If all or most of your teeth are missing along a single row, it’s actually possible to replace them at the same time in just one well planned appointment. With All-on-4 implant dentures, dentists are able to fully restore a patient’s bite, oral health, and confidence at the same time. But, another procedure called All-on-X has become very popular over the past few years. How is it different? Is it better than All-on-4? Which option would be best for you? You’ll find the answers to these questions and more in today’s blog.
What Are All-on-4 & All-on-X Implant Dentures?
In case you need a refresher, a dental implant is a small titanium post placed into the jawbone in the space left by a missing tooth, and this acts like an artificial tooth root. The prosthetic actually bonds to the surrounding bone, and then it’s attached to a brand new tooth. Typically, a patient undergoes the placement procedure, and then their jaw needs a few months to heal before their new teeth can be attached. And, if the jaw is too thin or brittle to adequately support implants as is, a bone graft may be needed to build up and strengthen it first.
For the All-on 4 and All-on-X procedures, four, five or six implants are positioned within the jawbone at the same time so they can support a full arch bridge, also called a hybrid denture. Thanks to their strategic placement in the bone spread along the entire arch, they’re actually stable enough that the hybrid denture can be attached to the implants at the same appointment, instantly renewing someone’s smile. In addition to taking less time to achieve a new smile compared to most other implant treatments, All-on 4 and X are designed to maximize a patient’s existing jawbone density, allowing many to avoid the need for preliminary bone graft procedures, reducing the number of initial appointments prior to the implant surgery.
Which One is Better?
Both procedures have been proven to deliver fantastic results, providing a strong bite, comfortable fit, and lifelike appearance, so why would a patient choose to get one over the other?
Essentially, All-on-X utilizes one to two more implants to provide extra security. As a patient ages, the bone density in their jaw will naturally diminish in areas without implants. All-on-X ensures that this process doesn’t affect the stability or longevity of a patient’s hybrid denture. It’s purposefully over-engineered, which is an extremely common practice in all types of disciplines that make things that are meant to last a lifetime. The goal is to create an extremely strong foundation for a patient’s hybrid denture, and if one implant does not integrate adequately, 4 or 5 still remain to support the full arch bridge.
Rebuild Your Smile Today
Regardless of which procedure you choose, replacing your teeth is always a wise choice, and by choosing All-on-4 or All-on-X, you’ll be able to enjoy results as quickly as possible, giving your smile a new lease on life in no time. To learn more about these procedures and which one might be a better fit for your particular situation, schedule a consultation today!
About Capital Smiles
Dr. Erin Page leads the team at Capital Smiles, and thanks to her experience and expertise, she’s able to offer a wide array of replacement options for patients with tooth loss. Whether you are missing a single tooth or could benefit from All-on-4/X hybrid implant dentures, she can provide a custom-made solution that is guaranteed to look as good as it feels. To learn more about your options and schedule an in-person consultation so you can start rebuilding your smile, contact us today.