If you have several teeth that need to be removed or you have had traditional dentures for some time and you’d like to find a more permanent solution, you have options. At Brownstown Dental Care, we offer both All-on-4 Dental Implants and Implant Bridges.
Compared to other tooth replacement options, such as full dentures, partials, or even fixed bridge, dental implant options such as All-on-4 and Implant Bridges are best. These options look, function, and feel the most like natural teeth. The dental implants are inserted into the jawbone, which provides a stronger base for your dental restorations.
Dr. Ben Hanson and the team at Brownstown Dental Care want you to understand your tooth replacement options- especially dental implant-based options such as Implant Bridges and All-on-4 Dental Implants. The following information will help you understand the difference between All-on-4 and Implant Bridges, preparing you for your consultation and help you understand which option is best for you.
Dr. Hanson has a lot of experience in the area of dental implants and has even been awarded a fellowship in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.
What is All-on-4?
All-on-4 Dental Implants is a smile restoration procedure for patients who are missing all or most of their teeth. This option replaces a full upper or lower arch of teeth with 4 implants- two are placed in the back at a 45° angle and two are placed in the front.
While you may not think that 4 implants are enough to support a full arch, it’s important to note that implants are stronger than your natural teeth and can support more bite force. The prosthetic is permanently affixed to the implants- only a dental professional can remove it.
How All-on-4 technique evolved?
All-on-4 Dental Implants is not an invention in and of itself, but a technique that has evolved over time. The idea began in the mid-1950s, when Professor Branemark, a Swedish Orthopedic surgeon was studying how blood flow affects the healing of bones. During this study, it was discovered that a titanium rod inserted into a rabbit’s leg had fused with the bone. This process became known as osseointegration and is the foundation upon which modern dental implant procedures are built upon.
In 1965, the theory of osseointegration was tested on the first human subject. The patient volunteered to be fitted with titanium rods to replace missing teeth. After a few months, the jawbone had fused with the implants and the rods were used as a base to mount a full set of prosthetic teeth. The implants lasted the rest of the patient’s life.
In 1982, the use of titanium rods as a tooth restoration option was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
In 1998, the All-on-4 procedure came onto the scene when researchers discovered that four implants placed in the jawbone could support an entire arch. This discovery allowed dentists to avoid the sinus cavity, as well as areas of the jawbone with low bone density. This meant that patients with low jawbone density would not require bone grafts.
Today, All-on-4 Dental Implants is one of the most popular options for patients who are missing all or most of their teeth. It is a permanent, minimally invasive procedure for replacing a full arch of teeth. This procedure is permanent, convenient, and affordable.
How All-on-4 technique is suitable for bone loss patients?
Since All-on-4 Dental Implants is an implant-based tooth replacement option, it’s ideal for patients who have had some jawbone volume loss. The back implants are placed at an angle, making them secure and stable. Also, the implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing further loss. However, it is important to note that for patients with significant bone loss, Dr. Hanson typically recommends 6 implants to increase the stability and security of the prosthetic.
Why is it important to get All-on-4 implants from an expert?
Since All-on-4 Dental Implants involve oral surgery, it’s important to see an oral surgeon or cosmetic dentist. General dentists are not typically equipped to provide these types of procedures. When you are scheduling a consultation for All-on-4 Dental Implants, make sure the provider has experience with this type of procedure.
All-on-4 Dental Implants Cost
All-on-4 Dental Implants are more expensive than traditional dentures but less expensive than replacing a full arch with single dental implants. This dental restoration procedure costs between $15,000 to $28,000, with the average being approximately $21,000. It is important to note that this is just the All-on-4 procedure and does not include costs associated with your initial consultation, x-rays/impressions, extractions, and other procedures you may require.
At Brownstown Dental Care, we are committed to providing our patients with quality, affordable care to fit any budget. If you have dental insurance, our friendly office staff will work with your provider to determine coverage. In addition, we offer financing options so that you can get the care you need when you need it. Contact our office to find out about financing options.
What is an Implant Bridge?
An implant bridge is also known as a “fixed dental partial” or “fixed partial denture”. This permanent tooth replacement option is ideal for patients who are missing several teeth in a row or who do not have enough natural teeth to support a traditional bridge.
Unlike the All-on-4 procedure, implant bridges only require placement of two dental implants- one on each side of the gap. Once osseointegration has occurred, the bridge will be anchored to the implants and fixed in place. Only the dentist will be able to remove it for cleanings and exams.
What is the difference between All-on-4 and Implant Bridges?
Both All-on-4 and Implant Bridges are designed to be a permanent tooth replacement solution. However, there are some differences. First, All-on-4 is designed to replace a full arch of teeth and can be used on the upper or lower arch. Implant Bridges, on the other hand, are only used to replace a few teeth. All-on-4 uses 4 dental implants strategically placed in the jaw to offer the most support for the prosthetic. Implant Bridges require the placement of two dental implants- one on each side of the gap.
Implant Bridges Cost
When it comes to determining the cost of Implant Bridges, there are several factors that must be considered: number of implants, type of implants, the material used for the bridge, and any other procedures required such as bone grafting or sinus lifting. On average, a 3-unit Implant Bridge costs $10,000 to $13,000.
The team at Brownstown Dental Care understands that sometimes these procedures are not in your budget- but they are necessary. This is why we work with a variety of insurance providers- most of whom pay a portion of the cost. Our office staff will contact your insurance provider to determine coverage. In addition, we offer financing options to help you afford your treatment so you can get back to your life.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you are missing several or all of your teeth, contact the team at Brownstown Dental Care today. We can schedule you for a consultation with Dr. Hanson to determine your dental needs. We are located on Allen Road in Brownstown, Michigan. Our office hours are Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Wednesday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and Friday 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. We are closed on the weekends.
FAQ’s
At Brownstown Dental Care, we get a lot of questions when it comes to All-on-4 Dental Implants versus Implant Bridges. Below are some of the most common ones:
Do I need to be under anesthesia for the procedure?
For the installation of the implants, we will provide you with local anesthesia. For patients with dental anxiety, we do offer general anesthesia. However, you will need to make sure that you have someone with you that can drive you home after.
Do All-on-4 implants look and feel like natural teeth?
Compared to traditional dentures, All-on-4 Dental Implants look and feel more like natural teeth. The prosthetic is supported by 4 dental implants, which means they can withstand more bite force than traditional dentures.
How many teeth are in All-on-4?
All-on-4 Dental Implants support a full upper or lower arch of teeth.
Which is better: dental bridge or dental implant?
The better option depends on your needs. Implant-supported options are better because they stimulate the jawbone to prevent deterioration so the restoration lasts longer. If you are missing all of your teeth on one or both arches, All-on-4 is better but if you’re only missing a few consecutive teeth, an implant bridge may be the better option.
What are the disadvantages of dental bridges?
The primary disadvantage of traditional dental bridges is that it requires drilling/filing of neighboring teeth. This makes them susceptible to decay. Therefore, implant bridges are the better option because they do not require the neighboring teeth to be disturbed- the bridge is attached to the implants.
How long will the All-on-4 dental implants last?
Dental implants are a permanent tooth replacement solution and should last the rest of the patient’s life with proper care and maintenance. However, there are a few things that may cause them to fail: the body may reject the implant, autoimmune disorders, and not practicing proper oral hygiene. Dr. Hanson will consider these factors when determining your eligibility for dental implants.
The prosthetic may wear out over time and require replacement. However, as long as you properly care for them and visit the clinic regularly for exams and cleanings, you should not have any issues with your All-on-4 dental implants.