While traditional dentures were once the go-to option for replacing entire rows of missing teeth, implant-supported dentures have become the gold standard of restorations in recent years. These advanced prostheses hold many advantages over traditional, removable dentures, most of which can be attributed to the addition of titanium dental implants. Implant-supported dentures are custom-designed to sit comfortably in your mouth via implants, which are affixed to the gum line and fused to the jawbone. Our patients at OC Lifesmiles typically marvel at how natural their implant-supported dentures look and feel!
Depending on the number and location of teeth you need replaced, you may be eligible for a full mouth restoration (or a set of secured dentures for both the upper and lower rows of teeth); an All-on-6® arch (in which the dentures are supported by six implants); or the highly popular All-on-4® method, which uses just four implants to support a single or full arch. The All-on-4® method is a patient favorite because it’s more cost-effective than replacing individual teeth with single implants, and the results tend to be very long-lasting. Additionally, the arches are designed to fit seamlessly in the mouth, making several daily activities (e.g. eating, sleeping, and speaking) more comfortable to do.
Does this mean that every person interested in implant-supported dentures is eligible for the All-on-4® method? Not necessarily. The All-on-4® technique has proven to be a great option for many of our patients, but certain conditions may cause our team to recommend a different course of action. For example, osteoporosis or other bone-based diseases may cause you to have insufficient jawbone density to support the implants. While the All-on-4® method can encourage healthy bone growth and serve as a viable option for those with insufficient density to support a full set of implants, a healthy level of bone volume is still needed to support the four implants used in the All-on-4® technique. Those with less density in their jawbone are usually better suited for the All-on-6® technique or other implant-supported denture options. Dr. Cross, our experienced cosmetic dentist, will thoroughly inspect your mouth before moving forward with the implant-supported denture procedure to ensure your jawbone is strong enough to withstand treatment.
Would you like to learn more about implant-supported dentures or the All-on-4® method? We can help! Feel free to schedule a consultation with Dr. Cross today.
