Receiving teeth-in-a-day treatment can make a huge difference. You step into our office and leave with a huge, full smile. However, some patients may need a different approach. Dentures pull people out of the depths of major tooth loss. But are all-on-4 or snap-on dentures better?
How Are the Two Dentures Different?
All-on-4 dentures use dental implants as points of contact. Otherwise, they look just like traditional dentures. The main difference is that all-on-4 dentures tend to be permanently fixed in place.
Snap-on dentures also use dental implants as anchor points. However, they can be removed and placed back into the mouth at will. Similarly, their overall look is the same as that of other denture types.
Are All-on-4 or Snap-on Dentures Better?
As with most procedures, the answer is: it depends. Neither all-on-4 nor snap-on dentures are better in every regard. What matters is the patient’s needs, goals, budget, and preferences
However, you do not need to be worried about deciding on your own. Your dental specialist will carefully consult with you before you make the choice. They will go through each benefit or limitation of either option to help you make your choice.
When Are All-on-4 Dentures Better?
All-on-4 dentures use a series of dental implants as fixture points. The dental prosthetic is then fixed to these dentures.
Situations when all-on-4 dentures are better include:
- When a patient does not have enough bone mass for other denture options.
- When a patient does not want their dentures to leave their mouth.
- When a patient wants enhanced stability while also needing to replace an entire row of teeth.
What About Drawbacks?
The main drawback for patients considering all-on-4 dentures is the cost. If you want to replace both the upper and lower sets of teeth, that will require a total of 8 implants. Placing so many implants will result in a higher price tag for the treatment. Still, patients agree that the results are worth the cost.
When Are Snap-on Dentures Better?
Snap-on dentures also rely on dental implants. However, the mechanism allows them to be removed. Still, this provides enhanced stability over traditional dentures. Such dentures would merely rest over the gums.
Usually, the number of implants you need will start at 2. Depending on your oral health and bone density, you may need up to 6. Were you to need more implants, it would likely make more sense to simply use all-on-4.
Situations when snap-on dentures are better include:
- When a patient wants to have an easy-to-clean set of dentures.
- When a patient wants a more cost-effective approach.
What About Drawbacks?
The main consideration for snap-on dentures involves their removability. Since they can be removed, this inherently means less stability. Still, the stability is far better than with traditional dentures. And it makes for easy cleaning and maintenance.
However, some patients do not like having a removable prosthesis. When wearing a permanent one, some find it easier to feel like the teeth are really theirs. However, it varies from patient to patient.
So Which One Is Better?
Remove factors like cost and time, and patients may find all-on-4 better. The enhanced stability and ease of use stand out. However, life is not so simple. Ultimately, it boils down to what is right for you and what makes you smile comfortably.
Can I Change Denture Types?
Getting either type of these dentures can take weeks to months of time. So, it makes sense patients want to be certain they made the right choice. Your specialist will work closely with you to help match you with the right treatment. However, sometimes a patient’s preferences may change after a procedure.
In these cases, can you change out one type of denture for another? It depends. In many cases, the implants used for snap-on dentures can be repurposed for all-on 4. Usually, patients transition from snap-on to all-on-4, rather than the other way around.
Can I Use Prior Dental Implants for Dentures?
In some cases, dental implants that previously supported a crown or bridge cannot be used for dentures. The thickness and depth of placement for dental implants can be different than those used for dentures. However, the surest way to know is to ask your dentist. They can evaluate the implants you have and provide recommendations.
A Periodontal Master
As a leading periodontist in DTLA, Dr. Kao has helped rebuild hundreds of smiles. Call his office today to set up your own visit to restore your smile.
