All-on-4 Dental Implants: Steps, Benefits, Issues, and Other Full Arch Technology
- Ryan Haldeman
- Sep 2
- 6 min read
All-on-4 Dental Implants Overview
All-on-4 dental implants are designed to restore full arches of teeth with just four implants. This approach has become a go-to solution for many patients dealing with significant tooth loss or decay. The All-on-4 treatment concept involves replacing missing teeth with a permanent denture (prosthesis) secured with four or more implants.
Unlike traditional dentures, All-on-4 implants are permanent and secure, providing a stable biting and chewing experience and less daily maintenance. However, there are some drawbacks when compared to other full arch implant options. This includes bone and gum removal during surgery, long term bone loss, higher risks of chips and fractures, and expensive maintenance during hygiene visits.
Compared to dentures, the All-on-4 allows you to eat, speak, and smile with more confidence and stability. But it's not the only option out there; 3 on 6 dental implants offer another route for patients looking to replace missing teeth in a more natural way by preserving your gums and bones. This technique involves six implants supporting three bridges, providing stability and durability with fewer potential complications.
If you are considering the All-on-4 implant procedure, what should you expect?
How All-on-4 Implant Works: Step by Step
We'll cover how your jaw supports the implants, how the arch is restored, and how your natural teeth and gums interact with the implant.
Step 1: Consultation & Planning
The consultation and planning stage for the All-on-4 procedure is a crucial first step. This visit includes a thorough diagnosis, where your dentist will take detailed 3D scans or X-rays of your jaw and mouth to assess your bone density and overall suitability for the dental implant procedure.
During this discussion, a certified and licensed 3 on 6 dentist might also suggest 3 on 6, which preserves more of your natural bone and gums while offering a secure, lasting smile. If you haven't met with a 3 on 6 provider, we recommend you get a 2nd opinion from one before making a decision on treatment.
Once the diagnosis is complete, your dentist will walk you through the recommended implant treatment plan, explaining the procedure in detail, how the implants will be placed, and what your custom smile design will look like.
If needed, they'll also discuss financing options to ensure you have everything covered for the procedure. The consultation serves as the foundation for a successful dental implant process, providing you with all the information you need to make a confident decision.
If you're considering dental implants, exploring trusted dental offices that specialize in both All-on-4 and 3 on 6™ solutions is a crucial first step.
Step 2: Implant Placement Surgery
With local or general anesthesia, the dentist will likely perform a bone reduction procedure known as alveoloplasty. This is an important step to create space for the prosthesis to fit into your mouth and to hide the transition line behind the lips. If not enough bone is removed, then the transition line from the prosthesis to your natural gums could be visible when smiling. With 3 on 6, no bone is removed as the teeth are designed to fit against the patients natural bone and gums.
Next, titanium implants are placed into your jawbone, serving as artificial roots for new teeth. The dentist will then secure the All-on-4 prosthetic to the implants. This full-arch prosthesis will protect the implants while they fuse to the bone and ensure you're not without teeth during the healing period.
Step 3: Healing and Osseointegration
After your implant surgery, the healing period is crucial for the long-term success of your implants. The process of osseointegration, where titanium implants fuse with your jawbone, typically takes 3 to 4 months. You will be on a soft foods diet during this time period to ensure that you don't apply excessive forces to the implants during this crucial phase.
After healing, preventing bone loss is the biggest factor to protecting the longevity of your implants. Like your muscles, the bone in your mouth needs stimulation to stay healthy. Your new All-on-4 prosthetic will provide a small level of stimulation to the implants as you chew and use your teeth. 3 on 6 bridges are segmented and therefore capable of providing increased levels of implant stimulation as the chewing forces are separated and localized to different areas of the mouth, unlike the All-on-4 that evenly reduces the pressures across the entire arch.
Step 4: Final Restoration
Once your implants have fully integrated, it's time to complete your smile. The permanent All-on-4 denture is crafted and the temporary one is swapped out. For All-on-4, this can be made from zirconia, acrylic, and other composite materials. With 3 on 6, custom zirconia bridges are crafted to fit seamlessly against the patient's real gums. These bridges function and feel like natural teeth, with no artificial gum line, giving a more comfortable and realistic smile.
