The Difference Between All-on-4® and Dentures

The All-on-4 system uses just four dental implants to attach a dental appliance on either the top, bottom or both arches. For this reason and many more, All-on-4 is a popular method for full smile replacement. The method gets its name from all teeth being supported on only four dental implants. With regular implants, there is only one artificial tooth per implant.

Another very popular method of tooth replacement is traditional dentures. Traditional dentures are removable appliances that are used to restore the smile. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages. Although the purpose of both All-on-4 and dentures is to restore the smile and bite functionality, they accomplish this in vastly different ways.

Traditional dentures

Dentures have been a preferred choice for adults without teeth for decades, and are one of the most used smile replacement methods. These oral appliances are used for people who are missing several or all teeth. Conventional dentures work best on the top jaw, as they do not stay in place as well on the bottom. For someone who is missing several teeth and not all teeth, partial dentures can be used. Complete dentures are used to restore the entire arch of teeth, both top and bottom if preferred.

Dentures are held in place by both a dental adhesive and the mouth muscles. They help a patient to regain their teeth for a full smile that is cosmetically pleasing and practical. When a patient is missing several or all teeth, eating and speaking become difficult. Dentures help to bring back functionality.

However, it can be difficult to get the fit right with dentures. They can be uncomfortable if they are not properly fitted, and can cause issues with speaking. Dentures can sometimes have issues with stability and retention, especially in the lower jaw. Proper adhesion is hard to achieve in the lower jaw, as it is the part that moves the most when eating and speaking. There is also an issue with losing bone density, as when the lower jawbone is not being used and hence not stimulated, it deteriorates.

The All-on-4 system

These full-arch fixed implant bridges were relatively unheard of just 10 years ago. Today, they have become one of the most popular forms of full smile restoration. The All-on-4 system includes the use of four dental implants each in the lower and upper jawbone. Four implants are placed into the jawbone, and these implants support permanent false teeth. Instead of having to get an implant for each tooth missing, All-on-4 replaces a full arch with just four implants.

The actual attachment is a custom-made piece that is usually made from composite resin or acrylic. All-on-4 artificial teeth resemble both the sheen and appearance of natural teeth better than any other full smile replacement option.

Where dentures simply rest on the jawbone, implants gain stability and support directly from implants in the jawbone. This puts the jawbone back to work, maintaining bone volume and preventing jawbone loss. With All-on-4, the act of speaking and smiling are more natural than other teeth replacement solutions. All-on-4 patients are able to eat a wider variety of foods, and can essentially treat these like their natural teeth.

Are you in need of dentures?

If you are currently considering your tooth-replacement options, we invite you to contact our dental office today to determine whether the All-on-4 system is a good fit for you.

Request an appointment here: https://smilesonmichigan.com or call Smiles On Michigan at (312) 509-9492 for an appointment in our Chicago office.

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