Imagine sitting around a table enjoying a meal with family and friends, surrounded by laughter, all primed to eat your favorite dinner items, but instead of enjoying this time, you are preoccupied with having to worry about your dentures coming out while eating or that What Exactly Are All-on-4 Implants won't eat those types of dish due to the risk of them falling out. For the countless number of people who have missing teeth and have problems with their current removable or fixed dentures, this is not only something they can dream about or aspire to do; it is literally the way they live day in and day out.
However, what if there was an option that would give you the ability to regain not only your beautiful smile but also your complete quality of life? With All-on-4 dental implants, we can now completely re-imagine how we can replace our teeth with the most advanced implant systems available.
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What Exactly Are All-on-4 Implants?
All-on-4 is an advanced and simplified way of replacing an entire arch of teeth using only four strategically placed titanium dental implants instead of the multiple implants traditionally used. The four implants function as four pillars to build a bridge to support the final restoration - with two implants placed vertically in the front of the jaw where more bone is available, and two implants angled toward the back of the jaw to increase contact with the bone and prevent damage to the sinus and nerve areas.
In addition to fewer implants, the All-on-4 approach utilises existing bone density, whereas traditional full-arch restoration requires up to eight implants, often needing additional bone grafting before placement. Many patients who were previously told they had insufficient bone to withstand conventional implants will now have a fixed prosthesis through the All-on-4 technique.
The Journey from Consultation to Confidence
The All-on-4 process begins with a thorough evaluation of your oral health. Your trusted dental team will utilize cutting-edge imaging technology including 3D CT scans to accurately visualize the bone structure of your jaw. This provides a basis for creating a digital treatment plan for the placement of your implants based on exact locations of your jawbone (measured in millimeters). In addition, as part of the virtual planning process, the dentist places the implants virtually before surgery occurs and then uses that plan to determine where to place the implants during the surgical procedure.
The All-on-4 process has provided incredible benefits for patients who have had to wait months or perhaps years for the implant process to be completed. Many patients arrive at the dental practice with broken teeth or poorly-fitting prosthetics and walk out on the same day with a complete set of functioning temporaries (temporary dentures). This "teeth in one day" approach has benefitted countless patients. Most patients report that their recovery after the procedure was much easier than they had expected based on their knowledge of previous experiences with implant surgery.
There's some really interesting stuff happening inside of you during the Healing Period (which lasts anywhere from 3 to 6 Months). While this time frame could seem lengthy to most people, below the surface remains quite busy. This includes the Titanium Implants being integrated into the Jawbone through a biological fusion process called Osseointegration.
This in combination with the natural process of Bone Formation/Repair constitutes the most natural replacement for a Tooth Root achieved through modern dentistry. When Nature has finished fusing/repairing your Jawbone to your Titanium Implant, the Temporary Restorative Appliance (Prosthesis) can then be removed and replaced with the final Permanent Restorative Appliance (Prosthesis); both of which have been custom designed specifically for you based on your Individual Facial Characteristics, Lip Support Needs, and Personal Selection of Tooth Shape and Color.
Why People Are Choosing All-on-4
Improving the aesthetic quality of a patient's smile and having a restored smile can be a huge boost to the emotions of a person; however, for many people, the aesthetic appearance is only the beginning of the benefits of the All-on-4 system. For many patients, All-on-4 will save their jawbone from decaying when they lose teeth. As bone deteriorates, the shape of the face will begin to change and this causes a "sunken" look associated with aging. The All-on-4 system provides stimulation to the bone in the same way that the roots of teeth provide stimulation to the bone. This stimulation helps to stop the decay of the bone and to maintain the facial contours of the patient.
From a practical standpoint, the use of All-on-4 will improve the quality of life of the patient due to many of the daily challenges that they face while wearing traditional dentures. Patients will no longer have to use messy adhesives, worry about their dentures slipping during important conversations or eating, and have to restrict themselves from eating their favourite foods. Patients can eat anything they would normally eat with their natural teeth, and many patients are able to enjoy foods they haven't eaten in years because they are now able to eat anything that they want.
The maintenance of an All-on-4 denture is very simple, and the patient will maintain their All-on-4 supported teeth as they would maintain their natural teeth. A patient will not require any special overnight cleaning products, and a patient will not need to remove their denture from their mouth at night. Regular dental check-ups are still important, but the patient will continue to maintain their All-on-4 denture as the way nature intended.
Considering the Investment
When discussing costs, transparency matters. The All-on-4 treatment is a large investment and can range in price from $15 to $30,000 per arch depending on where you live, what types of materials are used, and how complicated the case is. Some patients react to this price greatly when initially comparing this type of procedure to traditional dentures.
Many of the patients perceive the benefits of All-on-4 implants differently. For example, traditional dentures are replaced every 5-7 years and periodically need to be relined with ongoing costs of adhesives and cleaners. Whereas with proper oral hygiene and maintenance, All-on-4 implants can provide patients with several decades of use (20+ years per some studies) When patients begin to factor the longevity, improved quality of life, and elimination of continued costs associated with using traditional dentures, an investment into All-on-4 implants becomes logical. Many dental practices also offer financing solutions specifically designed to help patients afford their treatment.
Is All-on-4 Right for You?
All-on-four dental implants are a great solution for some people, but they are not for everybody. Ideal candidates for All-on-Four implants may be persons who have lost most or all of the teeth in an arch, individuals with failing/unsalvageable teeth, or long-term denture wearers looking to switch to a more permanent solution. To get the most from your implants, you will need to have sufficient adequate bone density in specific areas, have relatively good overall health, and either not smoke or be willing to stop smoking.
Certain medical conditions may impact your ability to have an All-on-Four implant procedure done successfully, including uncontrolled diabetes, active periodontal disease or conditions that inhibit bone healing. As a result, the consultation phase is important to addressing these medical conditions as well as others. Your qualified implant dentist will consider these factors and determine if the All-on-Four implant is the best treatment option for you or if another treatment would be more beneficial.
The Bottom Line
The All-on-4 implant system does more than replace your teeth; it's a bridge back to all of the small things we often forget about. To smile freely; to eat without hesitation; to talk without the fear of dentures moving these are not luxuries, they are essential to a complete life.
If you are missing teeth or continuing to wear dentures, take the time to learn more about the All-on-4 system.
Find an experienced surgeon for an evaluation and ask any questions you may have about your particular situation. The future of tooth replacement does not need to be about accepting limitations, but about discovering ways to restore not only function, but also the enjoyment that comes with having teeth. Your smile, confidence, and overall quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do All-on-4 implants last?
With proper care and maintenance, All-on-4 implants can last 20 years or more.
Is the All-on-4 procedure painful?
Most patients report minimal discomfort and find recovery easier than expected.
Can I eat normally with All-on-4 implants?
Yes, patients can eat most foods comfortably without worrying about dentures slipping.
Who is not suitable for All-on-4 implants?
People with uncontrolled medical conditions or severe bone loss may need alternative treatments.