Buyer's Guide To Implant-Supported Dentures: Types And Cost

By David Hudnall, DMD

Dentures are one of the best options to replace your missing teeth. Among all types of dentures, implant-supported dentures, also called snap-in dentures, are considered the best and most secure option for people seeking to replace all of their missing teeth and improve their natural ability to chew and smile.

The support from implants enables a complete upper denture set to be made into a horseshoe shape, creating extra space for the tongue and exposing the palate for improved temperature and taste sensations. This article provides general information regarding the cost of implant-supported dentures and the various types of implant-supported dentures available.

What Are Implant-Supported Dentures?

An implant-supported denture is a modified, unique denture attached to dental implants placed in your jaw bone. Instead of relying solely on your gums for support, the denture is secured by the implants, which allows you to chew, smile, and speak without using adhesives or worrying about the denture slipping.

What Is the Material Used for Implant-Supported Dentures?

Typically, your oral surgeon will use titanium screws to place four to six implants into your jawbone. The screws will then be given adequate time to heal and fuse with your jawbone before securing the artificial teeth to them.

Two basic kinds of implant-supported dentures are:

• Bar-Retained Dentures
• Ball-Retained Dentures

Both types of dentures are made with an acrylic base. This material mimics the natural appearance and texture of your teeth and gums. Single-arch dentures need a minimum of two dental implants for basic retention and more for true support. With a proper examination, your dentist can determine the correct number of dental implants required for your specific situation.

Choosing Dental Implants

Whether you are considering them for the first time or thinking of replacing your traditional dentures, implant-supported dentures can be an excellent option. These dental appliances improve speech and confidence, decrease irritation of gum tissue, better restore your ability to chew, and more.

Implant-supported dentures can also resolve TMJ disorders or issues with jaw pain that often occur when there are multiple missing teeth. Compared with conventional dentures, full and partial denture implants are more comfortable, sturdier, and fit better without requiring denture adhesives.

What We Recommend

European Denture Center combines advanced technology and innovation to offer you maximum comfort, chewing ability, and the best fit possible. We create dentures that mirror the look and feel of your natural teeth, ensuring that you retain your original smile and appearance. We utilize new technologies and the finest denture materials from the USA, Germany, Sweden, and Switzerland to create and provide the most comfortable and best-fitting denture through your dental implant process.

Cost of Implant-Supported Dentures

According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, on average, implant-retained dentures with two dental implants generally cost between $2,500 to $4,500 or more.

Multiple-Tooth Implant Cost

These systems use four to six implants to secure a single removable denture. The average cost of treatment with a removable denture is from $2,500 to $5,000. The same treatment with a full-arch Zirconia fixed bridge instead of a denture costs between $9,000 to $25,000 per arch, including the bridge.

Full-Mouth Implant Cost

The average cost for all of your replacement teeth by full-mouth implant-supported bridgework ranges from $20,000 to $50,000 per arch or more.

Factors Impacting the Implant-Supported Dentures Cost

Numerous factors affect the overall cost of an implant-supported surgical procedure. These factors include:

• Quality of replacement teeth material used
• Dentist selected for the procedure
• Number of implants placed
• Any preparatory procedures required (bone grafts, sinus lifts, etc.)
• Type of implants used
• Cost of sedation dentistry (if elected)

Are Snap-on Dentures Worth the Investment?

Snap-on dentures have many benefits, but with so many options, denture patients often ask if they’re worth the price.

Snap-on Dentures: Longevity

Snap-on dentures often have a greater initial cost when compared with other affordable alternative replacement options like conventional dentures. However, implant-supported dentures have a longer lifespan than traditional dentures and can last for decades. Quality maintenance is critical as the plastic snaps will also need to be replaced around every year.

Snap-on Dentures: Comfort

Snap-on dentures are very comfortable and allow you to smile, speak, and eat your favorite foods with ease. Patients can even sleep with snap-in dentures though doctors recommend avoiding doing this frequently. This type of denture also results in less bone loss and lower risk for developing sore spots as compared to ‘regular dentures’.

Snap-on Dentures: An Investment That Pays for Itself

These implant dentures enable you to speak with confidence and help maintain your oral health by improving or resolving problems like jaw pain, which can occur with  tooth loss.

Snap-on dentures look like real teeth and help preserve the natural appearance and structure of your jaw and the lower third of your face. Despite the higher initial cost of snap-on dentures, they have many long-term benefits.

Additionally, most denturists accept insurance and offer flexible payment plans to help offset the out-of-pocket costs and make the process even easier.

Frequently Asked Questions