Deciding Between Full Implants and Dentures? All-On-4 Might Be the Solution 

Replacing missing teeth does far more than just bolster your confidence; it can also enhance or preserve your dental health. Dentures have long been the only option for replacing a full upper or lower arch of teeth, but All-on-4® is now a contender for the most popular teeth-replacement solution. At Cannon Oral Surgery, we offer a full scope of modern dental treatments in our comfortable office in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

If you’re trying to decide which way to go in replacing all of your natural teeth, we’re here to help. Let’s talk about the differences between dentures and All-on-4, and hopefully provide some clarity as you navigate your options. 

Dentures provide an affordable, durable smile restoration

Dentures have long been the only choice when it comes to replacing all of your natural teeth. A full set of dentures is crafted to fit securely against the surface of your upper or lower gums and is removed for dental hygiene routines. 

Compared with the cost of All-on-4 or individual dental implants, dentures are a more affordable option. It only takes a few visits before your new dentures are ready to wear, and with proper care, you can expect to get 7-10 years of wear before they’ll need to be replaced. Thanks to advancements in dental technology, today’s dentures look very lifelike and fit comfortably. 

The downsides of dentures 

While dentures might be a great option in some cases, there are also some drawbacks that need to be considered. To begin, dentures are not a permanent teeth replacement solution. You’ll eventually need to have them replaced, so that initial low price is not your lifetime expense. 

Also, even though dentures have improved significantly in recent years, they still are not anchored to any part of your dental anatomy. They sit on top of your gums, and they can shift a bit while you’re eating or speaking. 

Dentures also do nothing to enhance or support your bone health. The bone tissue in your jaw needs ongoing stimulation in order to stay healthy. Losing a tooth means losing that stimulation, and the bone tissue beneath can begin to wear away. This can weaken the connection between nearby teeth and bone, and can also cause your jaw to become smaller, giving your lower face a sunken appearance. 

All-on-4 is a permanent solution

All-on-4 is a tooth replacement option that lasts a lifetime. The treatment works by securing an entire upper or lower span of artificial teeth using just four implanted posts. Because those posts are anchored directly into your jaw bone, they create a firm attachment that keeps your restored smile intact for years. 

The four implanted posts provide ongoing stimulation to your jaw, helping keep your bone tissue healthy and strong. The artificial teeth used in All-on-4 are crafted to look just like natural teeth, including the tiny imperfections that make a smile look genuine. 

It takes several visits and a period of healing to complete the All-on-4 treatment, but the results are well worth the wait. 

All-on-4 isn’t right for everyone

While All-on-4 is a wonderful solution for many people who need to replace all of their natural teeth, it isn’t a good fit for everyone. This treatment was designed to work even if you’ve lost some of your natural bone tissue. The angle at which the posts are implanted takes advantage of the thickest portion of your jawbone. 

That said, you still need sufficient bone tissue for All-on-4 to be possible. If you don’t have the volume or density that’s called for, you might be able to build up your natural bone tissue through bone grafting, but that will add some additional steps to your treatment plan. 

If you’re considering your options and want to learn if All-on-4 is right for you, the best course of action is to set up a time to come in and sit down with Dr. Cannon to review your dental health history and explore your options. 

We offer online booking as a fast and convenient way to connect with our office, and you can also reach us by phone if that’s your preferred method. The team at Cannon Oral Surgery enjoys helping patients find the very best treatment path for their needs, and we look forward to meeting with you.