Research shows that millions of Americans are missing most or all of their teeth, which means they are looking for tooth replacement options. Tooth loss is caused by a variety of factors including poor oral hygiene and lifestyle habits, genetics, or a natural part of aging.
At Brownstown Dental Care in Brownstown, MI, we offer several restorative dental treatments to improve the aesthetics and function of your smile including snap-in dentures and All-on-4 dental implants. Many patients believe these to be the same, but there are several differences between the two.
We have two dentists on staff that has the knowledge and expertise to help you determine your best option. Dr. Benjamin Hanson and Dr. Lauren Biernacki are here to guide you through your treatment.
In this article, we’ll compare Snap-in Dentures vs. All-on-4 Dental Implants.
What are Snap-in Dentures?
Snap-in dentures are more stable and versatile than conventional dentures because they are held in place with dental implants. Most patients only need 2 to 4 implants, while others may require up to 10. Once the implants have been placed, the overdenture can be set. Depending on what was outlined in your treatment plan, the overdenture may be fixed in place or removable.
If the overdenture is fixed in place, you will care for it like your natural teeth. The dentist will remove it during your 6-month exam and cleaning to check for damage. However, if it is removable, you will care for it like conventional dentures by removing it before going to sleep and placing it in a denture cleanser overnight.
What are All-on-4 Dental Implants?
All-on-4 dental implants are a surgical, permanent tooth replacement solution. This involves the placement of 4 dental implants in the jaw: 2 in the front straight and two in the back at a 45° angle. The placement of the implants allows them to support a full arch prosthesis with 10 to 14 teeth.
The prosthetic is fixed in place, which means only the dentist can remove it at your dental check-ups.
Snap-in Dentures vs. All-on-4 Dental Implants Comparison
While these two options are designed for patients who are missing all of their teeth, they do have some differences as well. Below, we’ll compare the two from several aspects including cost, material, procedure, benefits, effectiveness, comfort, and longevity.
| Cost | The average cost of $6,000 for 2 implants, may be higher for more. Cost also depends on insurance coverage. This price does not include additional procedures. | The average cost is around $21,000 but may vary depending on several factors. This price does not include additional procedures. |
| Material | Implants are titanium, overdenture may be made of acrylic or porcelain | Implants are titanium, denture may be made of acrylic or porcelain |
| Procedure |
|
|
| Benefits |
|
|
| Effectiveness | Restores aesthetics and some function | Restores aesthetics and function |
| Comfort | More comfortable than traditional dentures | More comfortable than conventional dentures |
| Longevity | Implants are designed to last a lifetime, Prosthesis lasts for several years with proper care and maintenance | Implants are designed to last a lifetime, With proper care and maintenance, the prosthesis should last 10 to 15 years |
Cost
Snap-in Dentures
The average cost of $6,000 for 2 implants, may be higher for more. Cost also depends on insurance coverage. This price does not include additional procedures.
All-on-4 Dental Implants
The average cost is around $21,000 but may vary depending on several factors. This price does not include additional procedures.
Material
Snap-in Dentures
Implants are titanium, overdenture may be made of acrylic or porcelain
All-on-4 Dental Implants
Implants are titanium, denture may be made of acrylic or porcelain
Procedure
Snap-in Dentures
- Implants are placed, which may require 2 to 6 months for healing.
