How Snap-On Dentures Improve Chewing Ability [Video Explainer]

Many times, we don’t realize how important something is until it’s gone. We know that teeth help us chew and break down food, but it isn’t until we start living with missing teeth that many patients notice how challenging chewing can become. For edentulous patients who don’t have any teeth, especially seniors, an inability to chew can lead to a reduced variety of foods in their diets. When Dr. Gloria Stingley sees patients who want to improve their eating ability and are unhappy with conventional dentures, she’s excited to share the benefits of snap-on dentures.

These dentures look quite similar to traditional dentures, except they are anchored to implants for added retention and stability. This can significantly improve chewing and biting ability, so patients like you can eat more foods.

What Are Snap-On Dentures?

A snap-on denture is a removable denture that attaches to either conventional or mini dental implants for support. Usually, Dr. Stingley uses at least two traditional dental implants or at least four mini dental implants placed in either the upper or lower jaw. The snap-on denture has small O-ring connectors beneath it that “snap” into place over the implants. This approach secures your denture, so it does not shift or move around while you eat or speak. This creates a more secure fit than a conventional denture, but remains removable.

You’ll remove the snap-on dentures to clean them each night, then snap them back into place.

If you already wear a conventional denture and still have enough bone remaining, you don’t necessarily need to start over. Dr. Stingley can often add O-rings to your existing denture, allowing it to serve as a temporary snap-in denture. Later on, once the dental implants integrate with the bone, she can craft a new snap-on denture.

The Benefits of Implant Dentures

The benefits of snap-on dentures are clear. When dentures lock into place on dental implants, you experience a more stable denture that doesn’t move about. This improves your chewing and gives you the confidence to enjoy what you’re eating, since you don’t have to worry about it falling out.

With implant dentures, you also won’t need to use adhesives to hold down false teeth anymore, so you can say goodbye to the impact denture glue can have on your sense of taste.

One of the most important features of the snap-on denture is that implants help maintain your bone. This helps keep the shape of your jaw consistent, and the snap-on denture should fit more comfortably for longer.

How It Feels To Chew and Eat With Snap-On Dentures

The benefits of snap-on dentures follow you to the dinner table! The feeling of chewing and eating with snap-on dentures is an exciting upgrade from the conventional experience.

As soon as you start eating with your snap-on denture, you’ll notice that your false teeth feel secure and don’t slip or rock. This can help you feel more confident applying stronger biting and chewing forces in the mouth. You’ll also be able to chew food into smaller particles, which helps break it down before swallowing. With better chewing, you’ll be able to tolerate foods that are often a challenge with conventional dentures. You’ll be able to enjoy firmer fruits and vegetables, as well as chewy meats.

As you’re enjoying all those wonderful foods in your diet, you’ll notice less gum irritation. The denture uses the dental implants, not the gums, for support. As a result, you won’t need to experience denture sores any longer!

Since we can create upper snap-on dentures without a palate, you should also have improved taste.

Dr. Stingley wants you to be well. An important part of a healthy diet is being able to chew and swallow a wide range of fruits, vegetables, and meats. To that end, the snap-on denture can unlock variety in your diet.

Explore Implant Dentures at a Free Screening

If you’re feeling the downsides of conventional dentures at the dinner table, consider a better alternative. Snap-on dentures provide a secure fit that stays put while you eat, so you can live your life and get back to enjoying a healthy range of foods.

Dr. Stingley wants to help you get back to eating what you love. She provides free screenings when you move forward with treatment. Schedule a visit today.