All on 4

By now we think it’s pretty safe to assume most people have heard of dentures. Traditionally, the most common type of dentures are removable, full dentures. When a patient has all of their natural teeth removed and the gum tissue has healed, dentures, which are often made of plastic and metal with the appearance of natural teeth and the surrounding tissues, are placed. Though dentures are a great option for many patients and at Washington State Prosthodontics you can expect to receive the best dentures in Bellevue, they’re not for everyone. They require a lot of care and maintenance and are not the most secure, often slipping or even falling out when speaking or eating. More and more, we are seeing our patients turn to All-On-4 dentures rather than traditional dentures.

What Are All-On-4 Dentures?

At Washington State Prosthodontics and Dental Implant Center, we use state of the art technology and help our patients maintain optimal oral function and aesthetics with All-On-4 dentures with the convenience of same day teeth replacement. Essentially, All-On-4 dentures are a replacement for traditional dentures, using four dental implants to attach an entire, full dental restoration.

They replace the entire upper and lower sets of your teeth that mimic natural teeth both in appearance and in functionality. Because of their strength, permanence, and natural look and feel, All-On-4 dentures are becoming the preferred alternative to traditional dentures. Four titanium posts, or ‘bones’ are surgically inserted into the jawbone by your prosthodontist to serve as the main base. Titanium is used for the implants because of few key reasons; first being its strength and durability, ensuring it can withstand the pressures of chewing without breaking or wearing down over time. It also has a unique characteristic that allows the element to actually fuse with the bone as it heals and is a biocompatible material which means the body will not reject the implant as it does not see it as a foreign object.

Next, a healing cap is placed on top of the implant to assist the bone and gums in healing and attaching to the implant. In the final steps of the procedure, the implants are anchored to the bone and abutments, which are custom tops that are a connecting element. Typically, four dentures are then permanently attached to each of the titanium posts/abutments and your smile will have been restored!

Traditional Dentures vs. All-On-4 Dentures

When making decisions about how to best move forward with your oral health, we want our patients to be as educated on the topic as possible so they can be involved with their treatment and feel comfortable and confident throughout the process. To help you determine the differences between traditional dentures and All-On-4 dentures, here’s a quick list of the main ‘downfalls’ of traditional dentures compared to All-On-4’s.

  • They do not solve the issue of jaw deterioration and bone loss that comes with missing teeth, where All-On-4’s use of titanium implants stimulates the jawbone, helping to prevent atrophying and maintains the strength of the jawbone.
  • Traditional dentures require a lot of consistent upkeep and cleaning.
  • They have a few strict rules that need to be followed. They cannot be worn at night, and they cannot be used to eat certain foods such as corn on the cob, apples, anything difficult to bite into, or anything sticky.
  • They put you at a higher risk for gum disease because of the chance of food becoming trapped within the dentures.
  • They are not as natural in appearance as other dental solutions, including All-On-4 dentures.
  • They can cause issues with eating and speaking as they tend to slip around in your mouth, or even at times fall out. - General discomfort from the dentures resting on your gums, with gum sores at times becoming an issue when an adjustment is needed.

The Pros and Cons of All-On-4 Dentures

Yes, not only are there pros to All-On-4 dentures, but there are some cons as well. It’s important to remember each individual patient’s situation is unique, and what might be a great solution for one patient might not be a fit for another. The key is being informed on the good and the bad of each dental solution and working with our prosthodontists to make the right decision for you!

Pros of All-On-4’s:

  • No need for messy denture adhesive.
  • Eliminate the health concerns that come along with missing teeth.
  • They are extremely comfortable and secure, feeling nearly identical to that of your natural teeth when you eat and speak.
  • A shorter recovery time is needed with only four implants being placed.
  • They decrease the need for bone graft surgery.
  • You can maintain a regular dental hygiene routine; no additional care or cleaning is needed.
  • Phenomenal success rate, with the prosthesis ‘survival rate’ being 98.8% after 18 years! - They restore not only the appearance of your smile, but the confidence that comes along with it!

Cons of All-On-4’s:

  • Though it’s important to remember All-On-4’s are a long term solution, they can be costly and may not be a good fit for everyone’s budget.
  • Just like with your natural teeth, complications can develop if you do not maintain good dental hygiene.
  • There is a chance for a failed implant, as around 5% of patients have a failed implant from the implants not merging with the bone.
  • They may cause trouble pronouncing certain words or letters, with patients reporting that the letters F and D are more difficult to pronounce.

All-On-4 Dentures at the Best Bellevue Prosthodontist

At Washington State Prosthodontics, we’re here for you not only dentally, but emotionally. We strive to show compassion and understanding to all our patients throughout their time with us, and it’s what we believe makes us the best prosthodontist in the Bellevue area. If you’re looking for dental treatment or are considering All-On-4 dentures, we encourage you to take a look at our smile gallery and see what our patients have to say about their experience with us. Schedule a consultation today and start your journey to a happy and healthy smile.