If you have lost most or all of your teeth, you will probably have considered dentures as a way of replacing them. These have been used successfully for a very long time and remain a perfectly good option for many of our patients. They are not ideal for everyone though and can become less stable over time.
Some people find that dentures sometimes move when they eat or speak, while others struggle with certain foods or simply do not like having to remove their teeth at night in order to clean them. Dental implants offer another approach, including a treatment known as an ‘All-on-4’.
This is a great way of replacing a large number of teeth, or a full arch, but it is, initially at least, a more expensive treatment than dentures. Understandably then, our local Witham patients usually want to know if it offers the additional benefits for the extra cost.
The name gives a fairly good indication of how the treatment works. Four dental implants are placed into the jaw and used to support a complete arch of replacement teeth. Sometimes this is six implants but as it is known as an ‘all on four’ we will presume four for the purposes of this blog.
The implants act as artificial tooth roots. Once placed and integrated with the jawbone, they provide a firm foundation for the new replacement teeth. A detailed assessment and scans will be carried out at Blake Dental to establish whether a patient is immediately suitable or if a bone graft or sinus lift will be needed first.
The biggest difference is that conventional dentures are removable, while All-on-4 replacement teeth are fixed to the implants. This can make a significant difference for someone who has struggled with dentures for some time.
A well-fitting denture can work very well, but it may still move a little during eating or speaking. Some people become particularly conscious of this and may avoid certain foods or social situations as a result. Soreness of the gums caused by friction may also occur.
With All-on-4, the replacement teeth are held securely in position. For someone who has spent years worrying about whether their dentures are going to move, this can be one of the most valuable aspects of the treatment.
Replacing missing teeth is not simply about having a good-looking smile. Being able to eat comfortably is an important part of everyday life, and this is another area where implant-supported teeth can have an advantage.
Some denture wearers find hard or chewy foods difficult to manage and a change to implants can make a big improvement to their daily life. All-on-4 then, provides a much more stable biting surface, which can allow patients to eat with greater confidence.
Dental implants can last for many years and, with good care, can potentially remain functional for decades. There are no guarantees, however, and the replacement teeth attached to the implants may need maintenance or replacement during that time but will certainly require good oral health with brushing and flossing, along with check ups at Blake Dental.
This is certainly easier than having to remove dentures and also soaking them overnight and is a bonus that many people appreciate.
It is important to remember that All-on-4 is not suitable for everyone and it is a more involved treatment than having dentures made. Implant placement involves surgery, and there is a period of healing before the final restoration is completed. There is also a greater financial commitment at the outset.
Smoking, gum disease, bone loss and other factors can affect the suitability and success of implant treatment. These issues will be considered during your assessment.
Severely anxious dental patients may prefer to accept the compromises of dentures so as not to have to undergo an invasive treatment. We do offer help for nervous patients though, including sedation, so don’t write dental implants off before discussing this with us first.
That depends largely on what you want from your replacement teeth. If you are happy with dentures and they allow you to eat, speak and smile comfortably without too many compromises, there may be little reason to choose a more expensive alternative.
But if you have struggled with loose dentures, avoid foods that you enjoy or feel uncomfortable about your smile, All-on-4 could offer significant advantages. If you are having to choose your first replacement teeth you might also wish to go straight to the more secure option rather than having to do so later.
It is also worth thinking about the cost over the longer term rather than simply comparing the initial price. A treatment that provides many years of strong and stable replacement teeth represents good value if it also improves your everyday quality of life. Finances need to be considered obviously, but sometimes, an extra cost makes a big improvement in your daily life and many All on Four patients will attest to that.
If you have dentures that you are not happy with or have multiple missing teeth, why not come and talk to us at our Witham dental practice and see how we can help you? You can contact us by calling us on 01376 501688.
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Katie Annabel Blake trading as Blake Dental is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Financing First Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Katie Annabel Blake is a credit broker, not a lender. The provider of a payment scheme which is not offered through or by Financing First Limited may not be so authorised and regulated.
