All-on-four dental implants are a popular option to replace all of your missing teeth with a set of permanent, fixed teeth. The term all-on-four refers to the fact that your full set of teeth is supported by just four dental implants (although some dentists prefer using 6 implants). These are not denture teeth, we’re talking about permanent teeth made from porcelain or zirconia that remain in your mouth at all times. Having all-on-four dental implants is basically like having your original teeth back. You can chew, talk, and function as if you had a full set of natural teeth in your mouth. No more worrying about gum disease, losing your false teeth, or having to use glue to hold your teeth in place!

Is all-on-four dental implants a good option for me?

All-on-four dental implants are a great option for those of you who are missing all of your teeth or about to lose them all. You’re definitely going to enjoy having your missing teeth back if you can afford all-on-four teeth! Most people who end up getting all-on-four dental implants have been suffering from dental problems throughout their whole lives:

• Some have already lost all of their teeth and are now struggling with their dentures
• Others have spent thousands of dollars over the years to save their teeth only to have their restorations fail over and over again
• Another group of people have been suffering from terminal gum disease, to the point that removing all of their teeth is essential to maintaining their overall health

For the people above, getting rid of their natural teeth and replacing them with all-on-four teeth is nothing short of a blessing. With all-on-4 dental implants, you no longer have to worry about cavities, gum disease, or other oral infections. Plus, you get a beautiful set of teeth that stays in your mouth at all times.

What are things to consider before getting all-on-four dental implants?

Let’s be honest, all-on-four teeth is not for everyone. Investing several months and tens-of-thousands of dollars into something is not a decision that should be taken lightly. Here are some things to consider before starting your all-on-four journey:

(1) You can’t stand having removable teeth in your mouth

If you’re an unsatisfied denture wearer, then all-on-4 dental implants are the answers to your prayers. All-on-four implants offer you a set of fixed teeth that remain in your mouth. You can’t remove these teeth by yourself which makes them very similar to how your original teeth felt like before losing them. You never have to worry about your teeth falling out of your mouth. Plus, you can chew, talk, and function as if you had all of your original teeth back.

(2) Most people qualify for treatment

One of the beauties of all-on-four teeth is that 99% of the population qualifies for them. Even people with weaker jawbone structures are usually good candidates for all-on-four dental implants. So long as your dentist can locate enough bone to place four dental implants in each arch, you will qualify for the all-on-four treatment.

(3) You’re looking for the best bang for your buck

All-on-four teeth are not inexpensive by any means. However, they offer the greatest value when compared to dentures or full mouth dental implants. All-on-4 teeth offer you far superior chewing capability, aesthetics, and boost in confidence when compared to dentures. Moreso, all-on-four teeth last you a lifetime whereas dentures require frequent replacement. When you add up your expenditure to maintain dentures over a lifetime, it usually makes sense to invest in all-on-4 teeth. Especially if you are younger and have a few more decades to enjoy your new teeth.

All-on-four dental implants are much simpler and less costly than full mouth dental implants. Full mouth dental implants require extensive workup, bone grafting, and preparation. It can take a few years to complete your full mouth dental implant treatment. In contrast, all-on-four teeth can usually be completed within a matter of a few months, usually requiring no more than one or two surgeries. This explains why most patients end up choosing all-on-four teeth over full mouth dental implants. You end saving both time and money while ending up with nearly the same end-results

(4) You’re missing all of your teeth in one arch but have your natural teeth in the opposing arch

Occasionally a patient loses all of their teeth in one arch, but retains most of their teeth in the opposite arch. For example, you’re toothless on the top but still have all of your bottom teeth. If this applies to you, then you’re going to find it very challenging to wear dentures in your mouth. The bite pressure from your natural teeth is likely to break your dentures and damage your jawbone. It’s also very uncomfortable to chew with denture teeth that hit against natural teeth. These cases are ideal candidates for all-on-four dental implants. Placing all-on-four dental implants allows you to eat and function comfortably again.

When are all-on-four dental implants not a good option for me?

All-on-four dental implants offer a great solution to replace all of your missing teeth with a fixed, permanent set of teeth. However, all-on-four teeth are not for everyone. Sometimes it’s better to save your remaining teeth or to wear dentures instead. Here are some scenarios where all-on-four dental implants may not be your best option:

(1) You still have several healthy teeth left

If your remaining teeth are loose or decayed, then all-on-four teeth is still your best option. However, if you have several healthy teeth left in your mouth, then it’s best to avoid all-on-four dental implants. Now, by saying “healthy teeth” we’re referring to teeth that don’t suffer from gum disease, decay, or extensive dental work. You might be better off adding individual dental implants to replace a few missing teeth. Not only will this lower your costs, but retaining your natural teeth preserves more of your taste, sensation, and proprioception.

(2) You’re a happy denture wearer

Not everyone with dentures dislikes having removable teeth. Some denture wearers do extremely well with their false teeth. They talk, eat, and function as if their dentures are no different than their own teeth. In fact, you wouldn’t even know they are wearing dentures unless they told you. For these individuals, investing a large sum of money in all-on-four teeth does not make a whole lot of sense.

(3) You can’t afford treatment

Let’s be honest, all-on-four dental implants are not cheap. Treatment usually cost tens-of-thousands of dollars, and this is just for one arch! If you can’t afford all-on-four teeth, consider going with implant-supported dentures as an alternative. Placing just a few dental implants can stabilize your dentures without having to spend a fortune.

How to find the right dentist for all-on-four dental implants?

The first step in receiving all-on-four dental implants is to find a reliable and experienced dentist to perform your treatment. All-on-four treatment is a very precise and difficult procedure. This is why only a small percentage of dentists offer this treatment. Only very experienced implant specialists, periodontists, and prosthodontists are qualified to perform all-on-four dental implants. Click on the link below to find a qualified dentist to start your all-on-four implant journey today. Look for a dentist who offers all-on-four treatment, browse through their treatment photos, and find a qualified dentist near you:

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