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Losing most or all of your teeth can have a significant impact on your confidence, health, and quality of life. Fortunately, the All-on-4 dental implant procedure offers an innovative solution for patients looking for a full set of fixed, natural-looking teeth. Let's explore what the All on 4 dental implants procedure is, how it works, and why it might be the right choice for you.
What Is the All-on-4 Dental Implants Procedure About?
The All on 4 technique is a dental implant procedure specifically designed to replace an entire arch of teeth, whether upper, lower, or both, using just four strategically placed implants. This innovative approach offers a long-term, fixed solution that eliminates the need for traditional removable dentures. Unlike dentures that can shift or require adhesives to stay in place, the all on 4 procedure is securely anchored into the jawbone, providing stability and functionality similar to natural teeth.
The implants are strategically positioned to maximize contact with the available bone, reducing the need for bone grafting in most cases. This design not only ensures a secure fit but also allows for immediate placement of a temporary set of teeth, enabling patients to leave the clinic with a functional and aesthetic smile on the same day. The All-on-4 technique restores not just your ability to eat, speak, and smile confidently, but also prevents further bone loss, maintaining the shape of your face and improving overall oral health.
What Is All-on-6 Implant Procedure?
When there is significant jawbone loss and additional support is required, the All-on-6 approach may be recommended. Similar to All-on-4, All-on-6 dental implants support a full arch of teeth but use six implants instead of four for added stability.
What Are the Benefits of All-on-4 Treatment?
1) Permanent and Stable Solution
The All-on-4 implants provide a fixed, non-removable set of teeth securely anchored to the jawbone. Unlike traditional dentures, which can slip, shift, or require adhesives, All-on-4 dental implants offer a stable and permanent solution. This surgical procedure provides a long-term solution for those seeking permanent teeth, restoring both function and confidence. This stability ensures that your teeth feel natural and function seamlessly during everyday activities like eating and speaking.
2) Natural Appearance
The prosthesis is custom-designed to match the color, shape, size, and alignment of your natural teeth. This attention to detail ensures a realistic and aesthetically pleasing result, giving you a smile that looks and feels completely natural. The prosthetic teeth are carefully crafted to complement your facial structure and improve your overall appearance.
3) Immediate Results
One of the standout advantages of the All-on-4 procedure is that patients leave the clinic with a full set of functional teeth on the same day as the surgery. This immediate transformation restores not only oral functionality but also confidence, as you don’t have to endure a lengthy waiting period for your new smile.
4) Improved Oral Function
With All-on-4 implants, you can eat, speak, and smile with ease, just as you would with natural teeth. The implants provide strong support for chewing, allowing you to enjoy a variety of foods without worry. Additionally, they eliminate the speech difficulties often associated with traditional dentures, ensuring clear and comfortable communication.
5) Minimizes Bone Loss
When a tooth is lost, the jawbone in that area begins to shrink due to lack of stimulation. All-on-4 implants address this issue by stimulating the jawbone, much like natural tooth roots. This stimulation prevents bone loss, helping to maintain the shape and strength of your jawbone while preserving your facial structure over time.
6) Cost-Effective
The All-on-4 technique requires only four implants per arch to support an entire set of teeth, making it more affordable than placing individual implants for each missing tooth. This approach reduces the overall cost of treatment while still providing a durable and long-lasting solution for tooth loss. Additionally, it often eliminates the need for extensive bone grafting, further reducing expenses and treatment time.
What Are The Types of Implant Supported Teeth? .jpg?width=293&height=165&name=Untitled%20design%20(15).jpg)
1) All-on-4 (Ceramic) with Ti Bar
This option integrates the strength and durability of a titanium bar with the aesthetic excellence of ceramic material, specifically zirconia. It is the strongest and most durable choice among available options, offering exceptional resistance to breakage and ensuring long-lasting performance.
The zirconia ceramic is stain-resistant, retaining its aesthetic appeal over time and providing the appearance of a full set of natural teeth. This fixed solution is ideal for individuals seeking a permanent, highly durable, and visually pleasing replacement for an entire arch of missing teeth.
2) All-on-4 (Acrylic) with Ti bar 
This combines Ivotion material (acrylic) with a titanium bar in an All-On-4 configuration, offering good aesthetics, strength and durability. This will be fixed in your mouth and thus will deliver a secure and comfortable fit, allowing you to confidently enjoy a wide variety of foods without worrying about denture movement or discomfort.
This is an ideal option for individuals seeking a permanent solution for missing teeth that not only restores optimal oral function but also enhances their overall appearance and self-confidence.
3) Implant-Supported Overdentures 
Implant-supported dentures are designed for patients who have lost all or most of their teeth in one or both arches. Unlike traditional dentures, which rest on the gums and can shift or require adhesives, these dentures are securely attached to dental implants. This provides a more stable and comfortable fit, improves chewing ability, and reduces bone loss over time. These over dentures are removable too.
