Do you need to replace a few teeth or even the entire top or bottom arch? Dental implants are the top rated tooth replacement option. Implants can replace a single tooth or all of your teeth depending on your needs.
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is surgically placed in the jaw. It is typically made of titanium, which is a biocompatible material that fuses with the bone to form a solid bond. When an implant is replacing a single tooth, a crown will be attached to the implant.
But when you need to replace an entire arch of teeth, four implants are typically required to support dentures. A full arch dental implant is sometimes referred to as implant supported dentures or All-on-4. These two types of replacement teeth are slightly different. Here’s an explanation to help you understand the difference and make an informed decision.
Implant Supported Dentures
One type of full arch dental implant is implant supported dentures. A full arch denture can be anchored in place with a few dental implants. The implants are surgically placed in the jaw bone and the dentures snap onto them. Implant supported dentures can be removable or permanent depending on the type you choose to get. Removable dentures can come out when you sleep at night and to be cleaned. Permanent dentures remain in place all the time and you brush them like you would brush your natural teeth.
All-on-4 Treatment
Another type of full arch dental implant is called All-on-4. This means that 4 dental implants are placed in the jaw at specific angles and positions to support a full arch denture. All-on-4 treatment gives you a permanent denture that can only be removed by your dentist. This treatment can work for patients who have some bone loss in the jaw without the need for a bone graft procedure.
Benefits of a Full Arch Dental Implant vs Traditional Dentures
There are many benefits to implant supported dentures and All-on-4 when compared to traditional dentures, such as:
- Comfort. Dentures that are anchored in place by dental implants are more comfortable than traditional dentures that can pinch the gums and get food particles stuck underneath.
- Support. Implants offer better support than denture adhesives and suction. They stay in place and won’t slip while you’re eating, talking, laughing, sneezing, etc.
- Bone health. Dental implants fortify the jaw bone and prevent bone loss. Traditional dentures allow the jaw bone to weaken and eventually dissolve.
- Appearance. Bone loss in the jaw from traditional dentures gives wearers a sunken look in the jaw. But implant supported dentures allow you to keep the shape of your jaw and face looking natural.
- Dental implants can last a lifetime. One of the biggest benefits of dental implants is that once they fuse with the bone they can last forever. Dentures may eventually wear out and need to be replaced, but the cost will be much less than the original cost when the implants were placed.
Can You Replace All of Your Teeth With Dental Implants?
It is possible to get a full mouth of dental implants or a complete arch. Most patients don’t choose this option because of the cost. Each dental implant for a single tooth can cost a few thousand dollars apiece. Instead of paying tens of thousands of dollars for a complete set of implants, most patients choose implant supported dentures to save money.
Life Dental Specialties Provides Full Arch Dental Implants
Are you looking for a practice that provides full arch dental implants? If you need to replace all of the teeth on your upper or lower jaw (or both), implant supported dentures or All-on-4 treatment is an affordable and convenient solution. Life Dental Specialties provides both options in order to make it possible for all patients to get quality replacement teeth.
Call 413-739-5685 today to schedule a consultation at our Springfield office or 413-586-3157 for our Hadley office. You can also request an appointment. We look forward to providing you with quality replacement teeth.