable.
* Appearance. Snap-in dentures have a very natural-looking appearance. This allows you to smile wide without feeling self-conscious. In turn, this can lead to a boost in your overall mood.
Cons of Snap-In Dentures
While there are some amazing advantages to snap-in dentures, there are also some cons that you’ll want to consider. These include:
* Cost. Snap-in dentures are going to be more expensive than traditional dentures. The placement procedure is a lot more advanced, and this comes with a higher price tag. You also may need a bone graft for your jawbone if it has begun to deteriorate. This can add to the cost.
* Surgery. Unlike traditional dentures, snap-in dentures will require surgery in order to place the titanium screws.
* Maintenance. While snap-in dentures are long-lasting, they will eventually require maintenance. They may become loose and eventually need tightening.
* Insurance Coverage. Many insurance companies either don’t cover snap-in dentures or have a lower level of coverage. You may have to pay partially or fully out of pocket. If this is the case, you may have to consider a loan to cover the cost.
With all of this said, there are also disadvantages to traditional dentures. Weigh out the costs and benefits of snap-in dentures and traditional dentures to see which is the best fit for you.
Snap-In Dentures Cost
While snap-in dentures are an amazing replacement option, it’s important to keep their cost in mind. They may not be covered by your insurance, so you’ll need to check with your provider before having them placed. Out of pocket, snap-in dentures can cost upwards of $6,000. This will depend on the number of implants needed and other factors.
Speak with Your Dentist
If you are losing all of your teeth, have lost your teeth, or need to have them extracted, speak with your dentist about snap-in dentures as a replacement option. Even if you have traditional dentures currently, you may still be a candidate for snap-in dentures. This upgrade has a lot of major advantages!
Your dentist will take a look at your gums and jawbone to see if you are a candidate for snap-in dentures. If your jawbone isn’t strong enough to support snap-in dentures, a bone graft may need to be performed. Keep in mind, this will add to the overall cost.
Consider snap-in dentures for a strong bite, healthy jawbone and a great smile!