Whether you have lost one, several, or an entire arch of teeth, you know that missing teeth can significantly deter your quality of life. But you may also feel stressed by the many options available to restore your smile and replace these lost teeth.
Ask your dentist about removable oral appliances that secure to your mouth with long-lasting dental implants. Check out this article that Dr. Ira Goldberg published about trying prosthetic teeth before committing to the fixtures with Snap-On-Dentures.
Replace Missing Teeth with Snap-On-Dentures
With the looming thought of an economic recession, many patients are seeking less expensive options to address some of their dental problems. Snap-On-Dentures, also known as Implant Overdentures, are an excellent solution for a wide variety of dental troubles.
A Snap-On-Denture is a full denture that snaps onto dental implants that are placed within the jaw. The implants significantly reduce or eliminate issues such as unesthetic teeth, non-saveable teeth, advanced gum disease, persistent pain, denture movement, frustration, and embarrassment. It is important to realize that the denture is still removable, meaning the teeth come in and out of your mouth.
Temporary dentures are sometimes required in the process of making overdentures. Reasons include to allow the mouth to heal after extractions, to allow implants to integrate with bone for a few months, or to try out a re-designed smile. Sometimes these temporary dentures can be utilized as the final teeth, which will save you money.
Costs for treatment can vary from $4,000 to upwards of $16,000. There are many variables involved, and “one size does NOT fit all.” A consultation for your particular situation is something to consider, to get a more accurate estimate.
The number of implants placed can vary. Two, three, or four implants are the most common configuration for the lower jaw and four to six implants for the upper. It depends greatly upon the amount of bone available and the quality of that bone.
Why would a person select an overdenture versus a non-removable option? Typically finances are the reason. An overdenture provides a great service, as it allows a person to increase their chewing ability and provide comfort since the overdenture doesn’t move around as much as a traditional denture. The implants also help to preserve bone in your jaw, which is important for strength and integrity.
Maintenance of an overdenture is something else to consider. The denture will still wear out like a regular denture, typically with an average of seven years. The “attachments” or “snaps” that go into the overdenture will need replacement on a regular schedule, too. This is typically 10 months to two years.
If you have been considering a denture, or are a current denture wearer, overdentures are one treatment option worth considering!
Call Your Restorative Dentistry Expert
Dr. Goldberg has been performing implant procedures for 26 years. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry, a Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. Dr. Goldberg performs all phases of implant dentistry at his office in Succasunna, NJ. He lectures to dentists in the field of implantology. For a free consultation, including a free 3-D scan (if necessary), please call his office at (973) 328-1225 or visit his website. Dr. Goldberg is a general dentist and also a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry.