Snap-in versus Screw-in Dentures: Understanding the Difference

When it comes to replacing lost teeth, you’ve got no shortage of options. Depending on how many teeth you’re missing, you might consider a bridge, an implant, or dentures. You might even consider implant dentures. Implant dentures, which are available here at Lone Star Dental Care in Frisco, Texas, combine the coverage of dentures with the durability of implants. 

 Dr. Afshin Vahadi and Dr. Vafa Mirshams offer two types of implant dentures 一 snap-in dentures and screw-in dentures 一 to help you restore the form and function of your mouth.

What are implant dentures?

When most people think of dentures, they imagine the removable trays that you simply pop into your mouth and hold in place with denture adhesive. Traditional dentures simply rest on  top of your gums. Dentures include a palate, gums, and prosthetic teeth. These are easily removed each night and soaked in a denture-soaking solution. There are a few downsides to this type of denture. They can slip or become loose, for example, which can increase your risk of sores. 

That’s where implant dentures come into play. Implant dentures can replace a full arch of teeth (like traditional dentures), but they are much more secure, thanks to a few well-placed implant posts. In other words, implant dentures are dentures that are supported by implants. 

There are two types of implant dentures: snap-in and screw-in.

All about snap-in dentures

Snap-in dentures are implant dentures that are removable. Each row of teeth is secured by two to four dental implant posts, but they snap in and out, allowing you to easily clean them.

Snap-in dentures:

• Continue to stimulate your jaw bone and help you avoid jaw bone atrophy 
• Can be removed easily on your own
• Are comfortable to wear
• Are more affordable than screw-in dentures 

All about screw-in dentures

While snap-in dentures are removable, screw-in implant dentures aren’t. Instead of snapping into place, they are securely and permanently attached to your implants. The dentures are “screwed” to the implant posts. 

Because screw-in implant dentures are so secure, eating is a very comfortable process. There’s no messy denture adhesive to mess with, and you don't have to worry about sliding dentures. 

Screw-in dentures:

• Are the most secure and stable type of dentures
• Are easy to clean 一 no need to soak them! 
• Are permanently attached 
• Stimulate your jawbone
• Can only be removed by a dentist
• Don’t require the palette cover that traditional dentures do

Implants (and implant-supported dentures) aren’t right for everyone. Ideal candidates for dental implant surgery should:

• Be in good overall health
• Be a non-smoker (as smoking can delay the healing processes)
• Be committed to the recovery period as your bone heals from the implant surgery
• Have a fully mature jaw (children who are still growing and may lose teeth in an accident. They might benefit from a bridge.)
• Have enough healthy jawbone to support the implants 

Not sure if implants are right for you? During your consultation, we review your needs, your overall health and preferences, and examine your mouth. Our experts excel at matching the right restorative procedure with each patient. Whether you need a bridge, a single implant, or implant-supported dentures, we’re with you every step of your journey.

Benefits of implant-supported dentures

Replacing missing teeth offers more than just cosmetic advantages. Implant-supported dentures boost your confidence, improve your ability to eat, restore clear speech, and help you avoid the jawbone atrophy that’s associated with traditional dentures.

Ready to find out which type of dentures is right for you? To schedule an appointment, call or use our online scheduling tool to see us at our office.