The snap-in denture process goes along as follows:

** As I’ve stated before, snap-in dentures can be done with either mini implants or regular implants, however, I would use regular implants if possible.

1. Just like with regular dentures you will usually start off with your extractions.

   2.Some dentists will do the extractions and place implants the same day. Some will do your extractions, let you heal for a couple of months and then go back for your implant surgery.

   3.The surgery for placing mini versus regular implants is basically the same as far as the patient goes. The implants are placed under the gum line and stitches are put in post-surgery.

   4.If you already have dentures, you will continue to wear those for a period of 3 months until your implants heal. (Remember that during this time it is important to follow your soft diet.)

   5. If you do not already have dentures then you will go through the process of having a set of immediate dentures placed for after your extractions and then surgery. ** Please see the first section under the title Regular/Partial Dentures for the immediate denture process.

   6. Since the implants are underneath the gum line at this point, you should not have any trouble wearing your dentures like normal.

   7. Once your implants have healed, again about 3 months, you will go back for what’s called your “uncovering”. This is wear they uncover your implants from under the gum line. Your implants are exposed and then the dentist will either put healing caps on top of the implant (usually with mini implants) or abutments (with regular implants).

   Many people get scared and anxious about the uncovering process, but it really isn’t bad. It basically feels like a bad pizza burn for a couple of days.

   Some tips that I would give you is to have some really cold drinks available for after the procedure. I would get the flavored Vitamin Waters and put them in the freezer until they got kind of icy and then drink those. This is what helped me get through it.

   8. Your denture will be what is called “retrofitted” so that you are able to continue to wear them while healing from this process. To retrofit them, they will place a soft liner material on top of the dentures and have you bite down until it starts setting. That process takes an impression in the lining material so that your healing caps or abutments will fit down in your denture.

   9. You will come home and heal for a few weeks after the uncovering before starting your finals process.

   10. The process for your final snap in dentures is pretty much like the process of getting a set of regular dentures. You will first do an impression of your mouth with your implants. At this time they will take the healing caps or abutments off and put special tips on for the impression.

   11. You will then go back into the office for your wax bite block try in and to have your midline measured.

   12. Once these are good to go the next step is the wax try in with your new teeth. At this point of the process you want to make sure you like the shape and shade of the teeth and the way it fits because your final snap in denture will be made from this try in.