All-on-4 dental implants: Is it really the best option?
For people who have lost most or all of their teeth, the All-on-4 dental implants is the most common solution choosed by patients to restore their smile and chewing function. However, is it really the best option for you? Here are some advices from our dental team!
What is All-on-4?
How does it work?
The All-on-4 dental implant solution is a treatment option for patients who have lost most or all of their teeth and desire a fixed set of replacement teeth. It involves the placement of 4 dental implants in the jawbone to support a full arch of prosthetic teeth. This means that you would have a dental prosthesis composed of 16 teeth, relying on 4 dental implants.
The implants are strategically placed in the jawbone, 2 at the front and 2 at the back, to provide optimum support. The dental prosthesis is then fixed to the implants using a screw system.
This technique makes it possible to replace an entire jawbone without having to fit a dental implant for each tooth replaced.
What are the advantages?
✅ Low cost
Nowadays, the All-on-4 dental implants is the most cost-effective solution to replace an entire jawbone. As it only requires 4 dental implants to be placed, and a dental prosthesis to be fixed onto them, it is way cheaper than placing 16 dental implants. The more dental implants you get, the pricier it’s going to be. If there are 7 or 8 teeth to be replaced, we consider the price of individual implants to be equivalent to the price of an All-on-4.
✅ Shorter recovery period
First of all, it is a fast procedure to place just 4 implants, compared to 16 for example. But overall, the All-on-4 is a solution that allows patients to benefit from a shorter recovery period. Additionally, it reduces the post-operative complications.
✅ Immediate functioning
The main advantage of the All-on-4 is its ability to provide a complete prosthetic solution in a single operation; providing immediate functionality. After the implants are placed, a temporary set of teeth can be attached on the same day, allowing patients to enjoy restored dental function and aesthetics without having to wait for the healing process to be complete.
✅ Preserved bone
The All-on-4 concept maximizes the use of available bone by utilizing tilted implants that can anchor into the denser areas of the jawbone. This reduces the need for bone grafting and makes the treatment feasible for patients with some degree of bone loss.
Why is All-on-4 not the best solution for you?
❌ Not comfortable and durable
As mentioned above, 16 teeth will rely on 4 dental implants with an All-on-4 solution. That means that during chewing, forces are exerted on the teeth, pressures that could affect their stability if the roots did not hold them firmly in place.
❌ Risk of failure
In the event of problems with one of the four implants, it may be necessary to remove the entire prosthesis, and these are additional costs to be taken into account. For example, if you have placed 3 implants and one of them fails, you can replace it. For an All-on-4 dental implants solution, if just one dental implant fails you lose 16 teeth and you’ll have to start from scratch.
❌ Problems with oral hygiene
An All-on-4 solution leaves a wide gap under the dental prothesis in between 2 dental implants. This gap allows the chewing residue to seep under the fixed prosthesis and cause a series of discomforts and problems such as bad breath and gum disease.
❌ Limited accessibility
Due to the specific requirements of the All-on-4 dental implants treatment, not all patients are eligible candidates. Factors such as bone density, jawbone structure, and overall oral health need to be considered. Some patients may require additional procedures or may not be suitable candidates at all.
What are the alternatives to the All-on-4 dental implants solution?
All-on-6
In terms of alternatives to the All-on-4, there are more reliable solutions to fully restore the teeth, such as the All-on-6, which our surgeon-dentist recommend for the following reasons:
As its name suggests, the All-on-6 involves the placement of 6 dental implants, rather than 4. This allows the masticatory load to be distributed more evenly, reducing the risk of fracture or implant failure.
In addition, it can be used for dental arches that are wider and more complex than the All-on-4, offering greater flexibility for more difficult cases.
Finally, the All-on-6 also offers greater stability and support for fixed dentures, which can improve patients’ quality of life.
However, it is important to note that All-on-6 can be more expensive than All-on-4 due to the additional number of implants required. It also may result in a more complex surgical procedure and longer healing time.
All-on-8 and All-on-10
Similar as the All-on-6, the All-on-8 or All-on-10 are good alternatives to the All-on-4 dental implants solution. In some cases, 8 implants or 10 implants can be more suitable, depending on the diagnosis made by the dentist.
Start your dental journey now! 🦷
At the El Cedro Barcelona dental clinic, you can obtain a free dental quote. For that, just make an online quote request and fill in the form. If you have a recent panoramic X-ray, include it with your request.
Once the dental clinic receives your request, a dentist will examine the panoramic x-ray and suggest a suitable dental treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. If you decide to proceed with us, we will propose you an appointment to start your dental treatment.
Q&A
Can you get a decay on a dental implant?
The materials that make up an implant are not susceptible to the bacteria that cause cavities! However, gum and bone are very sensitive to bacteria. If too many bacteria accumulate around an implant, peri-implantitis can occur (bone degradation leading to the loss of the implant). Visit your dentist regularly and practise good dental hygiene to prevent any possible risks!
