Over the past decade, an exciting development in implant dentistry has helped thousands of people who are missing all of their teeth, or whose remaining teeth cannot be saved, by providing an affordable alternative to traditional dentures and dental implant treatment. This procedure, called All-on-4 Implants can provide a full arch of replacement teeth, supported by just four strategically placed implants, usually without the need for bone grafting.

All-on-4 Implants is a minimally invasive method of placing a full mouth of dental implants only using four implants to support a full arch (upper or lower) fixed non-removable replacement teeth. All-on-4 Dental Implants allows you to have a full set of teeth without having to undergo multiple surgeries and replacements to place a full set of implants in your mouth.

The greatest thing about All-on-4 Implants is that the procedure we can typically complete it in our office during one appointment under local anesthesia. For our patients who have lost all their teeth or may need to have the remaining teeth pulled due to decay, this is an amazing advancement that allows them to have a full set of teeth without undergoing multiple procedures. Simultaneously, this solution gives patients the kind of teeth that look real and act like the original teeth.

Although many patients have no problem wearing an upper denture, some people find it difficult to wear and eat with lower dentures. Several implant-supported replacement options are available if you are missing all of your lower teeth.

>> Ball Attachment Denture with 2 Implants

One option is to have two implants placed in your lower jaw and a denture made that snaps onto these implants. This option allows your lower denture to be more stable while chewing than without implants. However, there will still be movement of your lower denture, and sore spots will occur if any food particles, especially seeds, are caught under it. As with all removable replacement teeth, you still will need periodic appointments for denture adjustment.

>> Ball Attachment Denture with 4 Implants

Another option is to have 4 implants placed to retain the denture. This will not put pressure on your gums and will give you the best of both worlds. A denture that is removable and can be cleaned easily and a solution that feels as close to being permanent or fixed as possible. 4 implants for the upper jaw works equally as well.

>> Bar Attachment Denture

Another option involves placing four to six implants, depending on your jaw size or shape, into your lower jaw. After healing is complete, the implants are connected with a custom-made support bar. Your denture will be made with special internal retention clips that attach onto the support bar, enabling the denture to snap firmly into place. This is called an “overdenture.” The advantage of this option is that it is much more stable than the first option and allows very little denture movement. Your denture is still removable for easy cleaning and maintenance. With the recent advances of dental implants and technology, this option is being used less and less these days.

>> Screw Retained Denture

A third option involves placing four or more implants (All-on-four) in your jaw and attaching a permanent denture. Your denture is held in place by screws or clasps that secure it to the support posts or bar. It doesn’t touch the gum tissue, which allows you to clean under the denture without removing it. This denture will replace all your missing lower teeth and will not be removed except at maintenance visits. Although cleaning under your denture without removing it is more time consuming and requires more dexterity, many patients who want a permanent denture prefer this option. This is the most popular option to replace all of your lower and even upper teeth.

>> Individual Implants

The final option is to have all your teeth individually replaced so that they will appear to be growing out of your gum tissue and will most closely resemble the appearance of your natural teeth. This option usually requires eight or more implants. Separate abutments or support posts for each one of these implants will be made and crowns for each missing tooth will be placed. The teeth are often joined together for sinus grafting to replace bone height strength and support. Overall, this is the costliest option because it requires the most implants and individual replacement tooth fabrication, however, this will give you the most natural look and feel of your teeth.