Implant Snap-In Dentures • Lombard & Aurora

Snap-in dentures — also called implant-retained overdentures — are full dentures that click securely onto small attachments connected to dental implants. They combine the stability of implants with the convenience of a removable denture: no slipping, no messy adhesives, and much better chewing power than a traditional denture.

Often, yes. If your existing denture is in good condition and fits well, we can usually add the attachment housings to it once your implants have healed. If your denture is worn or ill-fitting, we may recommend a new denture designed specifically for implants. We will evaluate your current denture at your consultation and give you an honest recommendation.

The procedure is minimally invasive and done with local anesthesia, so you should feel no pain during placement. Most patients are surprised by how comfortable it is — any soreness afterward is usually mild and manageable with over-the-counter medication for a few days.

Usually just 2 to 4 implants per arch. That is enough to hold a full denture firmly in place — far fewer than the number needed for a full set of fixed implant teeth. During your consultation, we use 3D imaging to plan the exact number and positions for your mouth.

You simply unsnap the denture at night, brush it with a soft denture brush, and soak it as directed. It is also important to gently brush your gums and clean around the implant attachments in your mouth each day. We will show you the full routine — it takes just a few minutes.

Regular dentures rest on your gums and rely on suction or adhesive, so they can slip, click, or make eating difficult. Snap-in dentures lock onto implants, so they stay put when you eat, laugh, and speak. They also stimulate the jawbone, which helps slow the bone loss that makes traditional dentures fit worse over time.

Most healthy adults who wear — or need — full dentures are candidates. You will need enough jawbone to support the implants, and any gum disease must be treated first. If you have experienced bone loss, a bone graft can often rebuild the foundation. A consultation with 3D imaging gives us a definitive answer.

The implants themselves can last for decades with proper care and regular checkups. The denture and the small nylon inserts that create the ‘snap’ do wear over time and typically need maintenance, relines, or replacement every several years to keep the fit snug and secure.