There are two prevalent types of dentures in use. The first one is known as a removable denture or a snap-on denture. Another one is known as an all-on-4 denture. Some people confuse all-on-4 is a type of implant. While that is true, the common term for them is an implant denture. However, they are still dentures and removable. There are some differences between the two.
What Are Snap-On Or Removable Dentures?
Snap-on dentures are conventional dentures. They help you connect implants and sit on the gums comfortably. The snap-on feature allows for a more firm grasp on your gum to give a realistic appearance.
These are great for taking them out for cleaning and maintenance purposes. Most modern dentures don’t require any adhesive to work, either. They offer a firm grasp to make it comfortable to eat and chew your favourite foods, including the tough bites.
What About Implant Dentures Or All-On-4?
It is also a full-mouth implant option but different from snap-on. These are permanent and not removable dentures. In other words, snap-on dentures are easier to maintain and clean. After all, you can pull them out and clean them as you like them. But, they require you to put them on and run the risk of coming off or getting loose over time.
Meanwhile, all-on-4 dentures give a more real-teeth-like appeal. These aren’t removable and work like implants. Thus, you get a mouthful experience.
Remember that dental implants are not the number of teeth replaced. These are the screws and other similar artificial elements that help fix the artificial teeth in your mouth. An all-on-4 denture is better if you have more than four or six teeth missing. It is cost-effective and can be done on the same day of the surgery. Thus, it saves a lot of time.
After the same-day implantation, you will have to follow up with routine checkups. Thus, it saves a lot of time and gives you a natural appeal.
Is There Any Material Difference?
There has been significant availability of acrylic plastic and zirconia for the dentures. Acrylic plastic makes all-on-4 teeth dentures more affordable. Meanwhile, zirconia is a replacement of ceramic that gives the teeth a realistic texture and appeal. There are factors like appearance and longevity that you’d have to consider for these.
Acrylic Teeth
An acrylic teeth denture is more affordable. However, it has poor material quality. Thus, it can get discoloured easily. It is challenging to find the same colour as your other teeth. Acrylic isn’t the strongest and most durable. So, you need to be careful with them. They aren’t very dense or flexible, and you can feel the tension in your implants.
Zirconia Teeth
Zirconia teeth all-on-4 bring you a longer-lasting appeal. You get more robust and durable dentures with better colour matches. They are natural-looking, and you won’t have to worry about discolouration or stains on them. Overall, they are easier to maintain and also fight against elements like bacteria and plaque.
Zirconia teeth are like more durable ceramics that aren’t easy to damage. They can withstand harder to chew food, as well. You get a more permanent solution. The only drawback is the cost as they are a little more costly.
Need For A Bridge
The first difference is that all-on-4 implants require a complete dental bridge. There can be four to six implants minimum to complete an entire arch. This is to plant artificial teeth and give a natural appeal.
Meanwhile, the snap-on or traditional dentures mostly have two to four implants at best to support the entire structure.
Benefits Of Using All-On-4 Dentures
All on 4 dentures help you acquire impeccable stability. They stick permanently, and you won’t have to worry about them falling off. You get better bone volume and density maintenance, as well. There is no need for a socket bone loss either.
More importantly, there is no need to perform bone grafting. As a result, you can save both time and money. Typical implants can take 3-4 months to heal before you can get dentures or anything else. Meanwhile, all-on-4 can be done on the same day. This saves a lot of time, and you can get ready for photographs with a full smile immediately.
There is a need for only four implants at best that can support up to 12-14 teeth. Overall, it has shown great client satisfaction, as well.
The Cost Factor
How much do dental implants cost in Australia? Removable dentures are highly affordable. If you opt for dental implants, they will cost just double, at the least. There isn’t any fixed cost as it depends on the material in use and the number of teeth you need the replacement. However, if you go with the benefits of permanent solutions, they last longer and provide you with a higher value for money as a one-time investment in most cases.
Conclusion – Which One Is Better?
Removable dentures are economical. However, they are a temporary solution. In the long run, they will cost you much more than all-on-4 alternatives. Meanwhile, all-on-4 require you to invest a lot in the initial phase. Still, if you get through with it, you save a fortune for care.
Removable dentures don’t compare to all-on-4 in any way, other than the initial cost. All-on-4 are better for your bone density, structural integrity, and entire social profile.
You won’t have to worry about making an impression. All-on-4 dentures allow you to laugh to your heart’s content and not hide your smile. You can enjoy all kinds of foods like you would with natural teeth. There is a significant improvement in the materials as well.
If you want to retain that confidence in your smile and personality, then all-on-4 dentures are better. They are superior in almost every possible way. All you’d need is a professional that will help you thoroughly with the entire process. After all, these are some valuable additions, and if you can go for all-on-4 dentures, you shouldn’t let anything stop you.
