According to the American Dental Association, over 36 million Americans are edentulous (missing all their teeth) and depend on complete dentures. Several million others are missing several teeth and require partial dentures for aesthetic and functional reasons. While traditional dentures have been a go-to solution for missing teeth for years, advancements in dental technology offer more stable and natural-looking alternatives. One of the popular options is All-on-Four dental implants—a revolutionary procedure that offers several desirable benefits.
This article will discuss why All-on-Four dental implants are gaining popularity and how they offer numerous advantages over traditional dentures.
Dental implants have emerged as one of the most effective and popular solutions for replacing missing teeth. Dental implants offer a more permanent and natural-feeling alternative than traditional dentures or bridges. A dental implant is a titanium post placed in your jawbone. It acts as an artificial root that supports a prosthetic tooth. Over time, the titanium fuses with the bone, providing a strong and stable foundation for the crown or denture that will be attached to it.
The key features of dental implants include:
All-On-Four dental implants are a groundbreaking advancement in restoring missing teeth. Specifically designed for patients who have lost most or all of their teeth in an arch, this system relies on four (to six) strategically placed dental implants to support an entire partial or complete denture. Unlike traditional implant systems that might require eight or more implants to replace a full arch, All-on-Four streamlines the process, making it more efficient and less invasive.
In a typical All-on-Four procedure, your dentist places two implants vertically in the front of the jaw and two at angles toward the back. This unique angulation maximizes the use of available bone and often eliminates the need for bone grafts, making the treatment more time-efficient.
Some of the key features of All-on-Four dental implants include:
Traditional dentures have been a reliable and trusted solution for tooth replacement for centuries. They are composed of artificial teeth attached to a plastic or acrylic base that rests directly on the gums. These removable prosthesis can replace a few missing teeth (partial dentures) or an entire set of teeth (complete dentures). While the modern materials used in dentures have improved significantly, offering more natural-looking teeth and a more comfortable fit, they still have limitations.
Since traditional dentures rest on your gums, they are held in place by natural suction or adhesives. Over time, the shape of the gums and jawbone can change, which causes the denture to no longer fit snugly against the underlying soft tissues. This can cause the denture to slip or click when eating or speaking, causing discomfort and embarrassment.
The key features of traditional dentures include:
Choosing between traditional dentures and All-on-Four dental implants involves more than just personal preference; it's about evaluating the pros and cons of each to decide what will best meet your specific dental and lifestyle needs. While both treatments replace missing teeth and restore your smile, they differ in design, comfort, longevity, and overall impact on your quality of life.
Traditional dentures are removable prostheses that require that you take them out at night for cleaning and soaking in a special solution. Your gums support them and are often secured with adhesive pastes or creams. This means they may slip or move, especially while eating or speaking. Alternatively, All-on-Four implants are permanently fixed for added stability, a more natural feeling, and superior comfort.
When it comes to dental restorations, All-on-Four dental implants offer several benefits that extend beyond merely replacing missing teeth. This revolutionary system has rapidly become a favorite among dentists and patients for its comfort, convenience, and long-term value.
Below are some compelling benefits of choosing All-on-Four dental implants over traditional dentures or other tooth replacement options.
To learn more about how implants can replace missing teeth and restore your smile, call us or contact us online.