For decades, edentulous patients had no alternatives to dentures. To fill in for an entire arch of missing teeth, patients had to settle for ill-fitting and uncomfortable removable prosthetics.
Although denture technology has improved and is more individualized now, the devices still fall short as replacement teeth. Most importantly, they do not replicate the root structures of the missing teeth. The teeth’s roots get little glory in comparison to the more visible crowns, but they are essential in stabilizing the jawbone and retarding bone loss.
Patients who want a more durable alternative to dentures can choose a new treatment known as All-on-4 dental implants.
As part of this treatment, the oral surgeon places four dental implants into the jawbone, and the surrounding bone will become fused to the titanium implants over the course of several months. The implants then permanently anchor a lifelike prosthetic full arch of teeth.
When opting for All-on-4 from a Chicago oral surgeon, patients gain a number of advantages over dentures. First, the implants prevent the jawbone atrophy that typically occurs when the teeth are lost. Through this process, also known as bone resorption, the jawbone shrinks and changes shape over time. This presents a problem for denture wearers, who periodically need to have their appliances relined and over time even relining dentures will not help to stabilize them as the jaw bone slowly deteriorates.
In comparison, All-on-4 dental implants essentially function as artificial roots. They keep the jaw in line and ward off changes in its shape. They maintain stability and bone levels. As a result, the attached prosthetic appliance won’t need to be refitted or replaced – ever.
Additionally, All-on-4 implants completely replace dentures and the need to remove anything from your mouth. Conventional dentures are secured by adhesives that stick to the soft tissues and are grossly inferior to implants, which are permanently fused with the bone. Patients who choose All-on-4 will have the peace of mind that their teeth won’t slide out of place unexpectedly, which often happens with denture wearers.
All-on-4 implants also offer better functionality than dentures alone. Because the all-on-four process has a permanently attached long-span bridge of teeth that are more stable, they can process a wider variety of foods, enjoy stress-free eating, and ultimately guarantee better nutrition.
The real “claim to fame” that the all-on-four dental implant procedure affords patients is that they can walk out with fixed, attached, functional teeth on the very same day as any teeth are removed and the implants are placed.
Of course, there are also aesthetic benefits to All-on-4 implants. Between the implants and the prosthetic appliances, patients can achieve a natural look with this treatment plan.
Lastly, there are clear and profound psychological benefits to the All-on-four implant treatment versus traditional removable dentures. With the all-on-four option patients have a renewed sense of confidence, stronger self-esteem, and look and feel younger. The attached replacement teeth eventually feel as if they are the patients own teeth, whereas dentures always feel foreign and make patients feel self conscious, embarrassed, and aged.
If you need to replace all of your teeth, consider All-on-4 implants. Talk to Drs. Steven Koos DDS, MD and Brian Shah DDS, MD at ORA® Oral Surgery & Implant Studio to learn more about the procedure and what kind of outcomes you can reasonably expect. Call 312-328-9000 to schedule your dental implant consultation in our downtown Chicago office today.
