All-on-4®

All-on-4®

There are currently tens of millions of people living without most or all of their original adult teeth; a state referred to as ‘edentulism’. In fact, according to statistics released by the US Center for Disease control, the number of edentulous adults in the US is a staggering 20 million. The traditional approach to treating edentulism and partial edentulism was to enable patients to be able to eat, speak and smile with a degree of confidence. However, removable conventional dentures also bring a whole set of challenges which can drastically lower one’s self-confidence and overall quality of life. Are you tired of your conventional dentures moving around in your mouth, causing you pain, are you afraid of sneezing, coughing, for fear they may fall out of your mouth? Are you limited to the types of food that you can eat?


Thankfully, there is a revolutionary tooth replacement solution available to patients who are in need of a brand new stable set of teeth. So what is the comprehensive and long-term solution to tooth loss? All-on-4® permanent dentures in a day.


All-on-4® Permanent Dentures in a Day


This technique was developed to provide patients with total tooth loss with an efficient treatment using only four dental implants to support a full denture.

Two dental implants are placed vertically in the front of the jawbone, with the remaining two dental implants placed at an angle at the back of the jaw, thereby requiring less bone.

With the All-on-4® technique, the bone to implant contact is optimized and the need for bone grafting is minimized. The angled implants can be anchored in much better quality bone found in the front of your jawbone. Tilting the implants also helps avoid vital structures, such as the sinuses and nerves.

Once the implants are in place, abutments are attached to which the new denture can be secured.

The denture is then fit on the abutments and the bite adjusted for comfort, and you are ready to head home with your new permanent and secure and beautiful smile.


Best of all, this whole procedure takes only one day. Walk in for surgery with no teeth and leave with a brand-new set of permanently attached teeth. We have carefully selected the most caring dentists who have specially trained in the placement of dental implants to be part of our team, and to provide you with the best treatment possible. We work together with the dentist who places the implants, while we design, fit and fabricate the implant-supported denture. Our team believes in providing the highest possible care and aftercare to our patients.


The major advantages All-on-4® permanent dentures in a day have over removable dentures are that they provide patients with a beautiful set of teeth that are permanently fixed in the mouth. They cannot move around and will not fall out, which makes eating, speaking and smiling much easier! All-on-4® permanent dentures in a day are fully supported from the jawbone and not from the underlying gums, as is the case with conventional dentures. This makes dentures affixed to the implants feel like a natural set of teeth, which reduces the sense of self-consciousness conventional denture wearers tend to experience. The bridge also feels far more comfortable and doesn’t damage or compromise the underlying soft tissues.


  • There is no need to remove a denture after meals or at nighttime. The full arch of teeth can be cared for and cleaned just like natural teeth.


  • The full arch of teeth fits the natural contours of your mouth and feels like a full set of natural teeth.


  • No compromise on taste, as the full arch of upper teeth does not cover the roof of your mouth.


  • Your bite force is greatly increased, so you can enjoy the foods you previously could not.


  • Choose from a wider choice of food with a more varied diet for healthier living.


  • Promotes a healthy jawbone by preventing further bone loss.


  • The treatment is considered long term and can last for decades or a lifetime if cared for properly.


  • The entire procedure can be completed in just one day with an immediate loading concept that avoids multiple procedures.

All-on-4® is suitable for patients who want a more permanent solution than removable full dentures.

Other benefits of All-on-4® include:

 

  • They do not harbour food and bacteria, which can cause bad breath.
  •  They do not impede your ability to taste
  •  They do not trigger the gag reflex.
  •  They are cleaned just like natural teeth.
  •  They do not incur repeated expenses, such as anesthetic gels, cleaning agents and adhesives.
  •  Better nutrition and less gastrointestinal disorders.
  •  Easy to maintain.
  •  Shortened treatment time.
  •  Cost-effective.
  •  Improved appearance.


SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION

Frequently Asked Questions about the All-on-4® Procedure

Frequently Asked Questions about the All-on-4® Procedure

  • How and When Does the All-on-4® Procedure Was Introduced?

