For many years, dentures have been the most popular option for replacing a full arch of teeth—whether it is the top, bottom, or both. However, many patients now prefer (or are making the switch to) an alternative treatment, known as All-on-4®. Both can provide natural-looking results, so what’s the difference between these two common choices?
Traditional Dentures
Traditional dentures are custom-made appliances that sit along the gumline and are held in place using a strong adhesive. The dentures are easily removed, and should be soaked in a special solution each night to keep them clean. Although this option tends to be more affordable initially, patients often lose jawbone density over time, which can affect proper fit and lead to a need for replacement dentures.
All-on-4®
All-on-4 also utilizes a customized dental appliance, but the key difference between these options is how it is affixed to the gumline: to secure the restoration, All-on-4 typically requires four or six dental implants per arch (depending on the patient’s unique case). Because of the strong hold provided by the dental implants, many patients are able to confidently eat foods they may not have been able to with traditional dentures. Additionally, since the dental implants are rooted in the jawbone, All-on-4 can help preserve bone density. To clean the appliance, patients should brush and floss normally, although some additional steps, such as using a Waterpik®, may be recommended.
To learn more about the restorative options available at our practice, and to discover if dentures or All-on-4 are right for you, please contact us today.
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