Have you lost all of the teeth in your upper or lower jaw? If so, there’s more than one way for you to reclaim a complete smile. You can potentially replace all of your missing teeth at once with All-on-4 or snap-on dentures (also known as removable implant dentures). These two treatments might seem similar, but there are key differences between them; here’s a closer look at them.
How Do Snap-On Dentures Work?
Snap-on dentures are attached to a certain number of dental implants that have been placed in your jaw. Thanks to the sturdy implant posts, you won’t have to worry about your prosthesis slipping out of place while you’re speaking or chewing; however, you will need to take it out of your mouth in order to clean it.
How Does All-on-4 Work?
With the All-on-4 procedure, only four implant posts are needed to support a full denture to replace an entire arch of teeth. Each post is placed in a specific part of the jaw at a precise angle in order to take full advantage of the areas where bone density is highest. The denture supported by the implant posts will be designed to stay in the mouth 24/7.
Snap-On Dentures vs. All-on-4
One of the most notable differences between snap-on dentures and All-on-4 is that snap-on dentures for the upper jaw often come with an acrylic plate that covers the roof of your mouth. This can potentially affect how you speak, thus requiring you to relearn how to make certain sounds; it can also impact the way food tastes. Since All-on-4 doesn’t cover the roof of your mouth, it doesn’t come with any of these issues.
Additionally, taking care of All-on-4 is not the same as taking care of snap-on dentures. You can brush an All-on-4 prosthesis the same way you would brush your natural teeth. On the other hand, because snap-on dentures are removable, they can make it easier to clean the gum tissue that they normally cover.
Finally, there is the matter of cost to consider. In general, All-on-4 tends to carry a slightly higher price tag than snap-on dentures. Of course, the cost of either procedure can vary depending on your needs.
Which One is Right for You?
All-on-4 can be the better choice for some patients, while others might benefit more from snap-on dentures. The best way to figure out which treatment is right for you is to schedule a consultation with your dentist. After examining your mouth, they can explain your tooth replacement options in more detail and point you toward the one that best suits your situation.
About the Author
Dr. Gary M. Klein received his dental degree from the NYU College of Dentistry, and he was named one of the top 40 dentists in the entire country by Incisal Edge Magazine. He offers All-on-4 and removable implant dentures as a solution for extensive tooth loss. If you have lost an entire arch of teeth and want to rebuild your smile with dental implants, schedule a consultation with Dr. Klein at Klein Family Dentistry in Harrisburg by visiting his website or calling (717) 652-6644.