Snap on Dentures – What are they?

You probably already know that dentures are a common solution for missing teeth, but have you ever heard of snap on dentures? If you have, then you perhaps must have also heard that snap on dentures in Costa Rica, Mexico and many other dental tourism destinations cost only a fraction of the American prices. 

If you haven’t heard of snap on dentures, then you’re at the right place. Snap on dentures make it possible to have the best of both worlds - you won’t have to worry about any social embarrassment that may come with regular dentures, but unlike implants, you will still be able to remove them. Traditional dentures can slip out at untimely moments, and in rare instances can cause harm.

How Do Snap-On Dentures Work?

Regular dentures, which rest on the gums, are usually removable. They are typically for people who do not have enough jaw bone to support implants. Snap-on dentures, however, are for people who have enough bone in the jaw to facilitate osseo-integration. Snap-on dentures are overdentures which attach to implants drilled into the jawbone. As the name suggests, snap-on dentures can be snapped on and off quite easily.

If you decide to get snap-on dentures, you will have to decide between two types: bar-retained dentures and ball-retained dentures. In bar-retained dentures, the dentist will place a thin metal bar around the curve of your jawbone and attach it to some of the implants. Clips will help secure the denture in place.

In ball-retained dentures, the implants and the denture fit together like a ball and socket. Usually, the end of the implant has a ball on top and fits into the socket which is in the denture. If you already wear dentures, you can switch to snap-on dentures quite easily. In some cases, your dentist may even be able to make your current dentures into snap-on dentures by adding the “snaps”. 

Cost of Snap-On Dentures

The price of snap-on dentures may vary depending on how many implants are used and the dentist you visit, but if you are in the United States, you can expect to pay around $5,000 for the implants and another $1,000 for the dentures. If you go to a dental clinic abroad the cost may be considerably cheaper. 

Recovery Time

Snap-on dentures require a minor surgery to place the implants into the jawbone. You should expect that it will take a few weeks to fully recover from the procedure. You may have to avoid certain foods in the initial days after you get your snap-on dentures, but soon you will be able to eat and drink like normal.