If you’re missing all of your teeth from a dental arch, then you might consider getting dental implants to rebuild your smile. These titanium posts can serve as new tooth roots, providing incredible stability for your restorations/prosthetics. And if you’re interested in a full-arch teeth replacement, an All-on-4 or All-on-6 implant treatment might be ideal for you. How do these two options compare to each other? Keep reading to learn the differences between these treatments and what to expect from either.
Pros & Cons of All-on-4 Dental Implants
With All-on-4 dental implants, you can essentially rebuild an entire arch of missing teeth by utilizing only four metal posts in the jawbone. This procedure is usually designed to help patients who need to replace most or all of their natural pearly whites and prefer a non-removable prosthetic to do the job. With this solution, you can typically receive the implants without needing bone grafting, meaning you can expect a minimally invasive procedure while appreciating reduced recovery time.
Of course, since you’d only have a minimal amount of metal posts in the jawbone, this option may not be viable for patients who have experienced severe bone loss or have compromised bone density. The success of this treatment also depends on the placement and bonding of the implants; failure in them to fuse to the bone can result in additional treatment.
Pros & Cons of All-on-6 Dental Implants
Similar to the aforementioned treatment, All-on-6 utilizes two additional implants to offer even greater stability and strength for your brand-new smile. Additionally, this option can provide more flexibility since it can help patients with a variety of bone conditions, such as those with compromised bone density. Your ability to chew more efficiently will also be greatly improved with this treatment, allowing you to enjoy a wider range of food choices.
All-on-6 dental implants also do come with a more invasive procedure, as you’ll need additional posts which may require a longer healing process. Since this solution involves more metal posts, you might expect this treatment to also come with a higher price. The presence of more dental implants can place too much pressure on your jawbone, which can gradually lead to bone resorption.
Factors That Can Affect Your Decision
When choosing between All-on-4 and All-on-6 treatment, you’ll need to consider three main factors: jawbone structure, the treatment plan, and your oral health. Depending on the severity of bone loss, you might decide on the latter if you require more stability. If you need to work within your budget, All-on-4 implants may be the more viable option. And if you currently have underlying issues, such as gum disease or tooth decay, then you’ll certainly need preliminary services before moving forward.
Deciding between All-on-4 and All-on-6 dental implants is best done with the help of your dentist. Speak with them about your situation and smile goals, and they’ll work hard to develop the proper plan to rebuild your bite.
About the Author
Dr. Natalya Ramsay graduated from the Oregon Health and Science University School of Dentistry, and she’s undergone extensive training in various areas, such as surgical treatments. She also provides multiple tooth-replacement options, including All-on-4 and All-on-6 dental implants. If you wish to learn more about these treatment solutions or want to schedule a consultation, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call our office at 503-472-1402.