Snap on dentures, also known as snap in dentures or clip on dentures, are a type of removable partial or complete denture that can be clipped onto existing teeth or dental implants for stability. Unlike conventional dentures that rely on suction to stay in place, snap on dentures use a clicking or snapping mechanism to securely attach to teeth, implants, or an upper palateless frame. Getting snap on dentures made without a palate is possible, but there are some important considerations.
What are snap on dentures?
Snap on dentures consist of a plastic base lined with acrylic that houses artificial teeth. Small metal clips or presses are embedded in the base. These clips attach to abutment crowns or implants secured in the mouth. The clips provide retention to hold the denture in place firmly while chewing and speaking. Here are some key benefits of snap on dentures:
- More secure fit than traditional dentures
- Can be removed and inserted easily as needed
- May not require adhesives
- Can improve chewing capacity and bite force
- Often a more affordable option than fixed dentures or implants
Snap on dentures can be an option for either complete or partial tooth replacement needs. Partial snap on dentures have fewer artificial teeth and may only clip onto a few anchors. Complete snap on dentures can clip onto strategically placed implants along the entire upper or lower dental arch.
Are palateless snap on dentures an option?
It is possible to get snap on dentures made without an upper palate. However, there are some limitations:
- The denture must clip onto multiple dental implants to get sufficient retention.
- At least 4-6 implants evenly spread along the upper jaw are usually needed.
- Palateless snap on dentures may have less stability than ones with a palate.
- Speech can be impacted from lack of palate contact.
- Patient must have adequate bone volume for several implants.
- Higher upfront costs for implants and associated procedures.
Palateless snap on dentures utilize clips that snap directly onto ball abutments screwed into the implants. This allows the denture to be held firmly in place for eating and speaking without covering the palate. A metal or acrylic framework called a subperiosteal, which sits above the gums, may be used to assist with stability.
Pros of palateless snap on dentures
While challenging to construct, there are some advantages to snap on dentures made without an upper palate:
- Increased comfort – eliminates palate coverage which can irritate tissues.
- May improve taste sensations – allows food to touch taste receptors.
- Better speech – no acrylic or metal covering palate area.
- Reduced gag reflex – helpful for patients with sensitivity.
- Minimal implant coverage – avoids crowding implants.
For patients experiencing discomfort from traditional complete dentures or full palate coverage, a palateless solution can provide an enhanced fit and feel. The denture only touches the gums and clips onto implants, eliminating hard acrylic on the roof of the mouth.
Cons of palateless snap on dentures
However, there are also some disadvantages to weigh:
- Higher cost – more implants usually needed.
- Complex planning and design.
- Meticulous oral hygiene required – lack of palate seal can trap bacteria.
- May be less stable than dentures with palate.
- Lack of ridge lap area limits suction seal.
- Possible speech impediment – palate assists with certain sounds.
- Requires adequate bone volume and density for implants.
- Implants may need grafting procedures if bone is inadequate.
These potential downsides emphasize the importance of comprehensive planning with an experienced denturist and dental team. Thorough diagnostics including CT scans to evaluate bone anatomy help determine implant positioning for optimal retention. Ongoing professional cleanings and excellent home care are critical as well. For some patients, the benefits outweigh the disadvantages of palateless snap on dentures. Others may be better served by a traditional denture design based on their unique needs.
What’s involved in getting palateless snap on dentures?
The process for getting custom palateless snap on dentures requires the following steps:
- Imaging and planning – Impressions and scans like CTs are taken to assess jaw anatomy and determine implant locations.
- Implant placement – Dental implants are surgically inserted into the jawbone at strategic positions to support the denture.
- Healing time – Gums and bone need 2-6 months to heal around implants before denture fabrication.
- Abutment attachment – The supporting posts (abutments) are secured onto the implants.
- Impressions – Molds are taken of the abutments and jaw structure.
- Framework try-in – A metal subperiosteal structure may be fitted to test position and retention.
- Denture try-in – The custom palateless denture is assessed for fit, comfort, and clip attachment.
- Attachment to implants – The denture is snapped onto the implants via the embedded clips for retention.
Getting palateless snap on dentures takes highly detailed planning over several months. Experience placing multiple strategic implants along the entire upper jaw is crucial for successful outcomes. Working closely with an expert prosthodontist and dental laboratory familiar with these specialized dentures is key. Cost will be significantly higher than standard dentures. However, palateless snap on dentures can provide a uniquely comfortable fit.
What is the role of implants in palateless snap on dentures?
Dental implants play an essential role enabling palateless snap on dentures to be retained securely without a palate:
- Provide anchorage – Implants permanently fuse to jaw bone to serve as solid anchor points for denture retention.
- Enable palateless design – No palate coverage needed on denture to get suction and stability with implants.
- Require specific positions – Multiple implants angled favorably are necessary along the entire arch.
- Need abutments for clip attachment – Fixed abutment posts screwed into the implants allow denture clips to snap onto them.
- Require adequate bone – Sufficient bone volume and density is needed to place implants well.
- Involve grafting if inadequate bone – Sinus lifts and ridge grafts may build up bone sites if needed for proper implant placement.
The strategic positioning and angulation of at least 4-6 well-integrated implants enables palateless snap on dentures to function reliably. Careful treatment coordination is vital for implant supported palateless dentures to work optimally.
