All-on-six vs. all-on-four

While researching dental implants as an option for replacing missing teeth, you may learn about both “all-on-4” and “all-on-6” dental implant procedures. While these treatments are similar to one another and generally aim to achieve similar results, there are some important differences between the procedures that may lead a dentist to recommend one more than the other. Both procedures are effective solutions for people who are missing a significant number of teeth. Both procedures require the surgical placement of dental implants into the jawbone. These implants are commonly used for a variety of reasons, including supporting either permanent or removable dentures as well as supporting the jaw’s bone structure following the loss of teeth. The procedures for both all-on-4 and all-on-6 dental implants take about two to three hours and can be completed in one day. Both procedures also necessitate the use of general anesthesia, which can be helpful if you’re generally nervous about dental procedures. The implants are named as they are because, in both cases, the entire fixed prosthetic arch is placed on either four or six dental implants. This eliminates the need for a single implant for each absent tooth. The arch supports all of the teeth, and the arch is affixed to the jawbone in either four or six places. The implants are designed to fuse with the jaw and mimic the natural teeth, in both form and function.

Before all-on-4 and all-on-6 implant technology existed, people who were missing several teeth were required to get a single implant for each individual replacement tooth. In many cases, patients also needed jawbone grafting for individual implants, and patients needed to allow the implants to heal completely, for about six months, before the individual crowns could be affixed to the implants. Because all-on-4 and all-on-6 implants require only four or six implants, the necessary amount of healing is reduced, and the dentist can safely install your temporary dentures on the same day as the extraction and implantation procedure. It takes about three to six months for the permanent dentures to be prepared, and during this time, your bones will continue to heal and fuse to the implants.

The most clear difference between all-on-4 and all-on-6 dental implants is the number of implants that are placed in the mouth. Some dentists believe that the all-on-6 dental procedure provides a stronger, more stable base for the prosthetic dental arch, resulting in a longer-lasting, more comfortable smile. Taking into consideration the mechanics of biting and chewing, additional stability and a more even distribution of pressure may help extend the life of your prosthetic arch. These additional implants don’t only support your bite. Each dental implant that is placed in your jaw helps reinforce the bone it’s implanted in. Your teeth actually serve an unseen purpose: they help keep the bones in the jaw stable. Without teeth, the jawbones begin to deteriorate. For this reason, sometimes people who wear dentures and have for a long time may appear to have a sunken jaw when they take out their dentures. This can make people look much older than they are. When people have dental implants, the jawbone is stimulated and maintains its strength, preventing this sunken appearance. The more implants you have, the more strength and stability is provided for your jawbone. All-on-4 and all-on-6 implants are both great options for many people who have lost several teeth and want to recover their smile. Both procedures are relatively quick and can produce great results. Ask your dentist which procedure is recommended for you, and don’t be afraid to ask for clarification or further explanation. Both are great options for permanent major dental rehabilitation and reconstruction.

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