A follow-up appointment will be scheduled to check that everything fits perfectly, you're in tip-top oral health, and address any final concerns, ensuring your new smile is everything you hoped for.
Benefits of All-on-4 Dental Implants
Immediate Results
All-on-4 implants provide quick results, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile confidently shortly after the procedure.
Stability and Comfort
The implants offer great stability, reducing discomfort and preventing slipping while eating or speaking.
Restored Functionality
All-on 4 dental implants function similar to natural teeth, letting you enjoy a wide range of foods and the ability to speak clearly since they're fixed in place.
Durability
With proper care, All-on-4 implants can last over 15 years, offering long-term reliability.
Natural Look
When smiling and socializing in normal functions, the All-on-4 can give a beautiful appearance.
Cost-Effective
While the initial cost is higher, the durability and low maintenance of All-on-4 implants save you money in the long run compared to denture replacements, maintenance, and pain.
Common Issues with All-on-4 (and how 3 on 6 avoids them)
While All-on-4 is an excellent solution for many, there are a few common issues that some patients may experience:
Bone Loss Over Time
All-on-4 dental implants splint the arch of the mouth to a permanent denture. This reduces the natural chewing forces on the bone, which can lead to bone loss over time.
How 3 on 6 helps: The 3 on 6 segments the restored teeth, allowing the implants to receive increased pressures from biting. This stimulates the bone, promoting long-term bone health.
Risk of Implant Failure
While rare, the failure of one or more implants can occur, especially if there is improper healing or inadequate bone density. This also requires the removal of the entire prosthetic to address a failed implant.
How 3 on 6 helps: In rare cases of implant failure, a single bridge can be removed and replaced during a visit to address an implant. Additionally, many 3 on 6 providers offer a guarantee to replace the implant if it fails to heal properly, giving you peace of mind.
Gum Tissue Irritation
Some patients with All-on-4 implants experience gum irritation, especially if their gums haven't properly healed or if there is a poor fit of the prosthetic. Food can also become trapped between the denture and natural gums, which may lead to bacterial buildup. Over time, this can lead to bad breath, infection and bone loss, and even implant failure.
How 3 on 6 helps: 3 on 6 integrates naturally with your gums. Unlike All-on-4, food doesn't get trapped under the bridges, so you don't need a dentist to remove them for cleanings. Instead, you can brush and floss at home just like natural teeth.
Bone Reduction and Prolonged Healing
With All-on-4, bone is often removed during surgery to make space for the denture. This is an irreversible process and the patient can never get that bone back. This traumatic procedure also causes the healing process to be much harder on the patient.
How 3 on 6 helps: 3 on 6 focuses on preserving and building bone. No bone reduction and atraumatic extractions mean the surgery is easier to recover from and gives the patient more options down the road if an implant were to fail.
Costly Maintenance
All-on-4 implants can be costly to maintain. The prosthetic often needs to be removed for deep cleaning, and parts like connecting screws may require replacement. This can add up to around $1,000 a year in maintenance.
How 3 on 6 helps: With a more conservative approach, 3 on 6 doesn't need to be removed for cleanings. You can brush and floss at home, and dental visits cost about the same as a regular hygiene checkup, making it easier and more affordable long term. Additionally, the 3 on 6 guarantee covers issues that could potentially arise, protecting the patient down the road.
Who's the ideal candidate for All-on-4?
The ideal candidates for All-on-4 dental implants include:
People who have had extreme levels of bone loss: All-on-4 are typically bulky prosthetics, making them ideal for someone who has already lost high levels of bone.
Those who prefer a non-removable option: If you're looking for something more permanent than removable dentures, All-on-4 is a solid choice.
Anyone needing a full mouth restoration: For patients who have lost most or all of their teeth, All-on-4 can replace an entire arch.
Patients with significant tooth loss: If you've lost several or all of your teeth, All-on-4 offers an effective way to restore your smile.
Anyone who wants aesthetically natural-looking teeth: All-on-4 gives you a permanent, natural-looking smile.
Additionally, if you're looking for a more life-changing dental solution, your dentist might suggest 3 on 6. This method preserves more of your natural bone and gums, offering better long-term support as well. Make sure you book a free dental implant consultation with one of our preferred providers.
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