What’s the Difference Between All-on-X and All-On-4®?
They are essentially different terms for a similar procedures. The term “All-on-X” is a more general term, that refers to placing an entire arch of teeth on “X” number of implants, where as All-on-4® specifically means entire arch on just four implants. Older implant treatments required more implants (6, 8 or sometimes more) 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.
How Do I Know How Many Implants I Would Need?
All-on-4® and All-on-X/All-on-6 dental implants differ primarily in the number and placement of implants used to support full-arch prosthetics. The All-on-4 procedure uses four strategically angled implants per arch, while All-on-6 employs six straight, parallel implants with two additional supports placed closer to the back of the jaw.
The additional implants in All-on-6 can provide enhanced stability and strength, which can benefit patients with very long dental arches where four implants alone might lead to fracture and breakage of the final prosthesis. The extra implants help minimize the “cantilever effect” that can cause prosthesis issues, whereas All-on-4 achieves this through slightly tilted outer implants to reduce stress on the restoration.
However, All-on-6 typically requires more existing bone for proper placement and has a higher likelihood of requiring bone grafting procedures, especially since the additional implants are positioned in the back areas of the mouth where bone is generally more limited. This increased complexity makes All-on-6 typically more expensive, due to the additional implants and their prosthetic components.
From a maintenance perspective, All-on-6 can present more cleaning challenges since there are additional implant posts that require careful hygiene care between them.
Takeaway: we would discuss which approach works best for you. Ultimately, the choice between these approaches depends on a number of factors, including a patient’s jawbone condition, oral health status, the length of their dental arch, budget considerations, and their ability to maintain proper oral hygiene around the implant sites.
Why is All-On-X the Treatment of Choice?
All-on-X 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-X 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-X include dentures, bridges or multiple implants. All-on-X 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-X vs. Dentures
The most common alternative to All-on-X 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-X 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-X 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.