Snap-On Smile vs. Permanent Implant Dentures

Snap-On Smile vs. Permanent Implant Dentures

Not only is it difficult to live with missing teeth, but it can also be hard to choose the right treatment method for the sake of your dental health. There are many restorative options available, but only one will leave you completely satisfied.

There is often a debate about temporary and permanent dental appliances and whether they are effective at maintaining oral health and quality of life. Many patients find themselves choosing between the snap-on-smile and permanent implant dentures, both of which have their benefits and drawbacks.

The Snap-On Smile

The snap-on smile was developed for patients who are looking to enhance their smile without a large expense and who want a quick and easy solution for concealing missing, crooked, or stained teeth. The procedure takes only two appointments to complete, consisting of dental impressions and the actual placement of your new teeth.

A snap-on smile is made from thin yet durable dental resin though it does not functionally correct or replace missing teeth. It’s a cosmetic alternative that allows you to smile with confidence.  Oral health and diet can remain relatively unchanged for patients, though the appliance must be removed every night. On average, a snap-on smile will last for up to two years before requiring a replacement.

Permanent Implant Dentures

Permanent implant dentures are made from porcelain and consist of a dental arch and implants that work together to create a brand-new smile. An oral surgeon will place two to six implants within the jaw which attach to a full or partial denture.

Many patients desire permanent implant dentures because of their stability. You are receiving a complete set of teeth that will not slip in your mouth as you chew or speak. Because they are permanent, there is no additional maintenance other than routine brushing and flossing.

Permanent implant dentures are bulkier and more costly than snap-on smiles, as the materials of the denture are designed to closely match the quality of natural tooth enamel. Patients who are comfortable with the additional expense and want a restoration that they can treat like their natural teeth often benefit from permanent implant dentures.

Want to Learn More?

To learn more about the restorative options available, or to find out which method is right for you, contact Lorton-Springfield Dental Implants & Oral Surgery at 703-436-4633 and schedule an appointment.

Dental Implants vs. Dental Bridges

Dental Implants vs. Dental Bridges

If you have lost one or more teeth, it can be difficult to figure out what to do next. While you likely want to receive treatment to replace your teeth, there are a number of options to choose from.
You might find yourself wondering whether you should receive dental implants or a fixed bridge. Both are effective when replacing and restoring missing teeth, but there are differences between them that may impact the treatment that you choose.

Dental Bridges

In the past, dental bridges were the only option for replacing missing teeth. Made of porcelain or ceramic material, a dental bridge uses a prosthetic called a pontic to fill the gap in between two teeth. The pontic is attached to adjacent teeth by crowns, making it necessary to prep the neighboring healthy teeth.

Patients will often choose to receive a bridge as a more cost-effective solution. They may also have existing health issues that limit their candidacy for an implant.

Although bridges are less expensive, their lifespan does not usually exceed 10 years compared to implants, which have the potential to last a lifetime. Additionally, bridges require significant alterations to other natural teeth and can still become susceptible to wear over time.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are one of the most effective ways to restore missing teeth and are the number one choice for many patients. The procedure starts with the placement of a titanium implant that is allowed to integrate with your jawbone. Once healed, a restoration is placed atop the one or more implants, creating a natural and permanent prosthetic.

Unlike bridges, dental implants do not involve any prep work to surrounding teeth and can be fabricated to match the shape, size, and color of your natural tooth enamel. Oral hygiene is also easier with implants, requiring only your usual brushing and flossing routine as opposed to bridges that can make the practice more challenging.

Although dental implants carry a heavier price tag, they are often more cost-effective in the long-run. Because they are permanent, you run no risk of needing a replacement or spending additional money in the future.

Get Your Dental Implants Today!

If you would like more information about dental implants or to find out whether they are the right treatment method for you, contact Lorton-Springfield Dental Implants & Oral Surgery at 703-436-4633 and schedule an appointment.