If you’re in need of dentures, you may consider a much more effective alternative: all-on-four dental implants. All on 4 implants secure an arch of teeth to your jawbone using, creating a longer-lasting solution than traditional dentures. Let’s take a closer look at how all-on-four implants work to determine if they’re a good option for you.
How All-on-Four Dental Implants Work
All-on-four dental implants anchor an arch of prosthetic teeth that secure to the jawbone with four dental implants. With traditional dentures, the weight of the teeth is distributed across the gum line and the roof of your mouth. With all on 4 implants, the weight is distributed to the implants and absorbed by the jawbone. Your jawbone is much stronger than your gums, making dental implants significantly more reliable for replacement teeth. The implants act like your natural tooth roots, preserving your smile and extending the life of your prostheses.
The Installation Process
At Clinton Dental Center, the installation process starts with a consultation to determine which dentistry solution is right for you. If you are a good candidate for the procedure, we can arrange a time to complete the implant process. You will have a general dentist (Dr. Sadikoff) on staff to create your new smile. Your oral surgeon will remove your teeth and install the dental implants. There will also be a lab technician available to assist with the procedure.
After the implants are in, you will receive a set of temporary teeth to wear while your implants heal. This part of the process occurs within one day, so you will not have to worry about missing teeth for an extended stretch of time. You will wear your temporary arch until the implants have fully healed, which may take a few months. Then you will receive your permanent prostheses, secured directly to your dental implants.
All on 4 Implants vs. Dentures
A prosthetic arch with implants serves the same purpose as full dentures, but the implants have significant advantages:
- All-on-four dental implants stay in your mouth until your yearly teeth cleaning. You don’t have to worry about creams, overnight soaking, eating issues, or anything else. The prosthetics function like your natural teeth.
- A prosthetic arch of teeth will stay white. The zirconia the teeth are made from is a special type of porcelain that does not dull or stain. You can enjoy a permanently white smile!
- All-on-four dental implants fortify your jawbone and prevent gum recession. This extends the life of your replacement teeth.
- With all on 4 dental implants, you get a temporary smile right away. With dentures, you may not have teeth during the healing period.
- Dentures block the roof of your mouth, which affects your sense of taste. All-on-four implants leave your roof free and clear.
The one notable drawback of all-on-four dental implants is the upfront cost, which tends to be higher than dentures. The benefits greatly outweigh the cost, and dental implants will extend the life of your prosthetic teeth. Nevertheless, if cost factors into your smile makeover decision, dentures are more affordable in the beginning.
Am I a Good Candidate for All-on-Four Dental Implants?
A good candidate for all-on-four dental implants is someone whose teeth are no longer restorable. Typically, a good candidate for dentures is a good candidate for all on 4 implants. If you do not want a removable fixture in your mouth, all-on-four implants are the right choice for you.
The only way to determine if all on four dental implants are a good fit for your smile is to come in for a consultation. Dr. Sadikoff will evaluate your smile and come up with the best solution for your needs. If there is an alternative option to consider, you’ll learn the pros and cons of each approach. Transparency is one of the standards we abide by here at Clinton Dental Center.
Call (586) 949-5363 to schedule your consultation. Check out our All-on-Four Dental Implants FAQs to learn more.