- Abutments (connectors) placed, if necessary
- Overdenture placed
All-on-4 Dental Implants
- Implants, abutments, and provisional dentures placed, may require 2 to 6 months for healing
- After healing, a permanent prosthesis placed
Benefits
Snap-in Dentures
- Improves chewing ability
- More stable than conventional dentures
- Better fit
- Comfortable
- More natural-looking than conventional dentures
- Implants preserve jawbone health
All-on-4 Dental Implants
- Fewer implants than replacing all missing teeth with a single implant
- Ideal for patients with thin/narrow jawbone
- Provisional prosthesis provided on day 1
- Better aesthetics and function
Effectiveness
Snap-in Dentures
Restores aesthetics and some function
All-on-4 Dental Implants
Restores aesthetics and function
Comfort
Snap-in Dentures
More comfortable than traditional dentures
All-on-4 Dental Implants
More comfortable than conventional dentures
Longevity
Snap-in Dentures
Implants are designed to last a lifetime, Prosthesis lasts for several years with proper care and maintenance
All-on-4 Dental Implants
Implants are designed to last a lifetime, With proper care and maintenance, the prosthesis should last 10 to 15 years
Both snap-on dentures and All-on-4 dental implants are ideal for replacing an entire arch of missing teeth. The best one for you depends on your needs, goals, and budget. The team at Brownstown Dental Care will work closely with you to determine the best option for treatment and build a personalized treatment plan based on our findings.
Snap-in Dentures vs. All-on-4 Dental Implants FAQs
The team at Brownstown Dental Care understands that you have questions when it comes to your dental care. We want you to be informed, so we are happy to address any questions or concerns that you may have. Below are some of the most common questions we get regarding snap-on dentures versus All-on-4 dental implants.
Are snap-in dentures better than implants?
Snap-in dentures are more budget-friendly than replacing each tooth with a single dental implant. They are a much better solution than conventional dentures because the overdenture is secured in place with the implants and will not slip around in you’re mouth when you are eating, talking, or laughing.
What are the cons of snap-on dentures?
There are several cons associated with snap-on dentures, including:
- May not be as aesthetically pleasing or natural looking as traditional dentures
- Requires implant surgery
- May require a bone graft or sinus lift to support implants, which means a longer healing time
- More expensive than conventional dentures, insurance may not cover treatment
- Eventually, break down and must be replaced
- Attachments may loosen and must be tightened
How long do snap-in dentures last?
Snap-in dentures should last for several years with proper care, including regular dental checkups. However, they will eventually break down and need to be replaced.
How much do snap-on dentures cost?
The cost of snap-on dentures varies based on how many implants are required and any additional procedures you may need. However, the average cost of 2 dental implants is approximately $6,000.
How much does All-on-4 cost?
The cost of All-on-4 dental implants ranges from a low of approximately $15,000 to a high of approximately $28,000. The average is approximately $21,000. This cost does not include additional procedures such as bone graft, sinus lift, extractions, etc.
What are the cons of All-on-4?
The major disadvantage of All-on-4 is that it requires a high level of jawbone density to be successful. Patients who do not have this may require additional procedures such as bone graft or sinus lift.
How long is recovery following All-on-4 surgery?
Full recovery should be complete within 8 months. Most of our patients go back to their normal routine within a few days. The design of this tooth replacement procedure promotes stability and faster healing. However, you may experience some swelling and tenderness, as well as oozing and bleeding at the implant site. If these symptoms are unmanageable, contact the office and we will be happy to help.
How do I know if I qualify for All-on-4?
During your consultation visit, we will conduct a comprehensive exam, including x-rays, to determine your candidacy for All-on-4. If we determine that you do qualify, we can move forward with creating your treatment plan. If we determine that All-on-4 is not an appropriate solution, we will determine what is the best option and create your plan based on that.
Does dental insurance cover snap-on or All-on-4 treatment?
Coverage varies from one insurance provider to another. Typically, since both options are functional and not just aesthetic, most providers will cover a portion of either treatment. Our friendly office staff will work with your dental provider to determine your coverage and will provide you with a quote outlining what insurance pays versus what you will be responsible for.
We believe that finances should not dictate your ability to seek dental treatment. So, we do offer financing options and we can structure your treatment to fit within your budget.
Schedule Your Consultation at Brownstown Dental Care Today
If you are missing most or all of your teeth and are looking for a tooth replacement solution, schedule your consultation with the team at Brownstown Dental Care today. We are located on Allen Road in Brownstown, MI. Our office hours are Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Wednesday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and Friday 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM.