Dental Arch Built on Four Implants
At Geelong West Dental, we offer a range of treatment options for your dental needs. This includes various types of dental implant solutions, such as the tooth replacement treatment known as “All Teeth On 4” implants.
Benefits Of All Teeth On 4 Dental Implants
In this comparison table, we explore the benefits of All-Teeth-On-4 implants and other existing tooth replacement treatments such as dentures, overdentures, and conventional implant bridges:
Dentures
Accessibility
Dentures have a comparatively lower initial cost than other tooth replacement treatments.
Stability
Dentures are not fixed solutions and rest on the gums. This makes them more flexible to use, but they can also be less stable than other solutions.
Removability & Convenience
Dentures are removable and must be done so regularly for cleaning, soaking and nightly storage.
Bone Preservation
Dentures rest on soft tissues and do not integrate with the jawbone, leading to eventual bone resorption and loss.
Number of Implants Required
Dentures do not require implants for support and can be used independently, making them suitable for those with insufficient bone density for implant placement.
Treatment Time
Dentures can be fabricated relatively quickly, often requiring 2-4 weeks from initial impressions to final fitting.
Long-Term Durability
Dentures may require periodic adjustments or replacements due to wear and tear.
Overdentures
Accessibility
Overdentures remain more accessible than other permanent solutions.
Stability
Overdentures provide improved stability by attaching to dental implants, which reduces unintentional movement.
Removability & Convenience
Overdentures are also removable for easy maintenance.
Bone Preservation
Overdentures rest on dental implants and soft tissues. Bone may be preserved after integration with dental implants.
Number of Implants Required
Overdentures typically require 2-4 implants for support, enabling them to offer improved stability and retention.
Treatment Time
Overdentures involve a longer treatment timeline of 4-6 months as they allow for implant integration before the prosthetic is attached, ensuring stability and functionality.
Long-Term Durability
Overdentures, when properly cared for, can last for many years, providing long-term durability and functionality.
Conventional Implant Bridges
Accessibility
Conventional implant bridges can involve higher costs due to the need for more implants.
Stability
While conventional implant bridges may require a longer healing period for complete osseointegration, they offer excellent stability once fully integrated.
Removability & Convenience
Conventional implant bridges are fixed prosthetics, allowing for an oral care routine similar to natural teeth.
Bone Preservation
Conventional implant bridges are fixed onto dental implants. Bone may be preserved after integration with dental implants.
Number of Implants Required
Conventional implant bridges need 6-10 implants to support the bridge, ensuring adequate stability and function.
Treatment Time
Conventional implant bridges typically involve a treatment duration of around 4-6 months, including implant placement, healing, and fabrication of the bridge.
Long-Term Durability
Conventional implant bridges are known for their durability and longevity, offering a permanent solution for tooth loss with minimal maintenance requirements.
All-Teeth-On-4 Dental Implants
Accessibility
All-Teeth-On-4 implants may offer a balance of accessibility and effectiveness, minimising costs while providing a long-lasting, fixed solution for multiple missing teeth.
Stability
All-Teeth-On-4 implants provide superior stability, mimicking the feel and function of natural teeth and with less risk of slippage or discomfort.
Removability & Convenience
All-Teeth-On-4 implants are permanently fixed in place, allowing for an oral care routine similar to natural teeth.
Bone Preservation
All-Teeth-On-4 implants are fixed onto dental implants. Bone may be preserved after integration with dental implants.
Number of Implants Required
All-Teeth-On-4 implants require only 4 implants per arch, reducing the number of surgical procedures and overall treatment time while still providing robust support for a full set of prosthetic teeth.
Treatment Time
All-Teeth-On-4 implants may offer the potential for same-day implant placement, bridge loading and immediate function.
Long-Term Durability
All-Teeth-On-4 implants are durable and may last with proper care, providing a reliable, long-term solution for missing teeth.
