If you’re in need of a large number of teeth replaced on the top or bottom of your mouth, your dentist may recommend one of two solutions: snap-on dentures and the All-on-Four. Both of these solutions are excellent full-arch replacement choices to restore your smile and help you speak, chew, and go about daily activities with ease. They both require surgical insertion of dental implants, which helps add stability and comfort.
But they also share some key differences, which are important to understand if you’re looking to choose the right solution for you. Read on to learn all about snap-on dentures vs. All-on-Four
What are Snap-On Dentures?
Snap-on, or snap-in, dentures are made of two parts. The denture, which is similar in appearance to traditional removable dentures, and the snap-on implant abutments. Rather than a traditional denture, which stays in the mouth from a snug fit (and sometimes adhesive), these dentures snap onto anywhere from two to four implants.
Pros of Snap-On Dentures:
- Snap-on dentures tend to use less expensive materials, and require just a few implants to work
- If you’re used to traditional dentures, snap-on dentures feel and operate very similarly, so there’s less of an adjustment period
- In some cases, you may be able to use your existing set of traditional dentures for snap-on dentures for additional cost savings and convenience
Cons of Snap-On Dentures:
- Snap-on dentures, while fitting more securely than traditional dentures, still have the potential to slip around.
- Just like traditional dentures, you will need to make time for periodic adjustments of your snap-on dentures
What is the All-On-Four Solution?
The All-on-Four solution is so named because 4 or more implants (X) inserted surgically into your jawbone, onto which a full-arch bridge is permanently attached with screws. The All-on-Four is a revolutionary development, since it requires fewer implants than a traditional full-arch implant (which uses eight to ten). Here at Affordable Dentures & Implants, we call the All-on-Four solution the All-in-One — since we can often install upper-arch, lower-arch, or both arches in just one day!
Pros of the All-on-Four:
- The All-on-Four is designed to feel, perform, and be cared for like your natural teeth, and requires less of an adjustment period than traditional dentures
- Because the All-on-Four is permanently attached to the implants, they’re much more secure and won’t slip around
- The All-on-Four gets more done with fewer implants than traditional full-arch implants, saving you money and shortening your recovery time
Cons of the All-on-Four:
- Since the All-on-Four does use higher quality materials, it can be more expensive than traditional dentures or other full-arch replacements.
- When compared with snap-on dentures, the All-on-Four does require implants so the surgery may take a little longer to complete.
Choosing the Right Solution
When deciding with your dentist whether snap-ons or the All-on-Four might work better for your full arch dental implants, be sure to consider the following:
- Budget: All-on-Four dentures are more expensive up-front than snap-on dentures, but are much more long-lasting
- Bone Density: Patients with low bone density may not be suitable candidates for All-on-Four dentures
- Overall Comfort: Patients need to consider their comfort level with dental procedures, as both require surgical placement of implants and in some cases, bone grafts.
You Deserve to Love Your Smile!
Overall, for those patients looking for a permanent, durable full-arch replacement that looks and acts like natural teeth, it’s hard to beat the All-on-Four. If you’re looking for less expensive up-front costs, enjoy the flexibility of removable options, or have low bone density, you may want to look into snap-on dentures. Of course, everyone’s needs are different, so don’t forget to discuss your options with a dentist you trust. You can schedule a free consultation with your nearest Affordable Dentures and Implants location to get more information and get recommendations based on your specific needs.