What’s the Difference Between All-On-4® and All-on-X?
The term “All-on” refers to placing an entire arch of teeth on a set number of implants. All-on-6 refers to an entire arch of teeth placed on six implants, and all-on-8 refers to eight implants. Older implant treatments required 8-10 implants per jaw for stability. Thanks to modern technology, All-on-4® achieves the same strong, secure results. The number of implants you may need to support an upper or lower arch will depend on your specific situation.
Why All-On-4®?
All-on-4® is ideal for people who have lost most or all of their teeth due to decay, damage, gum disease, or injury. The implants are specially designed to bond naturally with your jawbone, creating a strong foundation for your new teeth.
Your newly placed teeth will provide full chewing power and look completely natural. Unlike removable dentures that can slip while eating or talking, All-on-4® stays securely in place. This prevents bone loss, maintains your facial structure, and gives you clear speech and confident smiles.
The alternatives to All-on-4® include dentures, bridges or multiple implants. All-on-4® is appealing because it allows patients to regain a full set of upper and/or lower teeth without the need to wear full dentures or undergo multiple dental implant surgeries.
All-On-4® vs. Dentures
The most common alternative to full mouth dental implants are old-fashioned dentures that sit on top of the gums where the missing teeth were. They can be uncomfortable, affect your ability to experience the full taste of food, cause sore gums, and shift and click in your mouth when you speak, eat, smile, yawn or cough.
Other considerations
- While the initial costs of dentures may be low, they only last an average of 7 to 15 years, and the replacement costs can be significant over the long term.
- Dentures require a daily cleaning routine: removal, cleaning after meals, and overnight soaking
- The bite function of dentures is approximately ~30% of the function of natural teeth.
- With a partial denture, the natural bone underneath a complete denture may deteriorate over time, leading to facial collapse and an aged appearance.
In contrast, All-On-4® dental implants offer significant benefits compared to traditional dentures:
- Implants look extremely natural, while also providing exceptional durability and longevity.
- Implants support your natural biting and chewing habits, and allow you to eat foods that may be challenging with removable dentures.
- Maintenance of dental implants are the same as with your natural teeth – standard brushing and flossing.
- All-On-4® implants help maintain jawbone integrity by replacing tooth roots. Implants actively stimulate and integrate with the jawbone, preserving bone density and maintaining your facial structure and natural smile aesthetics over time.