Benefits | Dentures | Overdentures | Conventional Implant Bridges | All-Teeth-On-4 Dental Implants |
Accessibility |
Dentures have a comparatively lower initial cost than other tooth replacement treatments. |
Overdentures remain more accessible than other permanent solutions |
Conventional implant bridges can involve higher costs due to the need for more implants. |
All-Teeth-On-4 implants may offer a balance of accessibility and effectiveness, minimising costs while providing a long-lasting, fixed solution for multiple missing teeth. |
Stability | Dentures are not fixed solutions and rest on the gums. This makes them more flexible to use, but they can also be less stable than other solutions. | Overdentures provide improved stability by attaching to dental implants, which reduces unintentional movement. | While conventional implant bridges may require a longer healing period for complete osseointegration, they offer excellent stability once fully integrated. | All-Teeth-On-4 implants provide superior stability, mimicking the feel and function of natural teeth and with less risk of slippage or discomfort. |
Removability & Convenience | Dentures are removable and must be done so regularly for cleaning, soaking and nightly storage. | Overdentures are also removable for easy maintenance. |
Conventional implant bridges are fixed prosthetics, allowing for an oral care routine similar to natural teeth. |
All-Teeth-On-4 implants are permanently fixed in place, allowing for an oral care routine similar to natural teeth. |
Bone Preservation |
Dentures rest on soft tissues and do not integrate with the jawbone, leading to eventual bone resorption and loss. |
Overdentures rest on dental implants and soft tissues. Bone may be preserved after integration with dental implants. |
Conventional implant bridges are fixed onto dental implants. Bone may be preserved after integration with dental implants. |
All-Teeth-On-4 implants are fixed onto dental implants. Bone may be preserved after integration with dental implants. |
Number of Implants Required | Dentures do not require implants for support and can be used independently, making them suitable for those with insufficient bone density for implant placement. | Overdentures typically require 2-4 implants for support, enabling them to offer improved stability and retention. | Conventional implant bridges need 6-10 implants to support the bridge, ensuring adequate stability and function. | All-Teeth-On-4 implants require only 4 implants per arch, reducing the number of surgical procedures and overall treatment time while still providing robust support for a full set of prosthetic teeth. |
Treatment Time | Dentures can be fabricated relatively quickly, often requiring 2-4 weeks from initial impressions to final fitting. |
Overdentures involve a longer treatment timeline of 4-6 months as they allow for implant integration before the prosthetic is attached, ensuring stability and functionality. |
Conventional implant bridges typically involve a treatment duration of around 4-6 months, including implant placement, healing, and fabrication of the bridge. |
All-Teeth-On-4 implants may offer the potential for same-day implant placement, bridge loading, and immediate function. |
Long-Term Durability | Dentures may require periodic adjustments or replacements due to wear and tear. | Overdentures, when properly cared for, can last for many years, providing long-term durability and functionality. | Conventional implant bridges are known for their durability and longevity, offering a permanent solution for tooth loss with minimal maintenance requirements. |
All-Teeth-On-4 implants are durable and may last with proper care, providing a reliable, long-term solution for missing teeth. |
Here are some FAQs about All-Teeth-On-4 Dental Implants
What Are All Teeth On 4 Dental Implants?
All Teeth on Four is a set of dental implants placed as anchors to support a fixed dental prosthesis. They are designed to replace your upper or lower teeth using four implants. They are a fixed alternative to removable dentures.
All Teeth on 4 is an alternative to the replacement of teeth using five to eight implants on one jaw arch. It is made possible by controlling the precision and parallelism of the front implants and the angulation of the back implants.
Benefits Of All Teeth On 4 Dental Implants
All Teeth on 4 implants and the associated fixed dental prosthesis:
- Replace lost or missing teeth
- Improve ability to chew food as missing teeth are restored
- Do not move in the mouth, as long as the dental implants and the fixed dental prosthesis are stable
- Do not rely on any teeth for anchorage
- May provide long-term solution for missing teeth
Who Is Suited For All Teeth On 4 Dental Implants?
This technique may be suitable if you:
- Are missing or about to lose all or most of your teeth
- Have multiple broken and decayed teeth
- Have loose teeth and late stages of gum disease
- Seek alternatives to removable dentures and the use of denture glues
What To Expect From All Teeth On 4 Dental Implants
The process for All Teeth on 4 implants will start with a professional consultation, dental 3D x-rays and digital records. This is followed by a detailed treatment planning which is customised for each patient’s dental needs.
On the day of treatment, the All Teeth on 4 dental implants are inserted. The process of removing existing teeth that are indicated for removal in treatment planning may happen before or during the placement of dental implants.