How Does the All-on-4 Procedure Work?
The All-on-4 procedure involves the following steps:
Step 1: Initial Consultation and Assessment
During the initial appointment, a dentist will perform a comprehensive examination or your oral health, including X-rays and 3D scans, to evaluate the condition of your jawbone and important structures which might plan the exact placement of the implants.
Step 2: Implant Placement
On the day of the procedure, four titanium implants are surgically inserted into the jawbone:
- Two implants are placed vertically in the front of the jaw for maximum stability.
- Two implants are placed at an angle in the back to maximize contact with the available bone and avoid areas like sinuses or nerves.
This strategic placement minimizes the need for bone grafting, making the procedure quicker and more efficient.
Step 3: Temporary Prosthesis
After the implants are placed, a temporary fixed denture is attached to the implants. This allows you to leave the clinic with a functional and aesthetic set of teeth on the same day.
Step 4: Healing Period (Osseointegration)
The healing process after implant surgery plays a crucial role in ensuring the success of your treatment plan. Over the next 3–6 months, the implants bond with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration, creating a stable foundation for the permanent prosthesis.
Step 5: Final Prosthesis Placement
Once healing is complete, the temporary denture is replaced with a custom-made permanent prosthesis. This final set of teeth is designed to look and feel just like natural teeth.
Is All-on-4 Suitable for all ages?
The All-on-4 procedure is a fantastic solution for people who have lost most or all of their teeth in one or both arches and are looking for a fixed, long-term replacement. It’s especially ideal for those who struggle with uncomfortable or loose-fitting dentures, as the implants provide a secure, stable base for a full set of teeth that won’t shift or slip. To qualify for the procedure, you need to have sufficient jawbone to support the implants. However, if you don’t, minimal bone grafting might be an option to prepare your jawbone.
While the All-on-4 technique works well for adults, it’s not recommended for individuals under the age of 18–21 because their jawbones are still growing. This ensures that the implants are placed in a stable and fully developed bone structure. On the other hand, there’s no upper age limit—many patients in their 70s or even 80s have had great success with All-on-4 implants! Your eligibility depends more on the condition of your jawbone, oral health, and overall medical status than your age.
Ultimately, a thorough consultation and evaluation with the dentist or oral surgeon are essential to determine the most appropriate treatment options for you.
What Is the Recovery Process Like?
The recovery period for the All-on-4 procedure is relatively quick compared to traditional implant methods. Here’s what to expect:
- Post-Surgery: You may experience mild swelling, discomfort, or soreness for a few days, which can be managed with pain medications and a soft-food diet. To maintain oral hygiene and support the healing process, it is essential to use a soft-bristled toothbrush, ensuring gentle yet effective cleaning around the implants.
- Healing Time: It typically takes 3–6 months for the implants to fully integrate with the bone. During this time, it’s essential to follow your dentist’s instructions to ensure proper healing.
- Regular Check-Ups: Your dentist will monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments during follow-up appointments.
How Much Does the All-on-4 Procedure Cost?
The cost of the All-on-4 procedure varies depending on factors such as the materials used, the number of implants required, any additional procedures needed, the condition of the surrounding teeth and gums and the overall complexity of the case all play a role in determining the final cost. While this may seem expensive, it is a long-term investment in your oral health and overall quality of life.
Some clinics offer financing options or payment plans to make the procedure more affordable, and insurance may cover part of the cost if the procedure is deemed medically necessary.
What Procedures Are Alternative to All-on-4?
A conventional complete denture is a removable dental prosthesis specifically designed to replace all missing teeth in either the upper arch, lower arch, or both. It is carefully custom-made to fit the unique shape of the individual’s mouth, ensuring better comfort, functionality, and aesthetics.
These dentures rest directly on the gums, relying on suction or adhesive to stay in place. They are crafted to restore your ability to chew and speak while also enhancing the appearance of your smile and facial structure. While they may take some time to get used to, conventional complete dentures provide an effective and affordable solution for those seeking to replace all missing teeth and regain confidence in their daily activities. Regular adjustments and maintenance by your dentist are recommended to ensure a proper fit over time.
Conclusion
The All-on-4 dental implant procedure is a game-changer for patients seeking a reliable and aesthetic solution for missing teeth. With its innovative approach, quick results, and numerous benefits, it has become one of the most popular choices for full-mouth restoration. If you’re considering All-on-4 implants, schedule a consultation with us today to take the first step toward a healthier, brighter smile.
Resources:
- Paulo Malo, Miguel de Araújo Nobre, Armando Lopes, Steve M. Moss, Guillermo J. Molina,
A longitudinal study of the survival of All-on-4 implants in the mandible with up to 10 years of follow-up, The Journal of the American Dental Association, Volume 142, Issue 3, 2011, Pages 310-320, ISSN 0002-8177, https://doi.org/10.14219/jada.archive.2011.0170.