If you are missing one or more teeth, then dental implants are an excellent option to consider when you are ready to restore your smile. There’s no reason why you should continue living with a gap in your mouth, especially when there are modern dental treatments that can replace the missing teeth.
At myDental, we offer a variety of restorative dental treatment options to help you achieve the optimal function and appearance that you desire. We offer personalized treatment plans for every patient. The first step is to schedule a consultation so that we can discuss your options, including both traditional implants and All-on-4 dental implants.
Which treatment plan is best for your unique needs? In this article, we are breaking down the pros and cons of All-on-4 dental implants vs traditional implants so that you can learn everything you need to know in order to make an informed decision for your mouth (and your budget).
Traditional Implants: What You Need to Know
When you hear the term “traditional implants,” it refers to an individual titanium post that is placed into your jawbone. Often, a traditional implant is designed to replace a single missing tooth. But sometimes, this type of implant can be paired with a dental bridge or other type of restorative treatment to replace multiple missing teeth within one area of your mouth.
First, the implant is surgically inserted into your jawbone. Then, you will need to wait for a few months until osseointegration occurs. Once bone fusion has been achieved and you have healed fully from the implant placement, then we can place the permanent restoration on top: either a crown or small bridge.
This single implant treatment is an excellent option to consider if you are missing just a few teeth. But if you need a full-arch replacement, then it’s time to consider your options to use multiple implants (known as an All-on-4 dental implant treatment).
All-on-4 Dental Implants for Major Restorations
The treatment technique is the same for All-on-4 vs traditional implants. The only difference is in the number of implants that are being used and where they are placed within your mouth. This treatment is recommended for patients who need full mouth restoration or are experiencing significant tooth loss.
When you need major dental restorations for your upper or lower teeth (or both), then we can use four implants that are strategically placed to support your dental prosthetics. This treatment is sometimes known as implant-supported dentures. Four implants provide the perfect foundation that is needed to hold the dentures in place so that you can eat, speak, and smile normally.
If you find the right dentist, you can even schedule one-day dental implants vs traditional implants. We’ll place all 4 implants during the same appointment (or 8 implants if you are getting restorations for both the upper and lower jaws). Then, a temporary restoration can be used if it’s necessary to wait for the placement of the permanent dentures or bridges.
Side-By-Side Comparison: All-on-4 Dental Implants vs Traditional Implants
Here is everything that you need to know when comparing these two types of dental implant treatments:
- Number of Implants: Full-mouth restorations will require multiple implants, while a single tooth or several teeth in the same area can often be treated with just one traditional implant.
- Treatment Time: All-on-4 implants can often be completed in a single day. You can expect recovery and healing time after the appointment.
- Bone Grafting: Sometimes, traditional implants require bone grafting to ensure a strong foundation. On the other hand, All-on-4 implants can usually avoid grafting because the implants are angled strategically to ensure they are secure.
- Cost: If you need to replace a full arch, then All-on-4 is more cost-effective compared to individual implants for every tooth.
- Flexibility: If you have isolated tooth loss, then traditional implants are usually the recommendation. But if you need full-mouth solutions, then we will likely recommend All-on-4 implants.
FAQ
What is the downside of All-on-Four dental implants?
Since all of the prosthetic teeth are connected for the arch replacement, if one of the four dental implants fails, then it can affect the whole set. As a result, the repairs can be more expensive compared to a single dental implant.
How can you tell the difference between natural and implants?
We use modern technology to ensure that your implants look and feel as natural as possible. Most people don’t notice a difference between natural teeth and dental implants, unless they are really looking for the differences. We’ll mimic the real thing using tooth-colored materials that match the rest of your smile, as well as prosthetic teeth that are carefully shaped and positioned to fit your mouth perfectly.
Do All-on-4 implants look natural?
Absolutely. Our goal is to create a smile that looks as natural as possible. The most important thing that you can do is choose a skilled dentist who specializes in cosmetic dentistry.
Can I eat normally with All-on-4 dental implants?
There is an adjustment period when your implants are healing. Once you are used to the implants and replacement teeth, you will be able to eat most of your favorite foods – including chewy and crunchy items. Make sure to stay consistent with good oral health in order to avoid complications in the future.
Which implants look most natural?
Traditional implants that use individual porcelain crowns often offer the most natural appearance because each tooth is replicated one at a time. But natural aesthetics can also be achieved with All-on-4 implants when high-quality materials are used.
Schedule a Consultation with the Implant Experts at myDental
If you are comparing your options for tooth replacement, then reach out to our experienced team at myDental. We will assess your smile to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants. Then, we can create your personalized treatment plan to ensure that you achieve the best results possible.
In addition to dental implants, we also offer a variety of other cosmetic and restorative treatments. Contact us to learn more about how we can help with restorative dentistry. You can book a consultation at one of our convenient locations.