    The concept of using implants in both jaws more efficiently was introduced in the middle to late 1990s. Implant manufacturer Nobel Biocare and noted European implant dentist Paulo Malo used biomechanics, computer simulation, and clinical research to ascertain the optimal use of implants in restoring an entire upper/lower arch of teeth in the early 2000s. The goal was to use the fewest implants possible, avoid bone grafting surgery, and provide high-quality results in the shortest time possible.



    The study introduced the All-on-4® technique using four implants, with the posterior implants angulated to take maximum advantage of the existing bone. It also resulted in the development of unique implants to support the immediate placement of the teeth on the four implants offering a success rate that equals or even exceeds the traditional multi-stage treatment approach. The All-on-4® procedure is now a proven method for successfully restoring an entire arch of teeth using four specially designed implants, all in one day. It is an incredibly effective treatment in the upper jaw since it uses a longer, stronger implant in the back of the jaw.

  • How Does the All-on-4® Differ from a Denture?

    The All-on-4® treatment provides patients with new teeth firmly fixed in place and looks and functions similar to the natural teeth.



    A denture is a removable appliance that should be taken out every night for cleaning. Since the placement of a denture is not fixed, it will often slip or sometimes fall out, under even normal use. For this reason, a vast market for denture adhesives has been created with the effort of holding dentures in place. Even with the adhesives, many people with dentures find it difficult to eat, laugh, talk and be active.



    The all-on-4® procedure provides the patient with a set of teeth attached to the implants and firmly placed (an implant-supported fixed denture). The dental practitioner may only remove them, are brushed and cleaned like regular teeth, and are closest to natural teeth in terms of look, feel and function.



    The All-on-4® allows you to bite with greater force than is allowed with the dentures. It happens because the stress is directly transferred to the bone rather than to gum tissue, as with dentures. It means that you can eat almost any of your favourite foods without worrying about your teeth.

  • Will My Implant-supported Teeth Be Uncomfortable like a Denture?

    The answer is no! This is the difference that dental implant treatment makes. Your implant-supported teeth are fixed in place without slipping or needing to be removed for cleaning. Since the implants support your teeth, they do not press on the gum tissue and therefore do not result in discomfort that is quite common with dentures.


  • Is the Line Between the Fixed Bridge and the Jaw Bone Visible to People?

    The line is hidden behind your lips so that it is not visible when you smile. We evaluate your smile during your initial examination to determine where the junction of the fixed denture and the jaw bone will be. During the treatment, we adjust your “smile line” to ensure that your new smile is not too “gummy” and completely hide the top (or bottom) of your denture.

  • Does the All-on-4® Procedure Include Bone Grafting?

    In most cases, including the most difficult ones, the dental team can place four implants and restore an entire arch of teeth without bone grafting. It is accomplished by the particular placement and angulation of the implants, taking maximum advantage of the available bone without grafting.

  • My Friend’s Full-arch Case Took over One Year to Complete, and She Had to Wear a Denture for Most of That Time. How Long Does an All-on-4® Procedure Take?

    In the past, the approach to restoring an entire arch of teeth usually involved six or more implants along with bone grafting and required 18 months of treatment. You would often have to remain toothless or with a temporary denture for over a year.



    In the All-on-4® procedure, it takes a couple of visits to our office and the dentist’s office to prepare the case (X-rays, CAT scan, photos, impressions, etc.). Following the initial work-up, you can have the implants, and the new teeth placement can be done in a single appointment (even when extractions are necessary). 



    You will have to return for occasional check-ups over the next several weeks and months. After approximately six months, with the gums now fully healed and the implants now fully bonded to the natural bone, Hosack Denture Clinic will take new impressions of your mouth and prepare a final, permanent set of teeth with a titanium bar in the denture. It helps ensure that the teeth will last for decades and provide maximum support, beauty, and function to the patient.

  • What Is the Use of a Provisional Set of Teeth? Why Can't I Wear My Permanent New Teeth Right Away?

