I am unhappy with my denture, so I spent the past few weeks researching my options. I am interested in overdentures but would like to know which ones are more affordable. Is it worth going with the least expensive type? I’ve worn complete dentures since 2002, and most people think I am 10 years older than my age. Besides that, my dentures are so loose that I skip most social functions because I can’t enjoy them like I used to. What should I ask for when I have a consultation with a dentist? – Thanks. Gabe from CO

Gabe,

Thank you for your question.

Which Implant Overdentures Are the Most Affordable?

The most affordable implant overdentures are removable and require at least two dental implants to retain your denture. A snap-on denture is a popular option that improves your experience with dentures.

What Is a Snap-On Denture?

A snap-on denture is a removable implant denture. The denture base has two to four grooves that snap onto dental implants. Although you can get a snap-on denture with just two implants, more implants will increase denture stability.

Snap-On Denture Advantages

You will notice these benefits from your implant-retained denture:

• Feels more natural
• Makes it easier to eat and speak with your denture
• Stimulates your jawbone to prevent further shrinkage

A snap-on denture will outlast and outperform a complete removable denture. A June 2017 article in the Journal of Prosthodontics reviewed 25 studies that compared removable full dentures with implant-retained dentures. Studies show that implant-retained dentures significantly improve chewing function and quality of life.

Snap-On Denture Disadvantages

The disadvantages below compare a snap-on denture to a fixed implant denture:

It does not fit, feel, or function as well as a non-removable denture

• . You must remove the denture to clean it.
• You must remove the denture overnight while you sleep.

How Much Is a Snap-On Denture?

The average cost of one snap-on denture (upper or lower) with two dental implants in the U.S. is $10,000 – $15,000, but each patient’s case is unique. Your cost will depend on your needs, which may include several factors, such as these:

• Your dentist’s fees for x-rays and a 3-D CT scan, which is essential for accurate implant placement
• Bone grafting procedure
• Bone grafting materials
• Dental implant surgery
• Dental implant parts
• Wear temporary dentures while your implants heal
• Custom denture
• Follow-up visits

Also, costs vary depending on where you live in the U.S., how many implants you receive, and the denture you choose.

Fixed Implant Overdentures

Fixed implant overdentures are non-removable implant-supported dentures and cost more than implant-retained dentures. You will wear a temporary denture while your jawbone and implants fuse. Afterward, your dentist will screw the denture onto the implants.

Schedule Consultations for Snap-On Dentures

We recommend scheduling consultations with at least two dentists with post-graduate training in dental implants.

• Bring a list of questions you want to ask.
• Ask each dentist about their experience with cases like yours.
• Ask to see patients’ before-and-after pictures of snap-on dentures.

Compare your options and the costs, but please do not let cost alone be the reason for selecting a dentist. You deserve high-quality implant dentures regardless of which option you choose.

Baton Rouge dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher sponsors this post. Dr. Brooksher is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.