What is All on 4 dental implants treatment?

Your dentist will place four implants to support a full-arch prosthesis that looks like an extended dental bridge. Bridges are permanent restorations connected to teeth or implants to protect pontic (false) crowns in places where teeth are lost. The All-on-4 hybrid denture stretches from one side of your mouth to another while mounted on four implants.

What is a Snap-in denture?

The snap-in denture is also called overdenture or click-in denture. For a snap-in denture, our dentist will insert 2-6 implants in your mouth before creating a denture that literally “snaps” on the implants. These snap-in dentures must also be removed and washed before going to bed. It is also essential to keep the implant attachments clean to avoid tartar accumulation. You’ll need to see your dentist regularly to ensure that your implant-retained dentures remain intact, as frequent insertion and removal weaken them over time.

What is the difference between snap-in dentures and all on 4 dental implants?

The main distinction between both an All-on-Four appliance and an overdenture is the design. You never have to take it out an all-on-four because it is a permanent appliance when overdenture has to be taken out at night and cleaned.  Furthermore, the All-on-Four dental treatment does not cover the roof of your mouth, while snap-in denture does.

Which is better: All on 4 dental implants or Snap-in?

Sore areas and chafing: Both the treatments eliminate discomfort as the gums won’t be rubbing up against a conventional denture. Conventional dentures are bulkier and lead to more significant bone loss.

Speech Difficulties: Snap-in dentures have an acrylic plate covering the roof of the mouth, so the wearer must relearn some speech sounds. Since All-on-4s conform to the natural shape of your mouth, you won’t have to relearn how to talk.

Eating: Both the dentures have better stability and hence, boost the patient’s confidence while consuming favorite foods. As snap-in dentures have an acrylic plate covering the roof of the mouth, the patient’s ability to appreciate the taste of the foods will be compromised. However, this problem does not exist with all on 4.

Daily Maintenance: Snap-in dentures, like conventional dentures, may need to be removed regularly for cleaning. They also need to be removed at night. However, All-on-4s are fixed and should be cared for in the same way that natural teeth are, with daily flossing and brushing.

Affordability: Snap-in dentures are slightly less expensive than all on 4s. Hence, snap-in dentures are a cost-effective option.

Bone Health: Implants prevent bone loss after tooth loss. In the event of a missing tooth, there is the deterioration of bone leading to bone loss. As both the snap-in dentures and all on 4 have implants inserted into the bone, they promote bone health compared to conventional dentures. However, all on 4s have more implants inserted into the bone. Hence, all on X are more durable than snap-on dentures.

What is a better option for you?

If you are a candidate for dental implants, you have a range of smile recovery procedures to consider. All-on-Four or a snap-on denture are the top two options for replacing missing teeth as soon as possible. However, All-on-Four has clear benefits because it closely resembles your natural smile.