Snap-on Dentures vs. All-on-4: In-Depth Comparison
By David Hudnall, DMD
Tired of settling for dentures that slide or feel insecure? Do you wish that you could turn back the hands of time before you lost your natural teeth? A dental implant-supported restoration can help you fulfill that wish and convert it into a reality.
What Is a Denture Implant?
Denture implants are a long-lasting solution to eliminate the movement and slipping of dentures. Implants greatly improve the patient’s ability to eat and speak because the dentures are supported by and connected to dental implants placed within the jawbone. Compared to wearing a regular denture that rests on the gums, implant dentures are transformational and enhance your ability to eat and interact with confidence in social situations.
The Benefits of Denture Implants
In contrast to having no teeth or wearing conventional dentures that can slip or move at the most inopportune time, denture implants offer a number of benefits that improve the quality of life for denture wearers. These include:
- Bone and gum tissue preservation
- An improved, more youthful facial appearance/Eliminates a sunken appearance
- Stabilization of dentures while chewing, talking, or laughing
- No messy denture adhesives
- Improved health and nutritional benefits from being able to eat a wide variety of foods
- Improved confidence and self-esteem/Allow you to enjoy life to the fullest extent
- A long-term tooth replacement option designed to last for many year
The Process for Getting Denture Implants
Complete restoration of the mouth with implant dentures is a multi-step process that can involve a significant commitment of time and money to complete. That’s why most patients start by doing a little at a time, removing their bad teeth and wearing traditional dentures first. Patients who plan to have denture implants may also need to have bone grafting performed in order to have sufficient bone support for implants to be placed in their ideal location.
After healing from extractions and bone grafting, dental implants are placed within the jawbone and allowed to integrate for a period of time while the patient continues to wear their removable denture. Once all of the implants are deemed to be stable by the surgeon, the final restoration is made. This allows the patient to have a beautiful set of secured replacement teeth that look and function like their own natural teeth.
Snap-On Dentures vs. All-on-4 Dentures
When it comes to securely replacing all of the teeth in a single arch, patients have choices ranging from an implant overdenture to all-on-4 dentures. “Snap-on denture” is a term that indicates a removable denture is made to snap into place onto multiple dental implants, improving the denture’s security and stability and enhancing the patient’s ability to chew.
All-on-4 dentures are a special type of implant dentures where the final restoration is actually a fixed bridge that replaces all of the teeth in a single arch. It is secured to four dental implants with screws, making the bridge non-removable by the patient. This type of restoration provides the most comfort to the patient and is the closest thing to having all of your natural teeth once again.
Next, we will take a closer look at the differences between snap-on dentures vs. all-on-4 dentures.
Snap-On Dentures
Features
Your denture is fabricated with specialized attachments that allow it to snap into place for stability and comfort. The denture can be easily removed by the patient for cleaning.
Material
Like traditional dentures, snap-on dentures are made from acrylic or an enhanced resin-based acrylic substitute.
Cost
At European Denture Center, the cost of snap-on dentures starts at $2,095 per denture and may be higher depending upon your individual needs. The total cost for the entire treatment including bone grafting, dental implants, and the final restoration can range anywhere from $6,000 to $25,000 per arch, depending on the number and type of implants used, additional surgical procedures, and the type of final restoration.
Longevity
Implants themselves are designed to last for many years, possibly as long as you live if properly maintained. Overdentures and snap-on dentures require regular maintenance and do wear out over time. The average lifespan for implant-retained dentures is about 10 years.
Comfort
Because implant dentures aren’t totally supported by your gums, they are much more comfortable to wear when compared to traditional dentures.
Best Suited For
Snap-on dentures are for patients who would like to avoid using adhesives to help secure their dentures and want a denture that comfortably stays in place all day.
All-on-4 Dentures
Features
The beauty of an all-on-4 denture is that it is secured into place with screws that attach it directly to the dental implants, giving the wearer a lifelike feel when chewing. It can be removed by the dental professional for periodic maintenance.
Material
Most all-on-4 cases include a zirconia bridge, rather than an actual denture, to replace the entire arch of teeth. Zirconia is the same material that many modern dental crowns are made from and it possesses unmatched strength and durability.
Cost
All-on-4 fixed dentures start at about $9,000 per denture at European Denture Center. The price may be higher based upon individual needs and implant configuration. Expect the total cost for the entire procedure including bone preparation, necessary bone grafts, implant placement, and a final restoration to cost somewhere between $13,000 and $30,000 per arch.
Longevity
If cared for and properly maintained, dental implants are designed to last a lifetime. The restoration itself will wear with time and require replacement approximately every 15 to 20 years, on average.
Comfort
All-on-4 dentures are just like chewing with your natural teeth. Because the hybrid denture is completely supported by dental implants, there is nothing to irritate your gums.
Best Suited For
All-on-4 hybrid dentures are for people who want to regain the look and feel of their natural teeth.
Cheapest All-on-4 Dental Implants
The term all-on-4 is thrown around a lot in dental advertising and may have different meanings to different people depending on who you ask. Be aware that the cheapest all-on-4 dental implants may not include all of the treatment and services that you need in order for implant placement to work well for many years to come.
Before you decide on all-on-4 denture implants, consult with two or three experienced implant dentists to compare what they recommend as the best solution for your specific dental health. Compare prices. Remember, the cheapest treatment isn’t necessarily the best or most long-lasting dental treatment.
This is a big commitment and you want to feel comfortable that your case will be successful and handled by the most qualified individual. If all of the dental professionals you have talked with agree closely on the treatment plan, you’ll know you’re on the right track.
Making the Right Choice for Your Future
Whether it is snap-on dentures vs. all-on-4 dentures, European Denture Center has the right permanent solution for you. We want you to understand all of your treatment options so that you can make an informed decision.
Our experienced staff and compassionate denturists will help you select the best treatment customized to address your individual dental needs, your wants, and your desires. See all that European Denture Center has to offer. The next step to a better life with dentures starts with scheduling your consultation appointment today.
