If you face the loss of a whole arch of teeth or you have already lost them and are looking for a more secure option than traditional dentures, you’ve likely come across all-on-4 dental implants and snap-on dentures. These procedures anchor an entire arch of replacement teeth to give you a more stable bite and feel more comfortable than traditional dentures. But there are other considerations when choosing between snap-on dentures and all-on-4 dental implants in Anchorage.

What are All-on-4 Dental Implants?

All-on-4 dental implants are a tooth replacement option that replaces all the teeth in an arch (all the teeth on the top or all on the bottom). They are held in place by four dental implants that we surgically place into your jawbones. The dental implants are permanent, and so are the prosthetic replacement teeth. The all-on-4 dental implant prosthesis is a full arch of teeth and gums that attach to the four implants. Implants are known to be extremely long-lasting. They can last a lifetime when taken care of, but the prosthesis will need to be replaced every ten to fifteen years. Even though you’ll need to replace the visible part of your teeth, the implant, which acts as a tooth root, won’t need replacing.

Benefits

Long-lasting:

As we mentioned, Anchorage all-on-4 dental implants are long-lasting. As long as you take care of them, you’ll never need the implants replaced. Likewise, you can extend the life of your prosthesis by maintaining good oral hygiene habits.

Secure:

Denture wearers know that one of the significant drawbacks of dentures is that they aren’t secure. They side around when you eat and talk. All-on-4 dental implants are your solution to loose dentures; they are completely secure. We might go so far as to say that they are just as secure as your natural teeth. They are supported by implants which are artificial teeth roots that don’t allow your teeth to move around. Feel free to talk, laugh, and eat without fear of your teeth slipping or falling out.

Enjoy all your food:

All-on-4 dental implants allow you to taste all your food. For someone who hasn’t worn dentures, that might seem like an odd thing to say. Dentures use suction to stay in place, which requires them to cove the roof of your mouth and impedes some of your ability to taste and enjoy food.

Feel like natural teeth:

Your new set of all-on-4 dental implants feel just like natural teeth—especially when placed by an experienced anchorage dentist. They aren’t bulky, and your mouth won’t feel full. You’ll feel like you have a full arch of natural teeth.

Natural-looking:

They are also natural-looking! We will color-match your all-on-fours to any remaining teeth on the opposite arch, or you can choose the level of white for your new teeth.

Comfortable:

This type of tooth replacement is comfortable. They don’t rest on your gums; they rest on implants. So you won’t feel irritation or sensitivity when chewing.

Functional:

Along with looking and feeling like natural teeth, they function like natural teeth too. You’ll be able to eat your favorite foods and won’t experience any whistling when you speak.

Retains jawbone:

One of the most significant benefits of all-on-4 dental implants is they retain your jawbone. Your jawbone is used to taking bite pressure because of your tooth roots. When you replace your teeth without the root (traditional dentures), your jawbone will recede because it’s not being used. Implants apply the bite force to your jawbone and retain it.

Easy maintenance:

All-on-4 dental implants are easy to take care of. Simply brush your teeth twice per day and visit your Anchorage dentist as recommended. Usually two to three times per year.

Drawbacks

The only drawback to this type of teeth replacement is that they cost more than other options. But, in weighing the pros and cons, you need to consider whether the pros are worth the extra cost. Each patient is different, so schedule a consultation with Dr. Kendall Skinner or Dr. Michael Fox in Anchorage, AK, to see if all-on-4 dental implants are right for you.

What are Snap-on-Dentures?

Snap-on dentures are a replacement option for an entire arch of teeth. They are held in place by four to six dental implants, permanently placed into your jaw. The replacement teeth (the denture part) are removable. In fact, you must remove them nightly and snap them back in, in the morning. They ‘snap- in’!

Benefits

If you’re looking at the below list and notice that many of the benefits are the same, that’s because snap-on dentures offer many advantages over traditional dentures, but they aren’t quite the same as all-on-4 dental implants in terms of these benefits.

