Dentures vs. All On 4
Charleston, WV
 In the past, the only available replacement for missing teeth was a removable denture composed entirely of acrylic material. Over the course of advancing dental science, however, most patients now have a wealth of choices to restore a healthy, beautiful smile. Today, we’ll be comparing two methods: Dentures and All-On-4. With this information, we hope to give you a better understanding of both treatments and help settle whatever doubts you may have as to which is preferable for your case.
If you are edentulous (meaning you’ve lost most or all of your teeth) or know someone who is and have any questions about dentures or All-On-4® Treatment Concept restorations, please feel free to call Revive Dental and Implant Center today and set up an appointment at (304) 467-4265.
All-On-4
This treatment is designed to replace several teeth at once using a prosthetic dental bridge structure supported by four implants (titanium screw-like objects anchored into your jawbone to act as new tooth roots). With two implants surgically embedded at specific points in your upper jaw and two in the lower jaw, they work together to keep the prosthetic properly fixed in place. Integrating biologically with the bone over time, this creates a sturdy foundation to preserve your new smile without a need for bone grafting.
Advantages of All-On-4 Treatment
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Immediately noticeable improvement to quality of life.
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A fixed full-arch prosthesis on the day of surgery provides quick results for improved appearance, function, awareness, speech, and self-confidence.
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Faster treatment time.
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High success rate.
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Positioning of the implants makes cleaning them accessible and easy.
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A final restoration can be repaired or removed if the need arises.
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Angling the implants at the back of the mouth allows for higher quality bone to be accessed for a strong foundation and does not interfere with your mouth or face’s surrounding anatomical structures.
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As said, tilting the posterior implants makes time-consuming bone grafting unnecessary.
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The treatment lowers your posterior cantilever (tooth bridge).
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Less expensive, due to fewer patients seeking the procedure and most cases avoiding bone grafts. |
Disadvantages of All-On-4 Treatment
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Because placement of the implants is prosthetically dictated, positioning them free-hand is sometimes impossible and therefore more challenging.
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The cantilever utilized in the prosthesis cannot surpass its maximum length in proportion to the mouth.
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Surgery is delicate, requiring careful preparation and sensitive technique such as a surgical splint and CAD/CAM (computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing). |
Dentures
Dentures fall into two overarching types: Complete Dentures and Partial Dentures.
First, let’s cover the Complete:
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Conventional - Fully removable, modeled and placed within the patient’s mouth after we extract remaining real teeth and tissues are given time to heal (This may take several months, during which time, you will have to make it through day-to-day life without teeth).
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Immediate - This removable denture is positioned in the mouth on the day remaining teeth are extracted. During your preliminary exam, Dr. Chad Boustany will measure your jaw for models to study. You needn’t be without teeth through this recovery period, though the bones and gums do gradually shrink. Your dentures may require remodeling or re-alignment once the jaw heals, to ensure a precise fit in your mouth. This particular drawback often leads to patients using immediate dentures only as a temporary solution, until permanent replacements are ready.
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Overdenture - Should standard dentures prove too uncomfortable or you have enough real teeth remaining, this may serve as a viable alternative. It will be fitted over the roots of your natural teeth, lying either on them or oral implants (provided there are no real teeth to be placed over). It’s also easier to remove. |
Next up are the Partial types:
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Partial - This removable device is made up of artificial teeth directly attached to a pink or gum-colored plastic prosthesis, which can be linked together in a metal framework to hold the dentures in position within your mouth. These dentures are chosen when one or multiple real teeth are left in the patient’s upper or lower jawbone. The fitted bridge replaces one or more teeth with crowns applied on either side of the gap and attaches replacements onto them. Lastly, the bridge is embedded into position, replacing lost teeth and preventing others from moving out of place.
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Precision partial - A removable piece with internal attachments in favor of clasps attached to adjoining crowns. This form of denture creates a more natural look. |
Things To Consider When Choosing Between Dentures & All-On-4
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Robustness - Dentures can be fragile and easily broken, especially if dropped. All-On-4 implants, however, are made to be very tough and resistant to chips, fractures or stains, enabling you to enjoy a naturally beautiful smile for longer.
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Comfort - Dentures often require oral adhesives, which are inconsistent in reliability. Without proper adhesive, conventional dentures may slip, slide, fall out and rub your gums, causing discomfort and soreness. All-On-4 dental implants are snapped into position with special connectors that prevent even the smallest movement.
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Discretion - Both dentures and All-On-4 implants offer a restored beauty to your smile. Again, however, they may slip and move around, leading to occasional embarrassing slips. Implants by contrast offer increased stability so any worries of movement that could draw attention to your teeth are gone.
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Procedure - The treatment to get dentures is totally non-invasive, only requiring molds of your teeth and gums for reference when custom-designing your piece. Patients undergoing All-On-4 surgery must have their implant posts embedded into their jawbone in a procedure typically performed with local or general anesthetic, with or without sedation.
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Speed - One major benefit All-On-4 was developed for in the first place is to ensure that your new teeth will be finished overnight so you can restore your smile’s appearance in just 48 hours. Dentures normally take more time to be completed.
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Investment - Dentures commonly last only 5-7 years before needing a replacement. Dental implants that are well cared for, however, may last as long as 25 years with a little professional maintenance. |
We offer same-day implants and dentures, as the name implies, are made in our office and fitted for your mouth all in one visit! With our in-house laboratory we are able to make your teeth in one day. That means no waiting period, you get to walk out in one day with your new smile. To learn more about dentures vs dental implants, call (304) 467-4265 or click to schedule an appointment now! |
