There are a number of options available to you if you need all your teeth restored at one time. A couple of choices to consider are traditional dentures or All-on-4 dental implant systems.
Both All-on-4 and dentures replace all of your upper or lower teeth with a single treatment, but the two options are completely unlike one another.
Traditional “Plate” Dentures
Traditional dentures are made of acrylic and cover the entire arch of your jaw, with upper dentures also covering the roof of your mouth to keep them in place. The lower denture is placed on top of your bone ridge. Then, the artificial teeth are bonded to the pink acrylic base. You can choose from many different sizes and shapes of dentures to match your facial structure or cosmetic goals.
Dentures depend on suction to keep them in place throughout the day. Traditional dentures are the most cost-effective option for complete tooth replacement, which is why so many people choose them.
Downsides of Dentures
Unfortunately, there are some downsides to wearing dentures. Because both the upper and lower appliances reach far back into your mouth, it can be difficult for people who have strong gag reflexes to wear them. Additionally, your speech can be affected by the bulkiness of the material.
While most patients will adjust well to their new “plate,” some may not. Other people have trouble securing dentures in place due to a lack of suction between their denture and gum tissues. This is particularly true for lower dentures, where the bone ridge may be very shallow. In turn, they need to train their lip, cheek, and tongue muscles to help hold their denture in place.
Changes in your mouth shape or worn-down dentures can cause sores or painful ulcers. This is due to friction caused by the constant movement and pressure of the acrylic appliance against your mouth. Dental adhesives can be used in these situations to secure dentures. However, if you feel that you are relying on denture pastes every day, a reline or adjustment is a must.
And finally, you can’t sleep with traditional dentures because of possible infections or damage to your bone. You will also need to take them out after each meal to rinse away the food particles that might be under the prosthesis.
Opting for All-on-4 Implants (Mesa, AZ)
All-on-4 implants are also known as a hybrid or permanent implant denture. But they’re more like an extended dental bridge than a full “plate” most people are used to. Mesa All-on-4 implants combine four strategically placed dental implants with a streamlined restoration that replaces all the teeth in an entire arch. It is slimmer than a full denture, making it easier to talk and eat with.
The full bridge of artificial teeth (and partial gum coverage) is permanently attached to the four dental implants underneath. It cannot be removed like a denture.
Why Invest in All-on-4 Implants Over Dentures?
Our Mesa All-on-4 implants look very natural. Because they are less bulky than traditional dentures, they don’t impair speech or cause gag reflexes. It will be like having natural teeth all over again because they are durable, lifelike, and extremely functional.
Because there are individual implants for each missing tooth, All-on-4 implants can be more affordable on a per-tooth basis. And they are more cost-effective than traditional dentures because your dental implants are designed to last for a lifetime. While the overall treatment timeframe is longer than regular dentures, the investment is well worth it.
All-on-4 implants are not removable, so you’ll never have to worry about embarrassing scenarios like your plate slipping out of place, taking your teeth out at night before bed, or how you sound when you speak. They’re the next best option behind having natural teeth all over again. Even better, the implants help strengthen the bone where they’re installed, reducing the premature aging process that’s so frequently seen with tooth loss.
Mesa Teeth Replacement
Eastport Dental provides consultations to discuss issues like missing teeth and tooth replacement options. We offer everything from All-on-4 implants to other implant-stabilized options and denture designs.
You might be a good candidate for All-on-4 or another prosthesis without even realizing what’s available. Our Mesa dentist will work with you diligently to provide the best treatment options and resources to fit your lifestyle and preferences. Plus, flexible financing is available to help you restore your smile even sooner than you thought.
New Patients Always Welcome
Eastport Dental is available for consultations for dental implants and dentures in Mesa. Contact us today to reserve your first appointment with us!
