When considering your tooth replacement options with our Mesa, Arizona dentist you’ll likely hear about options like All-on-4 and All-on-6 implants. The process of both of these treatments is the same, the only difference is that one system uses four implants while the other uses six.
What Are All-on-4 and All-on-6 Implants?
The term “All-on” refers to having “all” of your teeth replaced by making an appliance that sits “on” “4” or “6” “implants.”
Before the All-on technique was invented, the only options for full-arch tooth replacement were to make a traditional denture or individual implants and crowns.
While dentures are the most economical tooth replacement solution, many individuals have a difficult time wearing them because they are loose, bulky, and can cause difficulty speaking.
Individual crowns and implants are an amazing solution to replace all of your teeth, however, this treatment is very time-consuming and expensive.
The All-on process not only allows you to have a full arch replacement of teeth at a fair price, but it gives you the convenience of having a secure appliance that doesn’t need to be removed like a traditional denture.
Choosing The Number of Implants
During your initial tooth replacement consultation, our dentist will evaluate if you’re a good candidate for implants and how many are most appropriate for you to anchor a full arch restoration.
To do this, we’ll take a 3D scan or full-arch X-ray of your mouth to allow us to measure and examine the structure and density of your bone ridge. We can also virtually plot where the implants will go and determine what size they need to be.
We’ll also check your jaw and look at any existing teeth to evaluate your biting capability and the amount of force that you make when chewing.
People with a thin or shallow ridge whose bone can only support smaller-sized implants may see better results from having six surgical posts placed, rather than just four.
A person who has a very strong bite may also require more implants, and we may try to make them as long and as wide as possible ー for more strength and stability.
The All-on Process
After your initial consultation has been completed and you’ve accepted the treatment plan we’re ready to start the process.
We may take an impression or digital scan of the arch being treated. This will allow us to have a guide made that will fit in your mouth and serve as a template to show us exactly where the implants should be placed, based on the plotting from the scan. This helps to take any guesswork out of inserting the posts for a more accurate procedure.
Additionally, we’ll have a preliminary appliance made for you to wear during the three to four-month implant healing process.
The guide and preliminary denture will be fabricated at a dental laboratory and once they have been delivered to our office, our Mesa dentist will be ready for you to come in for placement of the implants.
The procedure may take anywhere from one to two hours depending on the number of implants being placed. The process is a sterile procedure and the placement needs to be done meticulously.
Once complete we’ll try in your appliance, and make any necessary adjustments.
During the few months after your initial treatment, your bone will be growing and working on fusing tightly to the implants. Until this process is complete, you don’t want to apply force to the implants ーmeaning your denture and implants won’t be incorporated together for nowー the plate will simply be sitting over the posts.
In the meantime, we’ll have the dental laboratory make your permanent appliance, which will be much less cumbersome than your temporary healing appliance. Additionally, the teeth will look more natural, and the size, shape, and shade of them are specifically selected for you. We’ll ensure that the teeth complement your facial structure, body type, gender, and complexion. If you have any special requests on how you would like the teeth to look, we welcome you to share that with us as we want you to be happy with the results of your new smile.
Implant Dentures in Mesa, Arizona
If you’re interested in seeing if an All-on-4 or All-on-6 implant system is right for you, then it’s time to visit Eastport Dental in Mesa. We’ll gladly consult with you to determine if this is a viable solution for your smile. Contact our Mesa implant dentist today to schedule an appointment. We look forward to meeting you!
