Hey, denture wearer! What if your dentures never slipped or wobbled? What if you didn’t have to use denture adhesive, ever again? And what if you could eat any food you like, whenever you like, without worrying about how your dentures may respond?
You can live the way you did when you had a full mouth of healthy teeth. You can enjoy high-quality living and a well-rounded, nutritious diet that’s not based on shakes and soft foods.
What’s the secret to reclaiming complete, comfortable oral function and the freedom to eat what you want
All-on-Four dental implants with overdentures.
In this article, we’ll answer these important questions about All-on-Four:
- What are All-on-Four implants?
- What does treatment entail?
- How long is the process?
- How long will All-on-Four implants last?
- Is any special care required?
- What are the main benefits of All-on-Four?
- How can you find out if you’re a candidate for All-on-Four?
What are All-on-Four implants?
All-on-Four is a patented procedure that involves the strategic placement of four biocompatible implant posts into the front portion of the jaw. Because the four implants are secured to the densest part of the jaw, angled for optimal stability, they become a solid anchor for an overdenture.
An overdenture is simply a denture fitted with implant abutment snaps, so it snaps securely onto implants in the jaw. Once it’s attached to All-on-Four implants, an overdenture cannot slip, loosen, wobble, or fall out, regardless of what the patient chews. In some cases, existing dentures can be retrofitted to attach to implants, but most patients prefer all new, esthetic dentures.
What does treatment entail?
Like any dental implant procedure, All-on-Four is a three-step process.
- First, the patient undergoes an outpatient surgery in which four implant posts are placed into the jaw.
- After the jawbone integrates with the implant posts, the next step involves revealing the implant heads and attaching abutments.
- Lastly, after the gums heal around the abutments, the overdenture is snapped into place. (An overdenture can be permanently affixed or removable, depending upon the patient’s lifestyle and preference.)
How long is the process?
Both the initial implant placement surgery and the procedure to reveal implant heads are relatively brief outpatient surgeries, performed in our office. We will provide a temporary overdenture for you to wear until your All-on-Four implants are ready for the permanent overdenture.
The longest portion of the implant process is osseointegration–the period when bone naturally grows around the implant posts. Osseointegration can take about nine months and is extremely important to the stability and longevity of your implants. From start to finish, the process of getting All-on-Four dental implants with an overdenture takes just under one year.
How long will All-on-Four implants last?
If you have good oral and overall health, dental implants can last beyond 20 years. In most cases, implants endure for the remainder of the patient’s life.
Implant procedures are 98% successful overall, primarily because implant dentists take care to make sure patients are truly qualified prior to the procedure. Denture wearers with poor bone density may need bone grafting prior to implant surgery, to increase bone density where implants will be placed. Oftentimes, the jawbone deteriorates when a person wears dentures or does not replace lost teeth for years.
If a patient does not have sufficient bone density for implant placement, our team will recommend the patient get bone grafts to improve jaw density prior to implant surgery.
Is any special care required?
No! Simply practice good daily oral hygiene, brushing twice and flossing once a day. If you opt for a removable overdenture, you’ll need to care for it as you do your current denture. Also, be sure to visit our office for regular, six-month checkups and cleanings.
What are the main benefits of All-on-Four?
We’ve never seen a patient regret getting All-on-Four implant dentures! Why? Because the benefits are tremendous. All-on-Four turns back the clock on oral function, appearance, and self-confidence in eating, speaking, and smiling.
These benefits await you with All-on-Four:
- No more denture adhesive
- No more denture slipping, wobbling, or looseness
- Eat what you like, when you like (better nutrition)
- Speak more clearly/improved pronunciation
- Smile confidently–implant dentures look natural
- Promotes bone retention; deters osteoporosis of the jaws
- Improves quality of life
- Feel like you have strong, healthy, natural teeth!
How can you find out if you’re a candidate for All-on-Four?
Simple! Just call our practice today, and we’ll schedule your All-on-Four implant consultation. At the appointment, the our team will evaluate your oral health, ask about your dental and medical history and current medications, and take x-rays. Then our team can present you with the exam findings and explain treatment options. If All-on-Four is an option, our dental team will answer all of your questions and let you know how to get started!