Stabilized overdentures look like a traditional, removable denture. However, there are 2-4 locators on the under-side of your “plate,” which attach on top of implant abutments. Snap-on dentures essentially clip into place. There’s no rocking, shifting, or rubbing because your implants keep the appliance secure.

All-On-4 is a full-arch prosthesis attached to as few as four implants. The All-on-4 hybrid denture spans across the gums from one side of your mouth to the other.

The biggest difference between an All-on-Four appliance and an overdenture is the way that it’s shaped. All-on- Four treatments don’t cover the roof of your mouth.

Snap On Dentures vs. All-on-4 Dental Implants

When you need to replace missing teeth, seeing an implant dentist in DFW is one of the best places to start. Today’s implant advancements make it easier and more predictable than ever to restore your smile.

At Archpoint Dentistry, one of the most common questions we’re asked is if treatments like snap-on dentures are better than All-on-Four dental Implants, or vice versa.
To best answer the question, it’s important to understand the difference between stabilized overdentures and how the All-on-4 concept works.

What are Snap-on Dentures?

Snap-on Dentures look and feel like traditional, removable dentures. However, there are 2-4 locators on the under-side of your “plate,” which attach on top of implant abutments. Snap-on dentures are essentially dentures that snap in place. There’s no rocking, shifting, or rubbing because your implants keep the appliance secure.

When you wear a snap on denture, you’ll need to remove your appliance at night when you go to sleep. The routine care and maintenance is exactly like what you would expect with a traditional denture. Soak it in a cleansing solution overnight, brush it clean the next morning, and wipe your mouth with a washcloth before putting it back in.

Overdentures are great for Dallas and Fort Worth patients who want to stabilize their existing denture may not be a candidate for an All-on-4 Total Smile treatment, or have extensive bone loss in their jaws. Depending on your oral anatomy, our implant dentists can strategically place anywhere from 2-4 implants for stabilization. A new denture is created to fit on top of them, or your current denture is modified/retrofitted so that it snaps in place.

What is All on 4 Treatment?

Today’s dental implants are extremely durable. In fact, they can support more weight than natural teeth. At ARCHPOINT Implant Dentistry, we can use as few as four implants to support a full-arch prosthesis that mimics the appearance of an extended dental bridge.

Bridges are permanent restorations attached onto teeth or implants, supporting pontic (false) crowns in the areas of missing teeth. When set on four implants, the All-on-4 hybrid denture spans across the gums from one side of your mouth to the other.

The biggest difference between an All-on-Four appliance and an overdenture is the way that it’s shaped. As a permanent appliance, you never have to take it out. Plus, All-on- Four treatments don’t cover the roof of your mouth.

Which is More Durable?

Using implants to support your denture helps prevent the bone in your mouth from resorbing (shrinking) over time. Resorption changes the shape of your oral anatomy, and thus the way your denture fits. When you add implants, your jaw is stronger. That’s one reason why getting dental implant therapy is considered such a predictable and long-lasting treatment!

Conventional dentures don’t have as strong of biting and chewing capabilities as natural teeth or dental implants. When you set implants under your existing denture, they help keep it in place. However, it does not add much reinforcement in regard to biting and chewing. Foods will still need to be softer and cut up into smaller pieces in order to eat them comfortably.

All-on-4 implants are like chewing with natural teeth again. Each design is crafted from durable materials that mimic natural tooth shape and appearance. Since they’re permanently attached to your mouth, you don’t have to worry about things moving around while you’re eating.

Dental Implant VS Dentures: Which is More Comfortable?

There are several different factors that impact the comfort of a denture or implant prosthesis. Some of the ones to consider include:

• Rubbing, chafing, and sore spots: Both snap-on and All-on-4 dentures help to eliminate the source of sore spots. Since the denture doesn’t use your gums for a seal, there’s not a risk of it rubbing up against them. Not only is rubbing painful, but it’s also a common source of infection for denture wearers.
• Speech: Wearing a removable snap-on denture can change the way you talk. Since there’s still an acrylic “plate” across the roof of your mouth, you’ll have to work on making specific speech sounds without slurring our sounding different. But with an All-on-4 implant appliance, the shape follows the contour of your bite. That means your tongue and lips won’t have to re-learn how to talk differently.
• Eating: All-on-Four implants offer significant advantages over snap-on dentures when it comes time to eat. Since these hybrid denture/bridge designs do not cover the roof of your mouth, you get to enjoy the natural tastes of your meals and chew easier. Anything you would have eaten before losing your teeth (or wearing dentures) is no longer off limits!
• Confidence: There’s something to be said for the way your smile makes you feel. With an All-on-Four implant treatment, you can feel comfortable in your own skin. There’s no taking out an appliance when you go to bed at night or having to worry about the way you look when you’re laughing in front of friends. Everything is as it should be. You won’t have to worry about any awkward situations!
• Facial profile: Dentures can change the way you look. With implants, you’re naturally supporting the bone in your mouth, which consequently affects your facial profile. All-on- 4 implants give you the fullness that counteracts “sunken-in” features seen in tooth loss. Rather, your cheeks and lips are supported to add more youth back to your face.
  

Which One is Right for You?

If you qualify for dental implant treatment, our DFW dentists offer a variety of smile rehabilitation techniques to consider. When it comes to replacing all of your teeth as quickly as possible, All-on-Four or a snap-on denture are the top two choices. However, All-on-Four presents obvious advantages because the design mimics your natural smile as closely as possible. To learn about All-on-4 dental implants v.s. All-on-6, click here.

Archpoint Dental offers flexible financing options so that you can get started on your smile makeover today. Our free initial consultation will give you all of the information you need to make an educated decision about our Dallas and Fort Worth dental implant treatments.

Are All-on-4 implants right for you? Book your complimentary visit today to find out!