Can You Keep a Snap-On Denture in While You Sleep?

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If you have a snap-on denture, you might be tempted to keep sleep overnight without removing it. It might feel so comfortable that you don’t see the need to remove it. What should you know about sleeping in dentures that are secured with affordable dental implants?

Why Would Anyone Want to Sleep in a Snap-On Denture?

If you’re not familiar with snap-on dentures, they are a type of implant overdentures.

Diagram of snap-on dentures. Dental implants are in the lower jawbone, and a denture with attachments in the base is hovering above the gumline.

A snap-on denture is an affordable option for dental implants

A snap-on denture is secured with just two dental implants, so it’s more affordable than other types of implant overdentures. The denture feels more stable, and it doesn’t slip around or fall out. Some people become so comfortable with the way their dentures fit that they forget to remove them at night—or they want to sleep in them.

Sleeping with Snap-On Denture

A traditional denture rests on your gums. It’s not good to sleep with it on because it puts continuous pressure on your jawbone and accelerates shrinkage. It also promotes the growth of bacteria. But a snap-on denture is different.

A snap-on denture snaps on and off dental implants. The denture rests on the implants, not on your gums. You can sleep while wearing it. But you must be diligent about daily cleaning the denture so you can keep your breath fresh and maintain good oral hygiene. Remember that saliva production decreases overnight, and as we age, so your mouth and dentures will need moisture and cleaning in the morning. Clean your snap-on denture at least once a day.

How to Clean Your Snap-On Denture

  • Remove your denture and clean it with an extra-soft toothbrush and mild liquid soap or non-abrasive denture and gum paste. Avoid using regular toothpaste.
  • Gently scrub the O-rings that snap onto the dental implant abutments (connectors that are attached to the top of implants).
  • Remove food particles and debris and rinse your snap-on denture thoroughly.
  • Clean your mouth with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste.
  • Brush your gum tissue, the roof of your mouth, tongue, and implant abutments.
  • Many patients benefit from using a water flosser, which shoots a powerful stream of water to flush away any remaining debris in your mouth and around the implant.
  • If you want to remove your denture overnight, place it in a water-filled denture box.

The longevity of your snap-on denture and affordable dental implants is partially dependent on how well you clean them. So even if you decide to sleep overnight while wearing your snap-on denture, remember to remove it daily and keep it clean.

Dr. Steven Brooksher, a Baton Rouge dentist, sponsors this post.

4 Clues to Recognizing When Dental Implants Are Too Cheap

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The cost of dental implants varies depending on where you live in the country, as well as the fees of the dentist or oral surgeon. On average, a single implant can cost $1500-$3000.

When Are Dental Implants Too Cheap?

Your dental implants might be too cheap if the dentist:

  1. Doesn’t review your health history and just schedules you for implants
  2. Only takes basic x-rays of your teeth without doing a 3-D CT scan
  3. Tells you about steps he or she will skip to make implants more affordable
  4. Has only completed a few implant cases

Where to Start

You can call dental offices or schedule consultations with two or three implant dentists. As you compare and record the costs from each dentist, find out what services are included in the prices you are quoted. Surgery (including bone grafting, if needed), lab fees, the type and quality of implant fixtures, implant crowns, sedation, and other services factor into the total cost.

Getting the Right Perspective on Affordable Dental Implants

If you want to receive quality implants that last, consider looking for a competitive price from a highly skilled implant dentist. Avoid searching for cheap dental implants. Ask to see before-and-after photos of the dentist’s dental implant cases.

Diagram of snap-on dentures. Dental implants are in the lower jawbone, and a denture with attachments in the base is hovering above the gumline.

A snap-on denture is an affordable option for dental implants

Ask for information on financing, payment plans, and other ways that each dentist makes implants affordable for you. If you need multiple implants, consider having the work done in phases as your budget allows. If all of your teeth are missing, implant overdentures are an affordable way to stabilize your dentures and improve their function.

Details that Matter

Regardless of the cost of your dental implants, ensure your dentist has received advanced, post-graduate training implantology. Successful implant dentists adhere to a strict process for positive outcomes. Your dentist’s process should include the following:

  • Thoroughly reviews your health history to ensure you’re a candidate.
  • Uses 3-D CT scans to accurately capture your oral anatomy and surrounding structures. This ensures accurate implant placement.
  • Uses high-quality implant fixtures.
  • Provides quality dental crowns for the implants. The results will look like your natural teeth.

This post is sponsored by Baton Rouge, LA implant dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher. Dr. Brooksher is a fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI), the world’s largest dental implant organization and largest provider of continuing dental implant education.