If you need to replace an entire arch of missing teeth, implant dentures are a great way to go! They offer stability, strength, longevity, and more. But did you know there are different types of implant dentures? Two popular options are All-on-X and snap-on prosthetics. This blog post help you compare your options so you can make treatment decisions that best fit your circumstances.
What They Have in Common
Both treatments involve the surgical placement of dental implants, which are small prosthetic tooth roots that get embedded in the jawbone. After they bond with the bone, they provide a very strong base of support for prosthetic teeth, including dentures.
Both All-on-X and snap-on dentures are much stronger than traditional dentures and help to preserve the integrity of your jawbone. They can both look very natural and last for many years.
Important Differences
Despite their similarities, you should not assume that it does not matter whether you choose All-on-X or snap-on dentures. Some key differences to bear in mind include:
- Number of implants used: All-on-X typically uses 4 – 6 implants, whereas snap-on dentures can use as few as 2. Therefore, All-on-X tends to offer greater strength and stability overall.
- Removable vs. fixed: All-on-X dentures are permanently attached to their supporting implants (they should only be removed during dental appointments). You can care for them similarly to how you would care for natural teeth. Snap-on dentures are easy to remove and should be taken out of the mouth daily for cleaning.
- Palate plate: A snap-on denture for the upper arch has a plate that covers part of the roof of the mouth. This may slightly change how food tastes and can have a temporary impact on speech. All-on-X dentures do not have such a plate.
- Timeline: With All-on-X, you get a temporary denture on the same day as your implant surgery. With snap-on prosthetics, there is typically a waiting period of 3 – 4 months.
- Cost: While both treatments require an investment, snap-on dentures may cost slightly less overall. Most dentists offer convenient financing for either option.
Which Is Best for You?
Overall, All-on-X treatment offers more advantages than snap-on dentures, but both treatments have a well-deserved place in the world of tooth replacement. The one that is best for you will depend on factors like your jawbone density, your budget, and personal preferences. Talk to your care team to get personalized guidance on how to rebuild a complete and confident smile.
Meet the Practice
At Clover Dental Care, our team of highly skilled dentists use advanced technology to perform start-to-finish dental implant services, including top-notch All-on-X treatment. If you are curious about what to expect as you replace your missing teeth, we would be pleased to welcome you into our Wallingford office for a free consultation. Contact our team at 203-303-7999.