Happy smiling elderly couple wearing dentures in Ajax, ON.

What is the Difference between Snap-on Dentures and Permanent Dentures?

Jan 01, 2023

If you are seeking a solution to damaged or missing teeth, it’s best to find the best solution to fit your needs. However, there are many methods, and the different terms of the same process make it difficult to make the right choice.

Among the most common questions we receive from our patients at Dr. Patel Dentistry is the difference between snap-on dentures and permanent dentures. Therefore, we have clarified these terms and described the pros and cons of this procedure for you to understand more.

What are Snap-on Dentures?

These dentures are a combination of removable prosthetic and permanent dental implants that helps replace all you are missing teeth in the lower and upper jaw. Your dentist in Ajax will place the screws permanently into your jaw bone, and the prosthetic snaps onto the abutments above your gum line. Although the screws are permanent, the prosthetic is not, and it needs to be replaced about every five years.

What are Permanent Dentures?

These are an alternative to removable dentures for your missing teeth. They are held in place by two or more dental implants that make them stable and allow you to talk, chew and smile more easily than with removable dentures.

Snap-on Dentures versus Permanent Dentures

Snap-on and permanent dentures describe the same procedure making the pros and cons of each the same. Let’s review some of the pros and cons of snap-on dentures.

Pros of Snap-on Dentures

Snap-on dentures in Ajax, ON, offer several advantages, especially those of traditional dentures. Firstly the titanium screws that your dentist uses to anchor these dentures encourage your jawbone to grow, something traditional dentures don’t offer.

Snap-on dentures offer a more secure byte than traditional dentures and fit into your mouth more securely. This helps avoid disruptions in your speech; however, the bulky prosthetics of snap-on dentures still impact your natural speech pattern.

Pros of Permanent Dentures

Permanent dentures are the same as snap-on dentures. In that case, these dentures will use titanium screws to anchor the false teeth. Also, with your dentist, we will design the prosthetic to snap on and out of your mouth. Although these dentures are more secure than traditional dentures, they are less stable than fixed implants, such as all-on-four dental implants.

Cons of Snap-on Dentures

Some of the disadvantages of snap-on dentures include the following:

  • You have to remove them overnight to clean
  • The abutments are bulky and need to be regularly and thoroughly cleaned
  • You will need to replace the connectors of snap-on dentures on an annual basis

Cons of Permanent Dentures

Some of the disadvantages include the following:

Permanent dentures are more expensive due to costly lab fees

  • They are more difficult to clean than removable dentures
  • They require maintenance, cleaning, and removal

Cost of Snap-on Dentures versus Permanent Dentures

Snap-on dentures and permanent dentures generally cost a few thousands of dollars. The removable prosthetics or effective snap-on dentures also need to be replaced over time which can add to the costs over time. The average cost of snap-on dentures normally includes acrylic as the material for false teeth. However, this acrylic material is soft and prone to damage and chipping. This is why permanent or snap-on dentures have the same food restrictions as traditional dentures that use glue to stay in place on the gums.

Durability and Longevity of Snap-on Dentures versus Permanent Dentures

Both permanent dentures and snap-on dentures have limited durability and longevity. Although titanium anchors and screws are permanently defective or prosthetics are not. These victims are usually made from soft materials like acrylic, which make them prone to breaking or cracking. You also need to clean the dentures daily to prevent the growth of bacteria which causes terrible smells.

You should keep your snap-on dentures clean well following the three restrictions and have them replaced. You also need to get your prosthetic or fictive adjusted and fitted by your dentist from time to time which will be at your own expense.

Between Permanent and Snap-on Dentures, which One Looks Better?

Both snap-on dentures and permanent dentures try to look like natural teeth, but the prosthetic is bulkier than your natural teeth. The bulky prosthetic might be noticeable and affect your ability to talk normally.

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