Individuals who are missing full sets of teeth now have an innovative new teeth replacement option that combines many of the benefits of dental implants and traditional dentures. All-On-4® implant dentures involve the placement of a select number of implants to stabilize a custom denture. This unique and state-of-the-art method allows patients to fully restore their teeth with results that look, function, and feel more like natural teeth. All-On-4® from our experienced dentist can be a good alternative for patients who may not be candidates for treatment that utilizes a dental implant for each missing tooth. This option can provide comprehensive results while addressing many of the drawbacks often associated with traditional dentures.
What Is All-On-4®?
All-On-4® is an advanced form of implant-supported denture. This method of teeth replacement utilizes just four dental implants for the upper or lower dental arch to provide a strong foundation of security and support for a custom denture prosthesis. When placed, the four titanium implant posts should fuse to the jawbone during a process called osseointegration, ultimately mimicking the function of a natural tooth root. A custom denture is then securely affixed to the implants. This technique can help patients replace full sets of teeth utilizing dentures that precisely and comfortably fit inside the mouth without movement or slippage along the gums.
What Are the Benefits of All-On-4® Dental Implants?
All-On-4® implant dentures offer a range of benefits for patients looking for comprehensive teeth replacement. Advantages of this treatment can include:
- Full replacement of all missing teeth on the upper and/or lower dental arches
- Results that can last a lifetime
- Less limitations on the kinds of food that can be eaten when compared to traditional dentures
- Pastes, putties, and other adhesives are not required to stabilize the denture
- Bone grafting is often not necessary prior to implant placement
- Results that should resemble the function and appearance of natural teeth
- Further deterioration of bone can be prevented
- Improved chewing and speaking
- Significantly enhanced smile aesthetics
Dr. Jimmy Wu will meet with you for an initial oral evaluation to determine whether All-On-4® is the best option for your needs and goals. If you are a good candidate for All-On-4®, Dr. Wu will create a customized treatment plan designed to replace your teeth with results that feel natural and comfortable while completely rejuvenating your smile.
What Should I Expect During the All-On-4® Procedure?
The beginning stages of the All-On-4® procedure involve the use of state-of-the-art 3D cone beam imaging technology to provide Dr. Wu with a detailed map of your oral structures. These advanced images help him identify locations to place the implants that can yield the most precise results and the best possible fit. Then, the implants themselves will be strategically placed through the gums and anchored to the jawbone. A transitional denture will be placed on the implants while they fuse to the bone over the next several months; fusion to the bone enables the implant posts to effectively serve as artificial tooth roots. Once this fusion process is complete, Dr. Wu will place the final custom denture.
Some patients may require a variation of this treatment called All-On-6 for the best results. This approach is typically more ideal for individuals who have lower-quality jawbone density. In those cases, four implants may not be sufficient to ensure the fullest amount of support for the custom denture. All-On-6 is essentially the same technique as All-On-4®; however, this method utilizes an additional two implants per dental arch to give the denture’s foundation an even greater degree of support. Once your oral structures have been x-rayed and evaluated, Dr. Wu can determine whether All-On-4® or All-On-6 implant dentures are more ideal for your needs.
Here are the three basic restorative treatments for which All-On-4® or All-On-6 procedures can often be an effective option:
Upper Arch Replacement
For patients who are missing all teeth on the upper row, All-On-4® can beautifully rejuvenate smile aesthetics while improving both speaking and chewing abilities.
Lower Arch Replacement
An All-On-4® implant denture to replace all teeth on the lower dental arch can help enhance the look of the smile and improve chewing and speaking. Lower arch replacement can also address changes in jaw and facial symmetry caused by the loss of multiple teeth on the bottom row.
Full Mouth Restoration
For individuals who are missing all of their teeth on the upper and lower dental arches, All-On-4® implant dentures on both rows may be an ideal treatment. This can provide a full mouth restoration that renews both function and appearance, ultimately resulting in significant, comprehensive improvement.
How Much Do All-On-4® Dental Implants Cost?
The total cost of All-On-4® dental implant procedures varies from one individual to another based on their customized treatment plan. Realself.com has estimated the general price range of this treatment to fall between $8,900 and $50,000, with the average cost at $29,325. With that in mind, it is important to remember that All-On-4® procedures are unique for each patient, so this average price may not be reflective of the overall cost here at our practice. The total price will include treatment components such as: the number of dental implants utilized; fees for dental materials and the custom-designed denture appliance; additional procedures such as tooth extractions, sedation dentistry, or others that may be part of the treatment plan; and other factors. Once your treatment program has been developed during the initial consultation, we will produce a cost estimate of your All-On-4® procedure that encompasses all projected expenses. A member of our team will be happy to go over the many payment methods we accept here at Sutra Dental Spa. If you are interested in paying for your procedure over time, our practice works with CareCredit®, a prominent medical and dental treatment financing company that offers a variety of low- to no-interest payment plans for qualified applicants. We understand that the cost of dental care is an important factor in an individual’s ability to obtain the treatment they need, and we are committed to helping patients find the most convenient way to pay for their procedure.
Please contact Sutra Dental Spa for more information on All-On-4® implant dentures, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Wu.