From fewer implants to faster recovery, All-on-4 offers a smarter, simpler approach to full-arch dental restoration.
Dentures may still have their place in modern times, but they do come with a laundry list of complaints. The messy adhesives and frequent slipping are hardly a recipe for a confident smile or enjoyable mealtime.
So, what’s the best option for those seeking a stable, permanent, and natural-feeling solution? All-on-4 dental implants. This fixed full-arch prosthesis not only restores your confidence but also your quality of life, too.
Embarking on this dental restoration option may be one of the smartest decisions you’ll ever make. Let’s understand how it differs from the usual implants and why your dentures never stand a chance.
Traditional and All-on-4 Dental Implants
Dental implants have completely transformed how professionals treat edentulous patients or individuals suffering from tooth loss. Unlike other alternatives, say a dental bridge, implants replace both the missing tooth and its root.
Understandably, millions have availed of this breakthrough approach. Singapore, for instance, has seen dental implants triple between 2005 to 2010, per the National Dental Centre Singapore (NDCS). Dr. See Toh Yoong Liang, Consultant of the Prosthodontic Unit of the NDCS, owes this rising popularity to advanced implant methods and technologies alongside increased public awareness.
Still, many are quite concerned about its invasive nature and long healing times. Fortunately, All-on-4 solutions take implants to the next level by offering an efficient and faster full-arch rehabilitation. This advanced permanent teeth replacement solution only requires four angled implants instead of the usual six to 10. Fewer implant points mean a simpler surgery and less waiting. It may also reduce the risks of complications and implant failure.
Benefit #1: Eliminate Dental Bone Grafting Woes
Most traditional implants involve dental bone grafting. This surgical procedure involves transplanting bone tissue to increase bone density. You’ll need it if your jawbone isn’t thick or strong enough to support the implant, for instance, if you have missing teeth, have had an injury, or have suffered bone loss from gum disease in the past.
In comparison, an All-on-4 implant is a graftless treatment. With the help of advanced digital scanning tools, your oral surgeon can get a detailed 3D panoramic scan of your teeth and gums and help you get the most out of the treatment.
Oral surgeons, for instance, can place posterior implants securely using a 45-degree angle and longer implants, instead of replacing your bone tissues. Otherwise, they can use zygomatic implants, which are anchored into the cheekbone, or pterygoid implants, which are linked onto the bony area at the back of your upper jaw.
Benefit #2: No More Slipping or Shifting
Those who have worn dentures can attest that anxiety comes with the territory. You’re constantly worried whether the dental appliance will fall off if you are sneezing, consuming hard food, or speaking.
A surgical implant placement frees you from these undesirable effects as titanium screws securely hold the teeth together. The new set of teeth won’t shift, wobble, or come loose. Such newfound stability introduces you to a more varied diet and a better quality of life.
Benefit #3: Shorter Treatment and Quicker Results
Traditional dental implants can involve multiple surgeries and lengthy healing periods in between. It could take almost a year to complete the treatment, including osseointegration or when the bone fuses to the implant surface.
It is a given for all implant patients to wait a few months to complete the healing period. But those on All-on-4 implants receive a temporary prosthetic bridge on the same day to eat and drink with. Having a functional and aesthetically pleasing smile as you walk out of the clinic is a huge advantage. Patients who choose this type of dental prosthesis can also return to their normal activities in a few days.
You’ll never have to worry about All-on-4 implants’ treatment success rates. A 2023 study cited that average survival rates for upper jaw implants were at 98.7% after three years. Lower jaw implants, meanwhile, recorded a 93.8% cumulative survival rate. This metric refers to the percentage of implants that remain stable and functional during follow-up. These dental prosthetics are made from acrylic, porcelain, or ceramic material like Zirconia teeth for strength and durability.
Benefit #4: Preserves Jawbone Health
When teeth are lost, the jawbone that used to support them starts to shrink or deteriorate. This process, called bone resorption, can change the shape of your face and make future dental procedures more complex.
All forms of dental implants act as artificial tooth roots, so they can help prevent further bone loss. With titanium implants in place, you never have to worry about preserving your looks or maintaining the structural integrity of your jaw.
Benefit #5: Offers Natural Look and Feel
Looks matter, no matter who you may be, and so does comfort.
Dentures often look and feel bulky and can’t match the look and feel of all-on-4 restorations. The latter fits snugly and doesn’t dull your sense of taste as it doesn’t cover the roof of your mouth. In terms of aesthetics, surgeons can customise prosthetic teeth to complement your facial features. On top of medical conditions, surgeons likewise prioritise lip and face support to improve an individual’s overall appearance.
Implants feel natural, so patients don’t need to adjust their speaking and eating habits while maintaining a healthier smile. Once healed, you don’t need complex oral hygiene practices to keep your new set of teeth in great shape. Just brush and floss regularly.
Final Thoughts
If you are tired of messy adhesives, diet restrictions, and the daily inconvenience of dentures, All-on-4 implants may offer a welcome solution. They may cost more upfront, but their comfort, durability, and confidence-boosting results make them a worthwhile investment.
Speak to your dental professional about whether you are a good candidate. With the right care, your new smile could last decades.
