Types of Full Mouth Dental Implants Explained
- By: Dr. Evan Pivetz
This video and content is part of our Complete Guide to Full Mouth Dental Implants.
When you are facing the loss of all your teeth, or if you are currently struggling with traditional dentures, knowing your restoration options is the first step toward reclaiming your smile. There are several types of full mouth dental implants available today, but they are not all created equal in terms of comfort, stability, and lifestyle benefits.
In the video above, Dr. Evan Pivetz explains the two primary options we offer at New Smile Columbus and breaks down the significant differences between them to help you make an informed decision.
Option 1: Snap-In Dental Implants
The first option discussed is often referred to as snap-in dentures or overdentures. This solution serves as a middle ground between a traditional denture and a fully fixed implant bridge. As Dr. Pivetz explains, this method involves placing two to four dental implants into the jawbone, which then connect to a removable denture.
While this option provides more stability than a conventional denture that relies solely on suction or adhesive, it is important to remember that it is still a denture. It involves a piece of plastic in your mouth that covers the gums and, in some cases, the palate.
Pros of Snap-In Dentures
- Increased Stability:
Compared to a regular denture, the implants act as anchors to keep the appliance from slipping as easily. - Cost-Effective Entry:
Because it uses fewer implants and a removable acrylic appliance, the upfront cost is often lower than fixed solutions. - Removability:
Some patients appreciate the ability to take the teeth out for cleaning and maintenance at night.
Cons of Snap-In Dentures
- Reduced Strength:
As mentioned in the video, this is still a piece of plastic in your mouth, meaning it is not as strong as fixed zirconia or hybrid options. - Daily Maintenance:
The teeth must come in and out every day for cleaning, which can be a reminder of tooth loss. - Difficult Healing Period:
One of the major problems with snap in dentures is the healing phase. You must wear a normal, floating denture for three to four months while the implants integrate before the snap-in mechanism can be used.
Option 2: All-on-4 Fixed Dental Implants
The second option, which Dr. Pivetz describes as the gold standard in full-mouth restoration, is the All-on-4 or All-on-X procedure. This falls under the category of fixed dental implants. In this procedure, four to six dental implants are placed in the jaw, and a full set of teeth is permanently screwed onto them.
Unlike the snap-in option, these teeth do not come in and out. They are designed to function, feel, and look like natural teeth from the very beginning. At New Smile Columbus, this is typically our first-line recommendation because it offers a superior quality of life for our patients.
Pros of All-on-4 Implants
- Immediate Teeth:
As stated in the video, we attach teeth that are screwed in within the first 24 hours of placement. You do not go without teeth. - Permanent Fixation:
These teeth do not come in and out. You brush and floss them just like natural teeth. - Superior Comfort:
Because the prosthetic is streamlined and secure, it allows you to chew, smile, and talk without worrying about the appliance moving. - Better Healing Experience:
During the three to four months of healing, you have a secure set of teeth, avoiding the discomfort of a temporary floating denture.
Cons of All-on-4 Implants
- Initial Investment:
The cost for fixed implants is generally higher than removable options due to the advanced materials and surgical technique required. - Hygiene Routine:
You must be diligent with oral hygiene, using tools like water flossers to clean beneath the fixed bridge since you cannot remove it.
Comparing Types of Full Mouth Dental Implants: All On 4 vs Snap In Dentures
When weighing snap in dentures vs all on 4, the biggest differentiator is often the lifestyle change. While snap-ins offer an improvement over traditional dentures, they retain some of the bulkiness and maintenance requirements of the past. Fixed implants, however, aim to replicate the experience of having natural teeth again.
The table below highlights the key differences regarding dental implants fixed vs removable options.
| Feature | All-On-4 / All-On-6 | Snap-In Dentures |
|---|---|---|
| Permanence | Fixed, permanent solution that does not need to be removed | Must be removed every night |
| Stability | Fixed and seamless, like natural teeth | More stable than traditional dentures |
| Chewing Power | Nearly full strength for all your favorite foods | 50-60% of natural bite force |
| Maintenance | Just brush and use a Waterpik like regular teeth | Remove and clean daily |
| Durability | Decades of use with proper care | May need replacing every few years |
| Investment | Higher upfront with better long-term value | Lower upfront with ongoing upkeep |
Why We Recommend Fixed Dental Implant Solutions
At New Smile Columbus, we perform both procedures, but we are transparent about why we view the All-on-4 as the superior choice. The goal of full mouth restoration is not just to replace teeth but to restore confidence and function.
One of the most overlooked aspects of the snap in dentures cost is the emotional cost of the healing period. As Dr. Pivetz highlights, with snap-ins, you are required to wear a traditional denture while your implants heal. This means dealing with adhesives, slipping, and potential sore spots for several months. With the All-on-4 method, you bypass this struggle entirely, waking up with a secure smile that allows you to eat and speak comfortably right away.
Schedule Your FREE Consultation Today
Choosing between these types of full mouth dental implants is a big decision, and we are here to help guide you through it. Whether you are leaning toward the affordability of snap-ins or the permanence of All-on-4, our team is ready to create a customized plan for you.
Contact New Smile Columbus Dental Implant Studio today to schedule your FREE consultation and 3D scan. Let us help you find the perfect solution for your smile.
