consultation implant dentures Archives

I already have a lower denture and wonder if I can get implants to snap them on. How would the snap-in denture work? Does it matter that I’ve had the denture for five years, or would I need to start with a new denture to snap on implants? Thanks. – Corey P. from Deer Park, NY

Corey,

Thank you for your question. It is good that you are considering implants for your lower denture because the procedure will improve your overall experience with denture function and comfort.

Can You Get Implants for Your Lower Denture?

Whether you can get implants for your lower denture to snap on depends on several factors, including:

Your oral health
The condition, function, and quality of your current denture
Your bone quality and volume
Dental implant position
Your smile goals

An implant dentist will review your medical and dental histories and take a 3-D CT scan to evaluate your oral health. They will also examine your denture and determine whether it can be modified for dental implants.

What Is the Process?

If you qualify for dental implants, a dentist will take a 3-D model of your mouth to determine the best location for the implants. These steps follow:

Make a small incision through your gum and bone for each implant
Insert the implants in your bone
Close the surgical site
Prepare the site so you can wear temporary replacement teeth
Wait three to four months for your implants and bone to fuse

How Can Your Current Denture Snap onto Dental Implants?

Diagram of a lower denture above implants

An implant dentist may be able to adapt your current denture to snap onto implants

Your current denture can snap onto dental implants after a dentist prepares the denture base. After placing your dental implants, a dentist will take these steps:

Make a plastic mold of your denture
Mark the location of the implants on the mold
Adapt your denture base and embed O-rings to snap onto dental implants
Snap your denture on and check it for fit and proper bite

Schedule a Consultation

If you are interested in adapting your existing denture for dental implants, schedule a consultation with a skilled implant dentist. In San Antonio, Texas, Dr. Gilberto Tostado is an implant dentist and prosthodontist with decades of experience with dentures and dental implant surgery. Read about Dr. Tostado’s training and experience.

How Many Implants Will Keep Your Denture in Place?

All-on-4 implant overdentures

As few as two dental implants will keep a denture in place. But the number of implants your dentist recommends for you depends on several factors.

Implant denture type

Snap-on denture – An implant dentist or surgeon will place two implants. Your dentist will add grooves to the bottom of your denture. And the denture base will snap onto the implants.

All-on-4 implants – If you have low jawbone volume, at least four implants will stabilize your denture. Implant dentists place All-on-4 implants in the front of your mouth where there is more bone volume. The rear implants are angled for more stability. Some dentists place All-on-6 implants.

Standard implants – After placing four to six implants, a dentist or specialist will attach your denture. Denture stability increases with the number of implants you have.

Schedule an Implant Denture Consultation

Visit a general dentist with experience in implant dentures. Some general dentists have advanced training in implant placement. If not, the dentist will work with an oral surgeon or periodontist to place your implants.

Avoid going to an oral surgeon first. The specialist may place the implants in a way that makes it challenging for a dentist to fit the implants.

Let your doctors collaborate. When a dentist and oral surgeon work together to determine your implants’ best locations, your dentures will fit well and feel comfortable.

Schedule a consultation with an implant or restorative dentist to discuss your options.

Can I Get Implants for My Current Denture to Snap On?