At our All on 4 Phoenix center, we have several options available for missing teeth replacement. A few of the most common treatments for replacing missing teeth are dentures, single tooth implants, and All-on-4 dental implants.
While each restoration option offers their own unique benefits, there are significant differences between them that patients should be aware of when making their decision.
What Are All-on-4 Dental Implants?
The All-on-4® Treatment Concept are dental implants that replace multiple missing teeth, providing a natural appearance.
These are helpful when replacing an entire arch of teeth in the front, either on the upper or lower part of the mouth, making them a key component in a full arch restoration.
The procedure for an All-on-4 implant involves inserting four titanium posts directly into the jawbone. This procedure is done through oral surgery. The implant post helps support the arch of the replacement teeth and acts as an artificial tooth root.
The All-on-4 procedure can be used for both the upper arch and lower arch, enhancing smile aesthetics and functionality.
One of the key differences between single tooth dental implants and traditional implants is that single tooth implants are only used for one missing tooth, while the All-on-4 can serve to replace multiple missing teeth, offering a permanent solution .
There are several benefits of using All-on-4 implants over traditional dentures in this procedure. Below are some of the most significant advantages of using All-on-4 implants over implant supported dentures.
Benefits of All-on-4
Some of the most significant benefits of All-on-4 dental implants include:
| • | Improved Stability: All-on-4 implants are more stable than traditional dentures and do not require messy adhesives to hold them together, providing better stability. |
| • | Improved Function: With All-on-4 implants, patients can enjoy a wider variety of foods and improve chewing function, contributing to a functional smile . |
| • | Improved Oral Health: All-on-4 Implants help prevent bone loss from missing teeth and maintain the health of the jawbone, allowing for fewer food restrictions. |
| • | Long-Lasting: All-on-4 implants are popular because they are long-lasting. Their longevity goes up to 25 years or more. |
| • | New Smile: The All-on-4 procedure can give patients new teeth and a new smile, boosting their confidence and functionality. |
| • | Many Advantages: The All-on-4 technique offers many advantages over traditional dentures, including stability, functionality, and aesthetics. |
All-on-4 vs. Dentures
All-on-4 implants and dentures are completely different based on their procedure, materials, and overall process.
The only similarity between the two is their purpose - to replace missing teeth.
Conventional dentures can often be ill fitting, leading to discomfort and dissatisfaction.
Moreover, other differences between All-on-4 vs. dentures can help prevent further bone loss and you decide which is better for your situation.
The All-on-4 procedure involves placing titanium posts into the jawbone, which become permanently fused with the bone over time.
This fusion provides a stable foundation for dentures, ensuring longevity without the need for additional surgeries.
Stability
All-on-4 implants are anchored in the jawbone and provide a stable and secure fit under local anesthesia, while dentures rely on adhesives to stay in place, which can affect the bone structure over time.This can result in dentures slipping or moving around, which can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. All-on-4 implants are more stable than traditional dentures and do not require messy adhesives.
This allows for a more comfortable solution that looks natural and restores the function of the missing teeth.
Additionally, All-on-4 implants boast a high success rate, with a 98.2% success rate for lower arch placements and a 97-98% rate for upper arch placements, ensuring a reliable and effective treatment.
Tooth Function
All-on-4 implants are designed to function like natural teeth, providing a more natural chewing experience than dentures, and can sometimes allow for teeth in a day.Dentures can make it difficult to eat certain foods and affect food taste. With All-on-4 implants, patients can enjoy a wider variety of foods and improved chewing function.
These implants allow patients to chew properly, enhancing their ability to enjoy a wider variety of foods. Since All-on-4 implants are sturdy and durable, patients do not have to worry about eating hard foods.
However, they should still be cautious.
Bone Loss
The jawbone deteriorates when teeth are missing. Dentures do not prevent bone loss, while All-on-4 implants help preserve the jawbone.Additionally, All-on-4 implants can eliminate the need for bone grafting, making it a more straightforward treatment option for patients with bone loss, with available sedation options.
Maintenance
Dentures require regular cleaning and maintenance, including soaking in a special solution overnight.All-on-4 implants can be cared for like natural teeth with regular brushing and flossing. Maintaining All-on-4 implants requires regular dental care, unlike a temporary denture including brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings.
All-on-4 vs Single Tooth Implants
A single-tooth implant is a type of dental implant that replaces a single missing tooth.
The implant features a titanium post surgically inserted into the jawbone. The post helps to replace the missing tooth root.
Then, we place a dental crown on top of the post. This creates a natural look and restores the function of the missing tooth.
All-on-4 is not limited to replacing just a single tooth. This restoration can replace an entire arch of teeth - top, bottom, or both.
The All-on-4 procedure uses four dental implants to support an entire arch of teeth, providing a more efficient solution compared to single tooth implants.
How Long Does All-on-4 Last?
Dental implants are long lasting and known to be a permanent tooth replacement. All-on-4 implants are popular for longevity, often lasting up to 25 years or more.
Once the implants are fully healed during the healing process, they provide a stable and long-lasting solution for missing teeth. This provides an effective alternative to most restorations for missing teeth, as they do not require frequent replacement.
Caring for your All-on-4 implants is also easy. There is no special care required, as is the case with dentures.
Just like natural teeth, these implants require daily oral hygiene, including brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and using non-abrasive toothpaste.
Flossing or using an interdental brush around the implant-supported bridge helps remove plaque and prevent gum disease.
It’s also important to rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash and schedule regular dental work checkups and professional cleanings, typically every six months or as recommended by your dentist.
Avoiding hard or sticky foods and quitting smoking can further protect your implants and support overall oral health.
Get The Fully Functioning Smile You Deserve
At our Phoenix clinic, we believe there is no reason for a patient to have to continue with missing teeth, which is why we offer an initial consultation to discuss options and create a customized treatment plan.
We provide a personalized treatment plan to address each patient's unique dental needs, including the number of implants needed and goals.
The choice between dentures, single-tooth implants, and All-on-4 implants depends on various factors, including the number of missing or damaged teeth, their location, and your oral health.
Implant and Periodontal Wellness Center of Arizona will assess your oral health needs and help you determine the best tooth replacement option for you.
Call us at (480) 504-0506 to schedule an appointment and we can help you determine which type of dental implant is right for you!