Understanding the snap-on denture process helps you feel prepared. Here's what to expect from consultation through your final fitting.
Getting snap-on dentures involves placing dental implants and fitting a custom overdenture—typically completed in two main phases over 3-6 months.
The process is less extensive than All-on-4 (fewer implants, shorter surgery), making it an attractive option for patients who want implant benefits with a simpler procedure. Not sure if you qualify? Check our candidate requirements.
| Phase | Timing | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Consultation | Week 1 | Exam, imaging, planning |
| 2. Implant Surgery | Week 2-4 | 2-4 implants placed |
| 3. Healing | Months 1-4 | Osseointegration; wear healing denture |
| 4. Final Fitting | Month 3-6 | Attachments placed, final denture delivered |
Total Treatment Time: 3-6 months
Duration: 1-2 hours
Your specialist examines your mouth, assesses gum health, and evaluates any remaining teeth.
Detailed images reveal bone volume and density, optimal implant positions, and whether 2-4 implants are recommended.
Your specialist develops a customized plan including number and location of implants, type of attachment system, whether bone grafting is needed, and timeline and cost.
Duration: 1-2 hours (depending on number of implants)
Most patients receive local anesthesia plus oral or IV sedation for comfort.
With snap-on dentures, you typically don't receive teeth the same day. Instead, you wear a healing denture while implants integrate over 3-6 months.
Duration: 3-6 months
During this phase, your implants fuse with your jawbone—a process called osseointegration.
Duration: 2-3 appointments over 2-4 weeks
Once osseointegration is confirmed, healing caps are removed, abutments (attachment posts) are screwed onto implants, and impressions are taken for your final overdenture.
Your final snap-on denture is custom-made with optimal fit over your implants, attachment housings embedded in the denture base, and natural-looking teeth arranged for aesthetics.
Your snap-on denture is fitted, attachments are tested for proper "snap," bite adjustments are made, and you learn how to insert, remove, and clean your new denture.
You leave with your completed snap-on denture!
Implant placement typically takes 1-2 hours, depending on whether you're receiving 2 or 4 implants. This is shorter than All-on-4 surgery (2-4 hours).
Yes—you'll wear a healing denture (similar to a traditional denture) while your implants integrate. This won't snap onto the implants yet but will provide functional teeth.
You'll be under local anesthesia and often sedation during surgery. Post-operative discomfort is typically mild to moderate and manageable with prescribed medication. Most patients find recovery easier than All-on-4 due to fewer implants.
Typically 4-6 appointments over 3-6 months: consultation, surgery, 1-2 follow-ups during healing, and 2-3 appointments for final denture fabrication and fitting.
Understanding the procedure is important—a consultation provides personalized details for your situation.
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