Side by side
| Fixed All-on-4 | Removable snap-on denture | |
|---|---|---|
| Stays in? | Yes. Only your dental team removes it. | No. You snap it out to clean and at night as directed. |
| Implants | Four to six (four minimum) | Depends on your mouth and plan |
| Covers the palate? | No | No. An upper snap-on is made without covering the palate (roof of the mouth) |
| Teeth on surgery day | Usually yes: a temporary fixed set (not zirconia). Final zirconia teeth about 4 months later | Final denture after about 4 months of healing |
| Bone grafting | Usually not required | Decided by your consult and 3D imaging |
| Thickness | Thinner, closer to natural teeth | Not as thin as All-on-4 teeth |
| Feel when eating | Closest to natural teeth | Much steadier than a regular denture |
| Daily cleaning | Brush and water floss in place | Take out, brush the denture and clean around the implants |
| Materials | Final teeth: stain-resistant zirconia | Metal-based denture with denture teeth |
| Cost | Higher investment | The more affordable option |
Fixed All-on-4
Teeth that stay in, attached to four to six implants.
Removable snap-on
A metal-based denture that clips onto implants. An upper snap-on leaves the palate uncovered.
Who tends to choose fixed All-on-4?
People who want teeth that feel as close to natural as possible and stay in every day. All-on-4 usually does not require bone grafting, and most patients leave on surgery day with a temporary set of fixed teeth.
Who tends to choose a snap-on denture?
People who want much more stability than a regular denture at a more affordable level, who like being able to take the teeth out to clean them, or who already wear a denture and want it to stop slipping.
Snap-on dentures: a patient's story
Paying for treatment
Your fee is given to you in writing after your free consult, before anything starts.
Monthly payment plans are available through Cherry and CareCredit.
Also available: Proceed Finance, if Cherry or CareCredit is not a fit for you.
Payment plans are subject to credit approval, and terms vary. You apply on each provider's own website. Questions? Call (615) 591-4490.
A note on “full arch”
“Full arch” just means all the teeth in the upper or lower jaw. It can be fixed or removable, so always ask which one an office means.
Individual results vary. Your consult and 3D imaging decide your plan.
See real results in our All-on-4 smile gallery.
Reviewed by A. Allen Blourchian, D.D.S., New Image Dentistry, Franklin, TN. This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Individual results vary.