There are so many dental implants systems that can be used to replace missing teeth and the choice can almost seem bewildering. So what is All-on-Four and who should consider this system?
How All-on-Four Can Help
All-on-Four is an extremely innovative way to restore a full arch of teeth. It is most commonly used to restore the lower teeth of someone who currently wears a full denture or who is faced with losing all the teeth in their lower jaw. However this technique can also be used to replace a full arch of upper teeth. This particular treatment concept is based on using just four dental implants to hold a complete arch of teeth in position and this is one of the things that make it such an appealing procedure.
Fewer Dental Implants and a Decreased Need for a Bone Graft
With more conventional dental implant treatments, a far greater number of implants are required to hold a complete arch of teeth in place. This can substantially increase the cost of treatment and often patients seeking this kind of procedure will have lost a substantial amount of their jawbone. This increases the need for an additional procedure called bone graft which is used to build up bone in areas where it is deficient. Bone grafts can increase the overall treatment times and the costs. With All-on-Four, the implants are inserted in the front of the jaw where the bone is naturally thicker and stronger so there is far less chance that a patient will require a bone graft prior to treatment.
What Makes All-on-Four So Different?
The reason All-on-Four is able to use such a low number of dental implants lies in the way the implants are inserted into the jaw. Two dental implants are inserted right at the front of the jaw while another two are inserted either side but these are angled backwards. Inserting dental implants at an angle means your dentist can use longer dental implant posts. This is an advantage as a longer post enables more of your jawbone to come into contact with the implant, creating a much stronger and more stable anchorage point for your replacement teeth. It also helps to maximise the use of the bone available in your jaw.
Often your dentist will be able to place an arch of replacement teeth soon after surgery is completed whereas with conventional dental implants you may need to wear a denture until the implants have fully healed, a process that can take several months. With All-on-Four, your new temporary teeth can remain in place until the implants have fully healed at which stage your dentist can make your beautiful new teeth that should look and feel just like your own.
For anyone who has worn dentures for years, dental implants can be a huge revelation and an enormous boost to self-confidence and self-esteem. Foods that were previously impossible to eat can now be enjoyed once again as the ability to chew improves. There will be no need to worry about loose dentures that may click whenever you talk with others and All-on-Four can help give you a renewed zest for life.
This treatment might not be right for everyone, but it’s definitely worth asking your dentist.
Yours in oral health,
Dr Violeta Claus
