Missing teeth can significantly impact your quality of life, affecting your ability to eat, speak, and smile.
All-on-4 is a trademarked technique using a minimum of four or more dental implants to secure a full-arch prosthesis, offering an excellent solution for those seeking a permanent and natural-feeling alternative to traditional dentures. More generically, it is simply referred to as a full arch.
Full-arch restoration creates a remarkably natural feel, offering a high level of comfort and functionality. It also offers many advantages and can serve as a lasting solution with the potential to endure for many years.
What Is the All-on-4 Approach?
All-on-4 is a trademarked technique for full-arch restoration developed by Nobel Biocare. All-on-4 strategically places 2 implants at the front of the jawbone and two angled implants at the back, maximizing use of existing bone and minimizing the need for bone grafting procedures. However, depending on your specific situation and dental needs, your surgeon may recommend more than 4 implants.
While Nobel Biocare is the developer behind the All-on-4 technique, our team specializes in placing implants and restorations using top-quality materials from various manufacturers, including Straumann, Nobel Biocare, and Zimmer Biomet, so we can provide the most suitable solution based on your individual needs.
Benefits of Full-Arch Restoration
Full-arch implants come with many benefits that make this dental restoration method appealing. Some of the key advantages include:
- Improved aesthetics: Full-arch implants can provide a natural-looking smile, closely mimicking the appearance, colour, and shape of real teeth.
- Enhanced comfort: Unlike removable dentures that may cause discomfort or irritation, full-arch implants are securely anchored in the jawbone, which helps minimize movement and can provide a more comfortable experience.
- Full functionality: These implants help people chew, speak, and smile comfortably—they can help restore full dental function.
- Durability: Full-arch implants are designed to be long-lasting and withstand daily wear.
- Bone preservation: Placement of the implants can stimulate bone growth and prevent bone loss, which can be a common issue with missing teeth.
- Similar oral hygiene routines: Caring for full-arch implants is straightforward and resembles the care you would give to natural teeth, including regular brushing and flossing.
- Quick results: A full-arch procedure can often be done in just 1 day, allowing for quicker achievement of a restored smile.
At CVOS Oral Surgery, we’re committed to leading the industry by using modern implant technologies and techniques, including:
- Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT): This imaging technology provides detailed 3D images of your oral structures, allowing for precise planning and placement of implants.
- X-Guide Dynamic 3D Navigation System: This modern navigation system by X-Nav Technologies helps provide optimal accuracy during implant placement, which can enhance the overall success and satisfaction of the procedure.
Full-Arch Restoration vs. Traditional Dentures & Single Implants
Teeth play a vital role in your overall well-being, and missing teeth can significantly affect your quality of life. Full-arch implants can restore full functionality, helping you eat, speak, and smile with ease. Unlike traditional dentures that can slip or shift, full-arch implants offer a fixed solution that remains firmly in place.
Here are some of the key differences you can expect:
Traditional Dentures
- Fit & comfort: Dentures often require adhesives and can become loose over time. Dental implants and full-arch restoration can eliminate these issues by providing a permanent and secure fit.
- Bone health: Dentures do not stimulate the jawbone, but dental implants can help preserve bone structure by mimicking natural tooth roots.
Single Implants
- Number of implants: Single implants require one implant per missing tooth, which can be costly and time-consuming. Full-arch restoration uses 4 implants (or more, depending on your situation) to support an entire arch, offering a more efficient solution.
- Procedure time: The full-arch process can often be completed within a single visit, reducing the overall treatment time compared to placing multiple single implants.
The Science Behind the Feel
Implants are typically made from titanium, a biocompatible material that can integrate with the jawbone. This process, known as osseointegration, helps ensure that the implants become a natural part of your oral anatomy, providing a stable and durable foundation for the full-arch prosthetic. This process allows for a more natural and comfortable feel compared to traditional dentures, which can slip or shift while eating or speaking.
Sensation & Function
People often report that full-arch implants feel remarkably similar to natural teeth. Additionally, the fixed nature of the implants means there are no moving parts, which can contribute to a sensation of normalcy when biting, chewing, and speaking.
Post-Implant Care & Maintenance
To maintain the natural feel and longevity of your new smile, it’s essential to follow proper care and maintenance routines:
- Oral hygiene: Brush and floss your implants just as you would with natural teeth to prevent plaque buildup and gum disease.
- Regular checkups: Schedule regular dental cleanings and checkups to monitor your implants and oral health.
- Healthy lifestyle: Avoid habits that can damage your implants, such as smoking or using your teeth as tools to open packages.
Discover the Benefits of All-on-4 Implants
Full-arch and All-on-4 restorations can restore the appearance, function, and sensation of your natural teeth, which can improve your quality of life.
If you’re considering implants and need help obtaining a referral for treatment, we encourage you to contact us. Our CVOS Oral Surgery team of experienced professionals is happy to help.
