Tooth loss is still a common problem, where finding a viable replacement option is critical to dental and overall health. According to epidemiological studies, it is estimated that 40 million Americans are edentulous (i.e., they are missing all their teeth). Dental implants are an innovative way to replace missing teeth to restore teeth function and improve your life quality. They are especially recommended due to their stability, functionality, and durability.

What is an implant-supported denture?

An implant-supported denture is a type of overdenture that uses dental implants as support. These implants are embedded directly into the bone, making the implant-supported denture more stable than a regular denture. At least two dental implants must act as anchors for a lower denture and four for an upper denture.

What are All-on-4 Implants?

The all-on-4 dental implants procedure is used to replace a complete set of natural teeth in the lower or upper jaw. Trough this procedure, patients have a permanent prosthesis that is attached to four dental implants. Each dental implant is strategically placed in the underlying bone. The dental implant looks similar to a screw and is often made of titanium or zirconium. It will act as a tooth root to fix the denture.

What are the benefits of All-on-4 Implants?

All-on-4 implants have several significant benefits for patients. This procedure not only helps patients to get a beautiful smile, but it also has a direct impact on their oral health. Here are some of the benefits:

Increase self-confidence

One of the most significant benefits is the confidence and security that patients gain, who can smile again without worrying. Patients who receive all-on-4 dentures can enjoy a complete set of natural-looking teeth. It improves the patient facial aesthetic since the mouth will no longer look sunken in the absence of teeth. Also, all-on-4 dentures are strongly connected to the implants, increasing patient confidence when chewing and speaking. They do not move, unlike traditional dentures, and they are more comfortable for the patient.

Prevent bone loss

Degradation of bone in the jaw is one of the most common effects of missing teeth. The jawbone naturally starts to recede or shrink as a consequence of the lack of stress caused by the act of chewing. All-on-4 replacement teeth will effectively minimize bone loss because the implants are fixed directly to the jaw and act like natural teeth roots. With an implant-supported denture, patients can chew normally, applying stress to the jaw. This action will encourage the retention of bone mass, keeping the jaw healthy and strong.

Need easy care and maintenance

Unlike traditional dentures, all-on-4 dentures do not need to be removed and cleaned every night. For caring for all-on-4 teeth and implants, patients should follow good oral hygiene habits, the same as for natural teeth, brushing and flossing every day. Also, regular dental cleanings are still necessary to maintain the implants healthy and clean.

Avoid bone grafting

Patients who are missing their teeth can experience bone loss. When the jaw becomes weak, bone grafting is used to rebuild it. Depending on the dental implant, bone grafting could be mandatory if patients have experienced extensive bone loss. Nevertheless, for an all-on-4 procedure, the implants are specially angled and positioned to take advantage of dense areas of the bone. Bone grafting is usually not needed even in patients with some level of bone loss. Another good option to avoid bone grafting is mini implants, which require less bone than traditional implants.

They do not need fitting

Traditional dentures rest on the gums and apply pressure to the bone surface, accelerating bone loss. When bone density begins to diminish, the jaw starts to shrink, and the denture slips. Dentists will need to perform fitting sessions to adjust the denture to the new conditions. In the case of all-on-4 dentures, the pressure is applied to the bone structure instead bone surface. All-on-4 implants create a stable base and secure fit, eliminating looseness or slipping.

Have a high lifespan

All-on-4 implants are a viable long-term solution and have a high success rate. A longitudinal study with ten years of follow-up, which included 245 patients with all-on-4 implants, showed a 94.7% success rate. Some dentists agree that all-on-4 implants can last at least 20 years and maybe a lifetime with proper care and good oral hygiene habits.

How to care for all-on-4 implants?

At Kipnis Dental, we recommend these tips to extend the lifespan of all-on-4 treatments:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
• Floss regularly.
• Schedule routine dental check-ups and cleanings.
• Avoid foods that are particularly hard or crunchy.
• Avoid using teeth as tools.
• Wear a mouthguard when participating in impact sports.

Cost of Dental Implants

Dental implants cost is affordable compared to other tooth replacement options, especially considering their quality and long-term cost-effectiveness. According to The New York Times, a dental implant cost is estimated to be around $3,000 to $4,500. Their price will vary depending on the materials used and the location. Usually, front tooth implants cost is higher than back tooth. All-on-4 implants could be made of different materials, such as acrylic fused to titanium, monolithic zirconia, and porcelain stacked to a cobalt-chromium frame. In the United States, it would approximately cost an average of $12,000 to $25,000 per jaw. All-on-four cost is considerably lower than a complete set of traditional implants.

Which is better all-on-4 or all-on-6 dental implants?

Both are effective solutions for people who have lost a complete set of teeth. It is believed that the location and placement of those two additional implants in an all-on-6 dental procedure provides a more stable base. Nevertheless, the all-on-6 method requires more bone real-state than an all-on-4. So, the best way to decide which option is better for you is to speak with your dentist. They will examine your particular case, especially your jawbone, to have a broad understanding of your clinical condition. They can decide the best treatment plan according to your oral condition and your budget.