You may have heard of All-on-4® dental implants, or Teeth-in-a-Day. Although we do not offer the branded All-on-4® or TeethXpress® methods, we do provide a technique that is very similar. Using just four dental implants, our dentists can replace an entire arch of teeth. We can determine if you are a good candidate for this procedure, which in many cases allows the placement of the permanent replacement teeth immediately.
All-on-4® Benefits
When Teeth-in-a-Day implants are the right match for the patient, there are several benefits to the technique:
- Uses a conveniently fixed, non-removable dental bridge or over-denture
- Supports permanent replacement teeth
- Fewer dental appointments required to get final results
- Great alternative to dentures
- Durable and secure
How is this system different? First of all, it uses just four dental implants, placed at an angle in the bone, to replace a full arch of missing teeth. A full arch is all of your lower or all of your upper teeth. This means you do not need individual dental implants to replace each missing tooth.
Because of the way the dental implants are placed and the nature of the procedure, it is often possible to place a fixed dental bridge or over-denture right away. When possible, this is often preferable to waiting months for the dental implants to heal, which is typical for other types of implant techniques.
Because this method typically places at least two of the four implants at an angle in the bone, bone grafting is often not necessary. Even if you have deficient bone beneath your gums, the angulated placement of the dental implants enables us to utilize the healthiest areas of bone.
Candidates for All-on-4®
The only way to know if you are a candidate is to visit our experienced dentists. They will review candidacy factors including:
- Your current oral and systemic health
- How many teeth need to be replaced
- The location of the missing teeth
- The quality and health of the bone beneath your teeth
- The health of the surrounding gum tissue
- Your treatment goals
Teeth-in-a-Day are durable and strong. They also look just like natural teeth, so your smile will look great. For people who are good candidates for Teeth-in-a-Day, there are several advantages:
- No prolonged healing period
- Instant gratification of having a restoration placed immediately
- Fewer appointments at the dentist's office
You will need to eat soft foods after the procedure during the healing phase. We will provide you with complete aftercare instructions.
Costs of All-on-4® and TeethXpress®
As someone considering replacing missing teeth, you probably have several factors influencing your decision. Cost can be a factor for patients seeking tooth replacement. We offer a free initial consultation so that you can find out which solutions for tooth replacement are a good option for you. Our office will provide you with cost estimates for the procedures in which you are interested.
There may be some insurance coverage for certain dental options. We will verify your coverage during your consultation. We also accept various financing plans through CareCredit and LendingClub. If you are interested in applying for one of these plans, we are happy to provide plan details and assist you in the application process.
How Long Do All-on-4® Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants are the longest-lasting way to replace missing teeth, with a 2011 study showing 99.2% of patients still had the same All-on-4® implants ten years after the procedure. Some patients even find their dental implants last 20 years or longer with the proper care.
To extend the life of your dental implants, it’s essential to maintain good oral hygiene and get regular dental cleanings. Avoiding smoking will also help preserve the health of your gums and extend the life of your dental implants. If something feels off, that doesn’t necessarily mean your implants need to be replaced, but it is important to visit your provider. Often, small cosmetic or bite adjustments over the years are enough to keep dental implants looking and feeling great.
How Do I Clean All-on-4® Dental Implants?
Properly caring for your dental implants is the best way to ensure they last for years (or decades) to come. Fortunately, caring for dental implants tends to be much simpler than cleaning an alternative like dentures.
To care for All-on-4® dental implants, you should:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush twice a day, brushing your dental implants the same way you would natural teeth.
- Use a specially designed Super Floss by Oral B to remove debris between your dental implants.
- Remove more debris between your teeth and along your gum line with a water pick.
- Swish an antibacterial mouthwash once or twice a day to clean hard-to-reach areas.
- Consider wearing a custom night guard to protect your dental implants if you grind your teeth at night.
- Keep up with your biannual dental cleanings and check-ups.
Is All-on-4® Better Than Dentures?
Dental implants and dentures can both be good options to replace missing teeth. However, there are some unique benefits to All-on-4® implants. The biggest is that they can lessen the progression of jawbone loss. Your dental implants can also be cleaned like natural teeth and won’t slip while you’re eating or talking.
However, dentures can still provide a natural-looking solution for missing teeth if you're not a good candidate for dental implants. The dentures of today are much more comfortable and durable than the kind your grandparents wore. Our Aurora, Colorado dentistry practice spends a lot of time perfecting the small details, so you’ll love your smile whether you have dental implants or dentures.
Which Is Better: All-on-4® or All-on-6 Dental Implants?
While All-on-4® dental implants attach a bridge of prosthetic teeth to four posts, an All-on-6® procedure uses two additional posts to stabilize your teeth. Both methods can completely restore your smile, giving you natural-looking, durable, functional teeth again. One technique isn’t inherently better than the other. The right choice depends on your unique situation.
For example, an All-on-4® procedure rarely requires bone grafting, so it might be preferable for patients who want to avoid that step. However, an All-on-6 technique could work better for patients where bone density loss is a significant concern since the additional posts further stimulate the jawbone. Depending on the condition of your mouth, gums, and jawbone, an All-on-6® protocol could also offer more strength and stability. The skilled dental implant experts at our Aurora, Colorado practice can recommend the right method for you.
Finding Out If You Are a Candidate
To arrange your free All-on-4® dental implant consultation in Aurora, please call Aspenwood Dental Associates and Colorado Dental Implant Center at 303-751-3321. Our patients visit us from across Denver, Centennial and all of the surrounding areas.