Ideal Implant Positions for Palateless Dentures
Here are prime locations for implants to support palate-free snap on dentures:
| Position | Location |
| Canine regions | Upper lateral incisor/canine areas on each side |
| Central incisor regions | Front upper jaw in incisor midline areas |
| Premolar regions | First upper bicuspid sites on each side |
| Molar regions | Upper second molar areas for added support |
This strategic implant positioning provides the retention and stability needed for a denture to function well without a palate. The spread of implants ensures optimal distribution of biting forces too.
What maintenance is required for palateless snap on dentures?
Once delivered, palateless snap on dentures require the following maintenance:
- Excellent oral hygiene – Thorough brushing and interdental cleaning is a must.
- Denture cleaning – Remove and brush denture daily with soap and water.
- Soak denture – Immersion in cleansing solution prevents stains and bacteria buildup.
- Regular professional cleanings – See your dentist every 3-6 months.
- Annual exams – To check implants, abutments, retention, and oral health.
- Proper handling – Take care inserting and removing to avoid damaging mechanism.
- Avoid adhesives – Can clog clip mechanism and aren’t needed for retention.
- Denture reline if needed – Improves fit if gums recede over time.
Palateless snap on dentures must be kept very clean. Lacking a palate seal makes them more prone to bacteria and tartar accumulating under the denture base. Be sure to remove, brush, and soak the denture daily. See your dentist promptly if you notice damage, loosening of the denture, or irritation under the denture.
What does it cost to get palateless snap on dentures?
Palateless snap on dentures are a premium, customized treatment. Costs are significantly higher than conventional dentures. Here is an overview of the costs:
- Implants – $1500-$5000 per implant. At least 4-6 usually needed for palateless denture.
- Abutments – $500 – $1500 per abutment.
- CT scans – $300-$700 for proper implant planning.
- Grafting procedures – $500 – $2000 if needed to augment bone.
- Snap on denture – $5000-$7500 for the customized appliance.
- Dental laboratory fees – $500 – $1500
- Oral surgeon fees – $2000-$5000 if needed for extractions.
- Total costs often $15,000-$30,000+ for the entire treatment.
Prices can vary based on your individual needs, the materials chosen, and providers in your area. Getting an exam and consult will help provide accurate estimates. For patients with adequate insurance coverage or financial means, the investment can pay dividends in terms of function, comfort and confidence.
Cost Breakdown Table
| Treatment | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Dental Implants | $6,000 – $30,000 |
| Abutments | $2,000 – $6,000 |
| CT Scans | $300 – $700 |
| Bone Grafts | $500 – $2,000 |
| Snap on Denture | $5,000 – $7,500 |
| Dental Lab Fees | $500 – $1,500 |
| Oral Surgeon Fees | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| Total | $15,000 – $30,000+ |
Does insurance cover palateless snap on dentures?
Unfortunately, insurance coverage is minimal for palateless snap on dentures:
- Most insurance plans provide little to no coverage for dental implants.
- Plans may contribute a small amount toward the denture itself.
- Out-of-pocket costs are high – expect to pay most expenses.
- Financing options like CareCredit can help manage costs.
- Discuss options with your dentist and insurance provider.
- Coverage levels vary greatly by individual policies.
Due to the extensive treatment planning and numerous customized components involved, getting palateless snap on dentures can be very expensive. With inadequate insurance coverage, these specific dentures are realistically only feasible for individuals who can self-fund the costs. Some dentists may offer in-house financing or payment plans to offset the high upfront investment. Future insurance plans may evolve to increase coverage for implant supported dentures.
Are there alternatives to palateless snap on dentures?
If getting snap on dentures without a palate is not feasible, here are some alternative options to consider:
Traditional Dentures
Conventional complete dentures with an acrylic base and palate may be more affordable. Impressions are taken to custom design the dentures for your mouth. The palate provides essential suction and stability for denture function. However, some find a traditional denture palate uncomfortable.
Implant Supported Dentures
Dentures can be anchored to just 2-4 implants on the upper jaw. This provides excellent retention for stability while keeping costs down compared to many implants. A palate is still required, but may be smaller and thinner to reduce bulk. The denture can snap onto anchors or use a bar attachment system.
Partial Dentures
If some upper teeth remain, a partial denture may be an option. Partial dentures have acrylic and false teeth to replace just 1-3 missing teeth. They clip onto adjacent teeth for retention and typically have a partial palate section. This reduces coverage compared to a complete denture.
Dental Bridges
For isolated missing upper teeth, bridges bonded to neighboring healthy teeth can replace them. Bridges span the gap where teeth are missing without requiring palate coverage. However, enough strong teeth are needed on either side for bridges to be possible.
Discuss the pros and cons of these alternatives with your dentist. Based on your specific needs and budget, more affordable options may be better suited than palateless snap on dentures for you.
Conclusion
Getting snap on dentures made without an upper palate is possible in some situations. However, extensive use of strategic implants along the entire upper jaw arch is required for retention and stability. While palateless snap on dentures can provide comfort and improved sensory feedback, the high costs and complex planning involved make them unrealistic for many patients. Thorough consultation with your dentist can help determine if you are a good candidate for this premium treatment option or if other more feasible alternatives may better suit your needs.