Comfortable:

Snap-on dentures are more comfortable than traditional dentures but less so than all-on-4 dental implants. Since they have to be removed, there is some room for error, and if your mouth isn’t completely clean, you risk having something caught beneath them. Not only is this bad for your oral health, but it’s uncomfortable.

Functional:

Snap-on dentures are functional. They’re secure enough in your mouth that you can eat, speak, and chew without them moving around.

Retains jawbone:

Like all-on-four dental implants, snap-on dentures retain jawbone density since they are held in place by dental implants.

Natural-Looking:

Snap-on dentures are natural-looking, and you can choose the color of your new teeth.

Cost-Effective:

One advantage of snap-on dentures is they are more cost-effective. You’ll still need to get implants and go through implant surgery, but the overall cost is slightly less.

Drawbacks

Poor taste:

Just like traditional dentures, snap-on dentures cover the roof of your mouth and affect your ability to taste your food fully.

Not as secure:

While snap-on dentures are more secure than traditional dentures, they are less secure than all-on-4 dental implants because you have to remove them at night. The places where they ‘snap’ can become worn out and loosen.

Not as long-lasting:

Because you must remove them each night for cleaning, the dentures become worn out faster than the prosthesis used with all-on-4 dental implants.

Maintenance:

You must take your snap-on dentures out each night and soak them just as you would traditional dentures, as well as gently clean your mouth to keep your implants clean.

Making the Right Choice: Factors to Consider

Deciding between all-on-4 dental implants and snap-on dentures is significant and should be based on more than just immediate needs. Consider your lifestyle, budget, and long-term oral health goals. For instance, if you lead an active lifestyle or enjoy foods that require a strong bite, all-on-4 dental implants might be more suitable due to their stability and strength. Conversely, if you’re looking for a more affordable solution and are comfortable with the maintenance requirements, snap-on dentures could be the better option.

We will discuss the longevity of the materials used, the expected lifespan of the dental work, and any future maintenance or replacement costs. Understanding these factors will help you make a well-informed decision that aligns with your needs and financial situation.

Long-Term Considerations and Oral Health Impact

When choosing between all-on-4 dental implants and snap-on dentures, it’s essential to consider the long-term impact on your oral health. All-on-4 implants provide a more permanent solution and help preserve jawbone density, crucial for maintaining facial structure and oral health. They also reduce the risk of bone resorption, a common issue with traditional dentures.

On the other hand, while snap-on dentures also support jawbone health to some extent, they may require more frequent adjustments or replacements over time. The ability to remove them can be both a benefit and a drawback, depending on your personal preferences and commitment to maintaining them.
Evaluating the pros and cons of each option in the context of your long-term oral health, lifestyle, and aesthetic preferences is key. A detailed discussion with our team about the implications of each choice will ensure that you select the option that best suits your long-term health and satisfaction.

Recommendations from an Anchorage Cosmetic and Restorative Dentist

Our Anchorage implant dentist can help you decide which is best for you, but our general recommendation is that all-on-4 dental implants offer more benefits that’ll keep using and taking care of your teeth easy. While they do cost slightly more, you’re getting many more benefits for the slight increase in cost.

We also prefer all-on-4 dental implants over snap-on dentures because there is less chance for oral infections like gum disease.

Replace Your Missing Teeth with All-On-4 Dental Implants

If you need to replace your missing teeth, choose Excellence in Dentistry with Dr. Kendall Skinner and Dr. Michael Fox. When you choose to have your dental procedures done here, you’ll experience all the comfort and care that Anchorage dentists have to offer. We are unique in our approach to dentistry because we are general, restorative, and cosmetic dentists. When you choose us, you’ll get teeth that are healthy, functional, and beautiful every time. Call (907) 349-0022 or make an appointment online. We are located on O’Malley Rd in Anchorage, near Lowes Home Improvement and The Alaska Club South.