    The dentist places the implants on the day of your procedure, and Hosack Denture Clinic attaches the new set of teeth referred to as a “long-term provisional” prosthesis. The provisional teeth are fixed in place, fully functional, and give you a beautiful smile. You can laugh, talk, play sports, and be ordinarily active without worrying about your teeth.



    The set is fabricated of acrylic, which allows lower stress on your newly fitted implants during the initial months. We will ask you to eat selected foods following your procedure, but you will soon be back to a regular diet.



    After the healing process of your gum tissues has completed and the implants have become entirely stable (which usually takes about six months), we fabricate a permanent denture, but this time with a titanium bar inside for strength. The titanium bar gives your teeth extra support and long-term stability. This set of teeth is permanent, carefully adapted to your healed gum tissues and adjusted to achieve an ideal fit, proper bite and perfect smile.

  • Do Both Upper and Lower Full-arch Replacements Have to Be Done at the Same Time?

    In cases where the patient has several broken or missing teeth or has an uneven bite, it is best to do both arches simultaneously to avoid compromising the final result. It allows us to control the patient’s biting plane and bite.

  • Is Everyone a Candidate for the All-on-4® Procedure?

    Very few people who need an entire arch of replacement teeth are not candidates for the All-on-4® procedure. However, each candidate is thoroughly evaluated to determine the most appropriate plan of treatment to address their individual dental needs.



    Importantly, Hosack Denture Clinic requires all candidates to be stable medically before entering treatment. That may entail contacting your physician about existing medical conditions and receiving medical clearance from your doctor.



    Sometimes the All-on-4® procedure is not the indicated treatment approach. Depending on the dental condition, some people are better off being treated with conventional dental procedures. Initially, we determine the most suitable treatment approach at the consultation appointment and confirm that treatment plan at the prosthetic evaluation. With a team of carefully selected dentists, we ensure our patients receive the most appropriate and the best care possible.


    The All-on-4® procedure may be challenging or difficult to perform on people who have suffered extreme bone loss. We consult with the dentist and your doctor about your specific situation and find the best course of treatment for you.

  • How Much Does All-on-4® Cost?

    The prices can vary depending on your individual case. We will discuss the cost of your overall treatment plan in detail at your initial consultation with us. Your oral health, cosmetic preferences and treatment plan complexity will also play an important role in determining the total cost of the procedure. Hosack Denture Clinic believes that everyone deserves a beautiful smile that is comfortable and functional, and our team works with you to find a suitable solution that fits within your budget.



    We understand if you have additional questions, and we’re here to help. Contact us today to learn more about All-on-4® or to schedule a consultation.


The Effects of Implant-supported Dentures on Nutrition

Studies show that individuals who lose their lower teeth and wear a conventional denture inevitably modify their diets. The lower conventional denture merely “floats” on the ridge, which means it is mobile and moves, making eating certain types of food exceedingly difficult. Unfortunately, the denture wearer eventually stops eating these foods, particularly raw vegetables, apples, steaks and other hard or tough foods, for fear their lower denture may become dislodged or fall out. They simply cannot chew these foods with conventional dentures. As a result, they consume significantly less protein and other key ingredients, including fibre, calcium, iron and some vitamins, than do people who still have their natural teeth.


Implant-supported dentures remain stable because they are attached to the jawbone via dental implants and do not move around in your mouth as conventional dentures do. Depending on the type of implant-supported denture, 80% to 95% of the chewing efficiency of natural teeth can be achieved, whereas the chewing efficiency of conventional dentures is a mere 20%. You can see how this allows you to chew a much wider variety of foods. One common ailment of conventional dentures is stomach and digestive problems. The increased chewing efficiency of implant-supported dentures allows you to grind your food up into much smaller pieces (masticate), making it much easier for your stomach to digest, resulting in fewer gastrointestinal disorders.


Studies indicate that following implant-supported denture treatment, patients’ overall nutritional state improves dramatically (as much as 33%). Implant-supported dentures function like natural teeth making eating an easy and enjoyable experience once again,


Many patients who now enjoy the benefits of implant-supported dentures tell us they love that they can eat whatever they want.