Implant overdentures
Snap-in dentures in Royal Oak
Snap-in dentures, also called implant overdentures, use two to four dental implants to hold your denture firmly in place. In many cases we can convert the denture you already have. Once the implants heal, we add small attachments inside it so it clicks onto the implants. It's the most affordable way to stop a loose denture from moving, especially on the bottom.
Snap-in dentures at a glance
- What it is
- A removable denture that snaps onto 2 to 4 implants
- Also called
- Implant overdentures, implant-supported dentures, snap-on dentures
- Your denture
- We can usually convert the one you already have
- Implants
- Usually 2 for a lower denture, 4 for an upper
- Surgery
- One visit, with local anesthetic, nitrous or oral sedation
- Snaps in
- After about 3 to 4 months of healing, in one visit
- Removable
- Yes, for cleaning and at night
- Upkeep
- Replace the small nylon inserts every 6 to 12 months
- Price
- From $5,000 per arch, converting your own denture
How snap-in dentures work
A regular denture stays in with suction and adhesive, which works fine for some people and not at all for others. Lower dentures are especially hard, because the tongue and cheeks keep pushing them around.
With a snap-in denture, we place two to four implants in your jaw and put a small attachment on top of each one. Inside your denture, we fit matching housings with nylon inserts. When you press the denture into place, it clicks onto the attachments and stays there while you talk and eat. You can still take it out to clean it.
- Your denture. Often the one you already wear.
- Housings fitted inside the denture, with small nylon inserts.
- Attachments on top of the implants. The denture clicks onto these.
- Implants in the jaw, usually two for a lower denture.
Can you use the denture I already have?
Usually, yes, and it's one of the things people like most about this option. If your current denture fits reasonably well and the teeth aren't worn flat, we convert it. You keep the teeth and the look you're used to, and you save the cost of a new denture.
We'll recommend a new denture if yours is cracked, badly worn, or doesn't fit anymore, or if it's thin in the spots where the housings need to go. You'll know which at your consult, before you commit to anything.
Who snap-in dentures are for
- Your lower denture slides around when you eat or talk
- You're tired of adhesive, sore spots, or food getting underneath
- You want your denture to stay put, at a lower cost than fixed All-on-X teeth
- You'd like to keep a denture you're happy with, just held in better
Step by step
- Day oneConsult and 3D scan
We check how your denture fits, take a CT scan, and decide where the implants should go. If your denture can be converted, we'll tell you. If it can't, we'll explain why.
- One visitPlacing the implants
Two to four implants go in with local anesthetic, plus nitrous or oral sedation if you like. We reline your denture with a soft liner so you can keep wearing it.
- About 3 to 4 monthsHealing
The implants fuse with the bone while you wear your denture as usual.
- One visitSnapping it in
We put the attachments on the implants and fit the matching housings inside your denture. It clicks into place before you go home.
- Every 6 to 12 monthsUpkeep
The nylon inserts wear down over time. We swap them at a quick visit so the denture stays snug.
Upper or lower?
Snap-in dentures make the biggest difference on the bottom, where regular dentures have the least to hold onto. Two implants are often enough there. Upper dentures usually already have decent suction, and when we do use implants on top, it's usually four, because the upper bone is softer. Your CT scan tells us what your jaw can support.
Snap-in dentures or All-on-X?
Cost
How much do snap-in dentures cost?
Converting your own denture keeps the cost down. You'll get an exact, written price at your consult.
Starting prices, per arch
- Convert your lower denture2 implants, no extractions$5,000
- Convert your upper denture4 implants, no extractions$5,500
- New denture on 2 implantsExtractions included$7,500
- New denture on 4 implantsExtractions included$8,500
The consult and your 3D CT scan are free.
Included in the price
- Your consult, 3D scan and treatment plan
- The implants and their snap attachments
- Removing any remaining teeth, on the new-denture packages
- A soft reline so you can wear your denture while you heal
- Converting your denture to snap on, or your new denture
- Check-ups while you heal
Bone grafting, if you need it, adds to the price, and we'll tell you before you decide. Insurance often pays part, and you can pay over time through CareCredit, Cherry or Proceed Finance, or use HSA/FSA money.
Questions
Snap-in denture questions
How much do snap-in dentures cost?
Starting prices per arch: $5,000 to convert your lower denture on two implants, $5,500 to convert your upper denture on four implants, $7,500 for a new denture on two implants, and $8,500 for a new denture on four implants. The new-denture packages include removing any remaining teeth. The consult and 3D scan are free, and you'll get your exact price in writing.
Can you really use the denture I already have?
Usually, yes. If your denture fits reasonably well and the teeth aren't worn down, we add small attachments inside it so it snaps onto the implants. If it's old, cracked or doesn't fit, we'll make you a new one and tell you that up front.
How many implants will I need?
Two is common for a lower denture. Upper dentures usually need four, because the upper jaw bone is softer. We'll confirm it on your CT scan.
Does getting the implants hurt?
The area is numb, and you can add nitrous or a single dose of anti-anxiety medication. Most people are sore for a few days and manage with over-the-counter pain relievers.
How long until my denture snaps in?
The implants need about three to four months to heal. You keep wearing your denture in the meantime, with a soft liner so it doesn't press on the implants. Then, in one visit, we attach the snaps inside your denture and it clicks into place before you leave.
Will it still move?
Much less. A snap-in denture stays put when you talk and eat. It's still removable, so it can shift a little more than fixed All-on-X teeth, but most people notice a big difference, especially on the bottom.
Do I take it out at night?
Yes. You take it out to clean it, and to give your gums a rest overnight, the same as a regular denture.
How often do the snaps need replacing?
The small nylon inserts inside the denture wear out, usually every six to twelve months. Swapping them is a quick visit.
Can I switch to All-on-X later?
Sometimes. It depends on where the implants are and how much bone you have. If you think you'll want fixed teeth eventually, tell us at the consult and we'll plan for it.
Does insurance cover snap-in dentures?
Insurance often pays part of the implants and the denture work, up to your yearly maximum. We'll check your benefits before you decide.
Snap-in dentures or All-on-X: which is better?
Neither one is better for everyone. Snap-in dentures cost less, use fewer implants and come out for cleaning. All-on-X is fixed, feels the most like real teeth and doesn't cover the roof of your mouth, but it costs more. At the consult we'll show you both options on your own scan.
Bring your denture to a free consult.
We'll tell you whether it can be converted, and what it costs, before you decide.