The Functional Advantages of All-on-4 Dental Implants

If you are missing multiple teeth or dealing with damaged and diseased teeth that need to be removed, you may be considering your options for tooth replacement. Single implants are a good choice for single missing teeth, but can be costly and difficult to do for multiple missing teeth. Dentures can replace a full arch of teeth, but will not look, feel, or function like your natural teeth.

All-on-4 dental implants are an excellent option for a permanent solution. The functional advantages that All-on-4 dental implants offer make them a great choice for those who are ready to reclaim their smile.

What are My Options for Replacement Teeth?

When it comes to replacing lost or damaged teeth, there are three main options: traditional implants, dentures, and All-on-4 dental implants.

• Traditional Implants

Traditional dental implants involve a post being surgically placed into your jawbone for each missing tooth, as the post serves as the root to anchor the tooth and stimulate the jaw. You must have overall good oral health and sufficient jawbone present. Traditional implants work well for single missing teeth.

• Dentures

Dentures are removable, prosthetic teeth that can be fitted to your mouth to replace a few missing teeth (partial dentures) or a full arch (complete denture) of missing teeth. Your dentist will study your bite and alignment to create dentures that will allow for chewing and speech, and are held in place with an adhesive. Dentures will need to be periodically refitted since the lack of jaw stimulation causes the bite and underlying jaw bone to continually change over time.

• All-on-4 Dental Implants

All-on-4 dental implants use only four or six posts to anchor a full arch of missing teeth. The posts are placed at an angle and can support multiple missing teeth. Since All-on-4 implants require less bone density than traditional implants, bone grafting is often not necessary prior to the procedure. Unlike dentures, All-on-4 dental implants are a permanent solution for multiple missing teeth.

Choosing All-on-4 Dental Implants

There are several factors that go into making the choice for replacement teeth. The first is age. Because dental implants are permanent, those who want to enjoy their new teeth for more than a decade will often opt for a long-term solution. Bone density is another concern. Traditional implants require strong bone density to support the posts. If you have lost bone density through a medical condition or injury, you may not be a good candidate for traditional implants and may feel that dentures are your only option. But because All-on-4 requires less bone density and can actually stimulate bone growth, it can be a good option for those who don’t have the option of traditional implants.

The final factor for many is cost. Dentures are the least expensive option initially, but because dentures need to be refitted over time, the cost can increase as replacement sets become necessary. The cost of individual traditional implants increases rapidly as more implants are needed, making them far less cost effective when multiple teeth require replacement. All-on-4 dental implants typically cost more than dentures initially, but provide a greater long-term value. When making the choice to replace missing teeth, it’s important to consider how long you want to have your new teeth, your current bone health, the investment you are comfortable making, the functionality you need, and the esthetics you desire.

All-on-4 Dental Implants are Strong

All-on-4 dental implants are much stronger than other tooth replacement options and are nearly as strong as natural teeth. With All-on-4 dental implants, four to six posts are surgically implanted into the jawbone and bond with the bone over time through a process known as osseointegration. After this process is complete, the posts will remain in place and be completely secure. Depending on the material chosen for the replacement teeth, these too can be just as strong, and in some cases, even stronger, than natural teeth.

All-on-4 Dental Implants Function as Your Natural Teeth

With the strength of All-on-4 dental implants, after the healing and osseointegration process is complete, you can eat nearly any food. While speaking clearly can be an issue with missing teeth or dentures, people with All-on-4 dental implants typically  adjust easily and report natural articulation. Having the posts implanted and stimulating the jawbone removes the risk of sinking cheeks and bone loss. As a cosmetic benefit, All-on-4 dental implants appear to be natural teeth.

All-on-4 Dental Implants Can Enhance Your Overall Quality of Life

When you are missing teeth, especially more than just a few, you will likely feel self-conscious not only about your smile, but also about eating and speaking in front of others. All-on-4 dental implants look like your natural teeth, function as your natural teeth, and, unless you choose to share your success story, no one will be able to tell that they are not your natural teeth. Rather than the extra care that dentures require and the irritation they can cause, you can care for your All-on-4 dental implants just as you would your natural teeth.

If you are missing several teeth and looking for replacement options, All-on-4 dental implants can give you the functionality you need to bite, chew, smile, and speak with confidence. Contact Bellevue Dental Care and Implant Center to learn more about how you can get a permanent smile you can feel good about.