All-on-X vs Dentures or All-on-X vs Snap-on Dentures: Which Is Right for You?

Key takeaways

How do dentures, snap-on dentures and All-on-X differ?

All three replace a full arch of teeth. The difference is what holds them in place.

Monthly estimates range from 48 months at 7.9% APR to 24 months at 0% APR, upon approved credit.

Which feels and chews most like real teeth?

All-on-X is the closest to natural teeth. The bridge is fixed to the implants, so it doesn't move when you talk or eat, and it doesn't cover the roof of your mouth, which helps you taste food fully.

Snap-on dentures are a big step up from a regular denture when you can't afford All-on-X but still want a more permanent solution than dentures alone. Because they click onto implants, they stay put for meals and conversations, don't fall out when you sneeze, give you the confidence of permanent teeth, and you still take them out to clean them and at night. They can also leave the palate open like All-on-X, and you don't need the cleaning appointments every 3 to 4 months that are recommended for All-on-X cases. A traditional denture relies on suction and the shape of your gums, so it can shift, especially on the lower jaw.

What happens to the jawbone with each option?

The jawbone stays strong when it is used. After teeth are lost, the bone that held them slowly shrinks. That is why dentures that fit well at first often feel loose a few years later. Read more in Top 7 Denture Reline Problems and Solutions.

Implants sit in the bone like tooth roots, so they help keep the jaw from shrinking around them. Both snap-on dentures and All-on-X use implants, which is one of the main reasons patients choose them. Dental implants have become a standard of care for edentulous patients.

How do the costs compare?

The up-front cost rises with how fixed and natural the result is.

Traditional dentures

The lowest up-front cost. Expect relines or replacement over the years as your gums and bone change.

Snap-on dentures

About $366 to $625 a month per arch with financing, using 2 to 4+ implants based on your assessment.

All-on-X

About $610 to $1,042 a month per arch with financing, with 4 to 6+ implants and provisional and fixed final teeth.

Your exact price depends on extractions, bone grafting and the number of implants. You get a written quote after your free evaluation. See our guide to dental implant costs for what can change the price.

What does All-on-X treatment involve?

Treatment follows four main steps.

Consultation and 3D scan

Dr. Desai examines your mouth and takes a 3D CBCT scan to see your bone, nerves and sinuses. This is included in your free implant evaluation.

Surgery day

Any failing teeth are removed and 4 to 6+ implants are placed where your bone is strongest, under oral sedation, and temporized with a provisional prosthesis.

Healing

Over the next few months the implants fuse with the bone. You eat softer foods at first and come in for follow-up visits.

Fixed final teeth

Once healing is complete, your fixed final prosthesis is made and fitted for strength, comfort and appearance.

Who is a good candidate for each?

• Traditional dentures suit people who want the lowest cost or can't have surgery right now.
• Snap-on dentures suit people who want a denture that stays put, at a lower cost than multiple implant bridges and All-on-X.
• All-on-X suits people who want fixed teeth that never come out at home and are healthy enough for implant surgery.

Bone loss doesn't always rule out implants. Your 3D scan shows what is possible. Read Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants? for more.

Can I switch from dentures to implants later?

Yes. Many of our implant patients wore dentures for years first. The longer you wait, the more bone may be lost, which can mean a graft or a different plan, but switching is often still possible. A scan tells you where you stand today.

Choose with your scan in hand

The right choice depends on your bone, your health and how you want your teeth to feel day to day. A free implant evaluation with a 3D scan shows your options side by side, with a written price for each. If you need a second opinion and have your own CBCT scan, please bring it in.

Learn more about All-on-X →