All-on-4 dental implants are a comprehensive treatment used for replacing all of the teeth in one arch. That is your upper or lower jaw. Since dental implants are quite strong, they’re capable of supporting the weight of multiple teeth. All-on-Four restorations tap into that advantage, by using four strategically placed implants in your arch to anchor a full-arch restoration.
As you might guess, All-on-4 treatment is the preferred solution for most of our patients who are missing all of their teeth. Whether you’re already in dentures (and hope to replace them) or require full mouth rehabilitation, you owe it to yourself to find out if you qualify for this innovative treatment.
All-on-4 Implants Design
Unlike other types of full-mouth restorations (dentures), All-on-4 implants are characterized by a streamlined, “U”-shaped appliance that follows the contour of your bite. The slim device is like a hybrid between a multi-tooth dental bridge and a denture, but without the “plate” that goes across the roof of your mouth.
And as the name suggests, this appliance is anchored onto just four implants underneath.
Should I Get All-on-Four Implants?
If you need to replace all of your teeth, then an All-on-4 treatment should be one of your top choices. Of course, not everyone will qualify. It’s important to work with an implant specialist who you trust so that you can ensure you’re making an educated and informed decision about your smile’s future.
We recommend All-on-Four implants because of their benefits, such as:
• No removable appliances
• More comfortable than dentures
• Proven and effective outcomes
• Ability to eat all of your favorite foods
• Easy to talk with
• Aesthetics that compliment your appearance
• Natural support of your bone and facial profile
• The long-lasting efficacy of dental implants
By investing in an All-on-Four device, you can gain the advantage of dental implants without necessarily needing to place an individual implant at each tooth location. The treatment is therefore more straightforward as well as cost-effective. It’s a smart way to gain the best return on your investment.
When you’re in the early stages of considering dental implants, it’s important to discuss your medical history with your smile specialist. Any underlying health concerns, prescription medications that you’re taking, or recent hospitalizations may impact your candidacy for dental implants.
Some people assume that dental implants are not an option because they have lost bone in their mouth or had another dentist tell them they don’t qualify. Fortunately, working with implant experts who have added access to technology (and specialized services like grafting) means more people qualify for dental implants than ever before. Since All-on-Four treatments have some flexibility when it comes to where (and at what angle) the implants can be installed, they’re an excellent solution for non-traditional implant patients.
All-on-4 vs. All-on-6
What about “All-on-6” implants? Like an All-on-4 appliance, these hybrid devices are also permanently anchored into place. The only difference is that additional implants are used for better stability. If you’re someone who has a thin ridge of bone or excessive bone loss due to resorption, additional implants can ensure a predictable outcome that’s both comfortable and strong.
The only difference between an All-on-4 and All-on-6 treatment is the number of implants used. In fact, some implant specialists in DFW may even use five implants, depending on the scenario. Locking into one specific treatment can be unwise at times, so it’s best to discuss your oral health needs with a highly experienced team that has managed cases similar to your own. Our Fort Worth implant specialists will be open and honest about their recommendations for your smile.
Is an All-on-Four Removable?
No. All-on-4 implants are a permanent restoration that stays in your mouth at all times. Only your dentist can remove them (as special equipment is required.) If you want a permanent solution for your missing teeth, then a hybrid appliance like All-on-Four implants are one of the best options you have to choose from.
If you prefer to have a removable appliance, an overdenture that’s stabilized by implants may be a better choice. Just keep in mind that stabilized dentures still require a “plate” that will rest against the roof of your mouth.
All-on-Four vs. Overdentures
Although both All-on-Four and overdenture types of implants replace all of your missing teeth at one time, they are two very different types of treatments. One (All-on-4) is permanent and streamlined in shape. When it’s placed, it isn’t going anywhere. It essentially becomes a permanent part of your smile. There’s nothing to take in and out.
On the other hand, overdentures (stabilized implant dentures) are removable. They mimic the design of a conventional denture, except the underside has 2-4 locators or “snaps” as some people refer to them. Each of these indentations is made to clip onto a corresponding dental implant in your mouth. So when you attach the denture to them, you have added stability without the rocking, slipping, or need for gooey denture adhesive.
What to Expect During All-on-4 Treatment
Every dental implant treatment requires careful planning. Rushing through implant therapy can predispose you to poor integration, unwanted side-effects, and lengthier recovery times. Fortunately, there’s a safe and predictable way to perform All-on-Four treatments without having to complete the entire process in one sitting.
Will you have to go with missing teeth? Not necessarily! While you’re waiting for your implants to integrate, we can provide an interim prosthesis on the same day. That way your underlying implants are kept safe but you never have to be seen with any missing teeth. After a few months, the temporary device is exchanged for a fixed, permanent hybrid appliance.
All-on-4 Implants in Fort Worth, Dallas
Archpoint Implant Dentistry provides comprehensive implant therapy and smile restoration services to families throughout the greater DFW area. If you’re considering All-on-4 implants or full-mouth restoration, our specialists are here to help. Contact us today and reserve
