By Leanne.
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What are All Teeth on 4 Dental Implants?
All Teeth on 4 is a treatment protocol performed when all of your teeth are missing or need replacing from the upper arch, lower arch, or both. The concept involves having all your teeth replaced with a single implant bridge on 4 or more dental implants.
There are four main types of full arch restorations: an instant fixed implant bridge
(All at Once®), a regular fixed implant bridge (All Teeth on 4), a removable overdenture, and a traditional full denture.
The fixed implant bridge is often the most popular restoration choice as it’s a permanent solution and will fit, feel and function similar to your natural teeth. However, all methods can have advantages and disadvantages.
The All Teeth on 4 technique is the treatment concept that was developed in the 1990s. It offers total oral rehabilitation for patients tired of dentures or with teeth severely decayed, broken down or compromised due to gum disease. This technique is often referred to as AO4, AO6 or AOX, depending on the number of implants placed to support the fixed implant bridge.
What are the common reasons for needing All Teeth on 4?
Full-mouth dental implants are a viable solution for people facing severe and chronic oral health issues. Reasons vary from patient to patient, but some of the most common causes include:
What are the benefits of All Teeth on 4?
As opposed to dentures, All Teeth on 4 dental implants are a permanent set of teeth that look and feel natural, which means your teeth:
Who is the ideal candidate for All Teeth on 4?
The ideal candidate for the All Teeth on 4 dental implant procedure is someone who is currently wearing dentures or will need dentures in the future and is in relatively good health.
The process of placing implants often requires the use of anaesthesia. Therefore candidates for All Teeth on 4 need to be in good health to undergo the procedure. Some medical conditions (like untreated diabetes) may make patients ineligible for the procedure. Smokers and patients using anti-depressants need to know that there may be a higher risk of implant failure.
Your suitability can only be determined by consultation and initial assessment with your dental provider.
Innovations in full arch implant bridge options:
Until recently, most All Teeth on 4 patients have had to wear bulky temporary implant bridges while their implants integrate into the bone over several months. Some disadvantages of these temporary implant bridges include:
Treatment protocols continue to adapt and change to patients’ needs and expectations. Patients increasingly want a highly functional and aesthetic result as quickly as possible, with little impact on their lifestyle, work or family commitments.
The All at Once® implant bridge turns the usual fixed dental implant treatment sequence on its head. The final implant bridge is pre-made before the surgery date and is placed instantly at the time of surgery.
The All at Once® procedure takes between 2-4 hours, depending on the individual case, and offers predictable outcomes, faster recovery, fewer appointments, and eliminates the need for a temporary implant bridge.
This protocol is especially well received by patients who are dentally phobic, who are not in a position to take a significant amount of time away from their daily schedule or responsibilities, or who find being without their teeth, even for a short period, unacceptable.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this platform, including text, graphics, and images, is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For specific dental concerns, it is crucial to consult with a qualified dental practitioner. They will be able to assess your individual circumstances, provide accurate diagnoses, and offer appropriate treatment options tailored to your specific needs
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