It is possible to have your teeth replaced with a temporary dental bridge immediately after the All Teeth on 4 dental implant placement while waiting for the dental implants to heal. This will depend on various factors, including the stability of dental implants and patient suitability. This can be determined during the treatment planning stage but may change during the day of implant placements. After the implant healing process occurs, the final set of custom-made teeth can be mounted onto the dental implants.
The Recovery Process
We encourage you to follow our post-operative instructions after your dental implant placement.
Tenderness, discomfort and some swelling are common following dental implant placement.
Avoid strenuous activities for the first 48 hours after dental implant placement.
Take pain-relief medications as prescribed by our dentist.
Intermittent use of ice packs can help with reducing swelling and tenderness.
A soft food diet is recommended for the first week of dental implant placement.
One of the benefits of dental implants is that they can be brushed and cleaned during the healing process. Keep your teeth and dental implant clean by brushing and flossing regularly. Maintain proper dental hygiene by brushing and flossing.
Regular dental check-ups may be required to monitor the dental implants and will be discussed by the dentist.
The Risks
As with any dental treatment, dental implant treatment involves some risks and may not suit all patients. These include:
The implant not osseointegrating/healing with the bone
One common dental implant issue is a failure of the implant and bone to heal. If this occurs, our experienced dentist will manage it by removing the implant. A new implant may be placed or we may wait a few months for recovery.
Peri-implantitis
This disease may affect the gums and bones surrounding the implant, leading to possible failure. The risk of developing peri-implantitis is assessed during treatment planning. This risk can be reduced by avoiding smoking and practising proper oral hygiene. If peri-implantitis occurs, our dentists may manage the disease to save the implant, or the implant may be replaced.
Nerve damage
There is a risk of nerve damage during dental implant placement. This complication may result in discomfort, numbness, or tingling in the lips, teeth, gums, or chin. Our dental implant treatments are performed using custom-made surgical guides fabricated using a combination of digital scans and CBCT (Cone-Beam CT) 3D X-ray technology. This allows precise placement of dental implants to avoid contact with the nerve structure.
Infections
Dental implants are usually placed under sterile settings. In some cases, infections related to dental implants may still occur. Our experienced dentists may prescribe antibiotics following your implant treatment to reduce the risk of infection around your dental implants.
Different dental professional evaluations should be considered before proceeding with any dental implant treatments.
Case 1: Upper and lower All Teeth on 4 dental implant prosthesis to replace periodontally-involved (gum disease) teeth. Photos were taken at baseline and one week after insertion of prosthesis.
Case 2: Upper and lower All Teeth on 4 dental implant prosthesis to replace periodontally-involved (gum disease) teeth. Photos were taken at baseline and one week after insertion of prosthesis.
Case 3: Upper All-on-4® dental implant fixed zirconia bridge prosthesis to replace upper missing teeth. Photos were taken at baseline and immediately after insertion.
Case 4: Lower All Teeth on 4 dental implant prosthesis to replace periodontally-involved (gum disease) and missing teeth. Photos were taken at baseline and one week after insertion of prosthesis.
Case 5: Lower All Teeth on 4 dental implant prosthesis to replace periodontally-involved (gum disease) and missing teeth. Photos were taken at baseline and one week after insertion of prosthesis.
Photography and permission to post given by patients. Photos are indication of results which may vary between individuals. Consultation is required for further assessment. The contents of this post do not substitute professional advice. All dental procedures carry certain risks and need to be discussed with the dentist before undertaking any treatments:
Why Choose All Teeth on 4 Dental Implants At Geelong West Dental?
Geelong West Dental is committed to delivering personalised dental care in a welcoming environment with a team of friendly and professional dentists. At the core of our treatment philosophy is a genuine commitment to understanding your dental concerns and goals.
Accessible Payment Options
At Geelong West Dental, we do our best to ensure that our All Teeth on 4 dental implants are as accessible as possible. We offer several payment options for your convenience, such as interest-free payment plans.
Get In Touch For All Teeth on 4 Dental Implants Treatment Today
Are you looking for accessible All Teeth on 4 Dental Implants treatment? Contact us today by calling (03) 5200 9137 to book a complimentary implant consultation with our experienced local dentists in Geelong. (https://www.geelongwestdental.com.au/terms-and-conditions/)