If you have ever lost a tooth, you know the impact can be life-altering. This missing void can wreak havoc in more ways than one, including the ability to speak and chew properly, and even lead to malnutrition and other related health issues. When left untreated, a missing tooth or teeth can be an eyesore for your smile, making you feel embarrassed and unconfident. But when multiple or a whole arch of teeth are lost, the effects go much further than how the smile looks. Thanks in part to recent advancements in technology, dental implant solutions are bringing a permanent tooth replacement option to San Marcos, CA patients suffering or facing the loss of multiple teeth.
One such revolutionary implant dentistry treatment from Dr. Jeffrey Allred of Allred Dental, called All-on-4 dental implants, makes it possible to once again have full, stable, non-removable sets of top and bottom teeth. This sturdy and durable alternative to traditional removable dentures can leave you feeling more confident about your smile, oral function, and appearance. If you have been struggling with missing teeth, we invite you to read below to learn about the outstanding advantages of All-on-4 dental implants over traditional dentures.
The All-on-4 solution explained
The All-on-4 implant treatment concept offers a long-lasting solution for patients who are tired of dealing with removable dentures or those who need to have multiple teeth removed from the mouth. As its name suggests, All-on-4 is a full arch of custom-crafted prosthetic teeth stabilized by four dental implants. Similar to the process used with individual dental implants, All-on-4 requires that small, screw-like titanium posts be surgically placed into the upper or lower arch to support a full-arch appliance that replaces missing teeth. Dr. Allred uses his surgical skills to strategically place the implant posts, positioning two vertically near the front of the jaw and two angled along the sides of the mouth. The set of full-arch prosthetic teeth that attaches to these implants is made of high-quality porcelain, acrylic, or composite materials and is affixed securely to bring proper function and an aesthetically pleasing appearance to the mouth. All-on-4 dental implant results appear natural and realistic because they are crafted for each individual's comfort and fit.
The benefits of All-on-4 implants
All-on-4 dental implants differ from traditional dentures in that the replacement teeth are permanently secured to the jaw. While conventional dentures may offer some benefits for conveniently replacing missing teeth, they do not come without their challenges.
Some key advantages of having permanent implants for tooth replacement versus traditional dentures include:
- No rubbing, chafing, or sore spots: With All-on-4, replacement teeth do not rest atop the gums like with dentures. This means there is no painful rubbing, gum irritation, or risk for infection, which are a common occurrence among denture wearers.
- Better speech: The state-of-the-art design of the All-on-4 treatment option follows the natural contours of the mouth, which helps enhance your speaking abilities and allows you to communicate with others with greater ease.
- Eating: No food is off-limits when choosing dental implant solutions. You can also eat enjoy all the flavors since the roof of the mouth is not covered like with traditional upper dentures.
- Confidence: All-on-4 can allow you to enjoy a renewed self-confidence that only a fantastic, stable smile can bring to your life.
- Facial profile: The custom full-arch appliance that attaches to All-on-4 dental implants looks and feels natural and helps maintain a fullness to your face, as your cheeks and lips are fully supported with your new teeth.
Durability
Dentures are often held in the mouth with an adhesive, which makes them prone to slipping and rocking, especially while eating and speaking. Conventional dentures also do not offer wearers as forceful of a bite or chewing capabilities as those experienced with All-on-4 dental implants. San Marcos, CA men and women with dentures often report that food still has to be softer and broken into smaller bites before eating. However, All-on-4 implants offer biting capabilities that are similar to chewing food with natural teeth. Patients can once again enjoy all of their favorite foods without the worry of their replacement teeth falling out of place or causing embarrassment.
Protecting bone mass
Dentures have significantly improved in their construction over the years but they still have limitations. Since traditional dentures are removable, they are not as stable as full-arch appliances anchored to dental implants. Dental implants utilize small posts made of titanium that are embedded into the jaw. These titanium posts are used to support prosthetic teeth by acting as a pillar or anchor. Using the All-on-4 method from Allred Dental, our San Marcos, CA team will strategically place four dental implants within the lower or upper arch, which can support an entire set of teeth. Implants eliminate the movement of replacement teeth and help support healthy bone mass by stimulating jawbone health and preventing jawbone atrophy. This benefit also allows a patient to enjoy a smooth oral function and retain the shape of their jawline. Additionally, since implants are sturdy and durable, patients typically feel more confident in their replacement teeth and their appearance.
Are you ready for All-on-4 implants?
If you have long struggled with the health concerns and self-confidence issues that can result when all or the majority of your teeth are missing, All-on-4 implants can be truly transformative. This may also be a great option if you have multiple teeth that are failing and need to be removed from your smile. Thanks to their ability to bond with the jaw, dental implants mimic natural teeth and offer a long-term answer for tooth replacement. When it comes to comfort, convenience, and quality of life, All-on-4 implants are often the obvious choice.
If you have been considering dentures but do not want to hassle with food restrictions, denture paste, and worries over movement, then All-on-4 dental implants could be your answer for a long-lasting solution. All-on-4 dental implants is an advanced procedure that can replace a full upper or lower arch of teeth with natural-looking, fantastic results. To learn about your tooth replacement options with dental implants, contact Allred Dental in San Marcos, CA for a visit with Dr. Allred and begin your smile transformation today.