What Are Implant-Supported Dentures and How Do They Work?

You may see them around branded as All-on-4 or Teeth Tomorrow. These implant-supported bridges usually consist of zirconia or titanium, surgically fixed into the jaw. The surgeon will fuse the bridge with the surrounding bone (osseointegration) acting as a tooth root.

One way this procedure differs from the other options out there is the position of the implants. All-on-4 implants placements entail:

• Two anterior implants placed in a straight position at the front of the mouth
• Two posterior implants towards the rear of the mouth

While the anterior’s are straight, the posteriors, in this case, tilt slightly. This positioning takes away the need for a bone graft.

With All-on-4 full arch restorations, you have fewer implants and no need for a bone graft. These two benefits make this a more straightforward and cheaper option than other dental implant methods.

Step-by-Step of the Procedure

1. You will need an initial consultation to evaluate your mouth and dental options. If you are eligible, your dentist will assess your requirements for your new teeth. This assessment will include measuring the crown length and getting 3-D imaging.

2. Using a computer simulation from the 3-D imaging, your dentist will identify the implants’ ideal placement in your mouth.

3. A surgical procedure is necessary to place the four implants into your jaw. At this time, you may also need additional procedures such as tooth extraction. The dentist will cap the implants with temporary teeth on top of abutments. The temporary teeth will remain until the implants successfully fuse with the jaw bone.

4. After three months, the dentist will remove the artificial teeth. This step happens after osseointegration has occurred. At this point, you’ll be ready to swap the temporary teeth for permanent dentures.

What Else Is There To Know?

Same-Day Smile

Implant-supported reconstruction offers a ‘same-day’ benefit. You can walk out of the dentist the same day you went in, with a brand new set of teeth. However, you’ll have to get temporaries changed with permanent dentures on another day.

Cost

The cost will vary between locations and whether additional treatments are necessary. Roughly, it can cost between $15,000-30,000, which is vastly cheaper than the total of other treatments.

Conclusion

Are you feeling down about your teeth? Ready for a fresh set to improve your smile and bite? Implanted-supported reconstruction and All-on-4 can be for you. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation!