If you need to replace an entire upper or lower arch of absent teeth, or even both of them, you have alternatives. You may choose All-on-4 dental implants, in which the titanium implants anchor a prosthetic arch of teeth, or conventional dentures.
Patients who choose All-on-4 dental implants will be treated by an oral surgeon, while denture wearers may get their appliances from a general dentist or a specialist in prosthodontics.
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the two options in a number of characteristics:
Stability: Dental implants are much more secure than dental adhesives, so in this aspect, All-on-4 dental implants outperform the alternative. Implant-supported dentures will not slip out of place. In comparison, dentures require dental adhesives to stay in place, and those adhesives may fail.
Longevity: Dental implants become a permanent part of the mouth’s structure. They also prevent the jawbone erosion that occurs when the teeth’s roots are no longer present, and the jaw’s shape stays the same. Alternatively, standard dentures have no such anchoring structure, so the bone will evolve, and the dentures’ fit will deteriorate over time, requiring refitting or even new dentures.
Appearance: All-on-4 dental implants look more lifelike than dentures. Not to mention that when standard dentures have a slip-up, it’s quite noticeable.
Functionality: Because dental implants replace the entire tooth structure, they do the best job of preserving the function of a natural tooth or teeth. For example, all-on-4 dental implants are much more effective at chewing than conventional dentures are.
Treatment timeline: With All-on-4 dental implants, the patient will receive a replacement arch of teeth on the day that the implants are placed. They’ll return to the office a few months later, after the implants have osseointegrated, for a stronger, permanent appliance. With dentures, on the other hand, the patient may have to go toothless for a few weeks while waiting for the appliances to be received from the lab.
When weighing your options for replacing missing teeth, be sure to consider how each method will impact your life. For many patients, All-on-4 dental implants will be the preferred choice due to all of their benefits.
If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of the All-on-4 dental procedure, contact our professional team of oral surgeons, serving Dallas and surrounding areas, today to schedule an informative consultation.
