Smile Makeover

Tooth loss can be devastating to your smile’s appearance, but it doesn’t need to have a permanent effect. With techniques like All-on-4, you can restore a structurally complete smile that has an attractive, lifelike appearance.

Patients who need to replace an entire smile after losing all of their teeth can turn to implant-supported dentures, like All-on-4. This type of smile makeover offers significant benefits in comparison to conventional dentures.

To learn more about the All-on-4 treatment process and how it can help to overhaul your smile, schedule an evaluation with our team at Mid Cities OMS.

Options To Restore Your Smile After Tooth Loss

Patients who have lost an entire upper or lower arch of teeth (or both) have different options to restore their smiles: standard dentures and implant-supported dentures like All-on-4.

The treatment processes involved with these two types of smile makeovers differ significantly, so patients need to be well-informed about the treatment process and long-term expectations for both to make the treatment decision that will best meet their needs.

All-on-4 Vs. Conventional Dentures

There are several important distinctions between All-on-4 and conventional dentures, including:

• Structure: The dental implants used in All-on-4 act like pseudoroots, making this tooth-replacement more structurally complete than conventional dentures that lack a root-like component.
• Durability: Dental implants secure the jawbone in addition to holding the appliance in place. This means that the denture will fit better over time because the shape of the jaw remains constant.
• Functioning: All-on-4 dental implants are more effective at chewing because the bond between bone and dental implant facilitates the appliances ability to withstand stronger chewing forces.
• Comfort: Because there is a physical link between All-on-4 dental implants and the jawbone, an implant-supported denture feels more like your natural smile than a conventional denture.
• Convenience: All-on-4 dental implants hold the denture in place securely on their own, eliminating the need for messy denture adhesives.

All on 4 implants | Mid-Cities OMS | Colleyville, TX

All-on-4 Treatment Process

Smile Makeover Patient | Mid-Cities OMS | Colleyville, TX

Dr. King can place the four dental implants used to secure a denture with All-on-4 in a single appointment that lasts just a few hours. The patient can choose sedation for maximum comfort during the implant placement procedure.

Some patients can be fitted with a temporary appliance immediately after the dental implants are placed. After the dental implants have been fully osseointegrated, meaning that the bone tissue has bonded with them, the patient can then get the permanent denture.

All-on-4 is accessible to a large pool of prospective patients, including those who have already lost some bone at the back of the jaw. Dr. King places the four dental implants near the front of the jaw, where the bone is naturally thicker, making this a treatment option for many patients.

Common Questions about Smile Makeovers

What is the All-on-4 procedure?

All-on-4 is a treatment approach that uses four dental implants to secure a prosthetic denture in edentulous patients. Because Dr. King only needs to place four implants for All-on-4, the placement procedure can be completed in a single session. Furthermore, the implants are placed at the front of the jaw. Bone loss occurs more slowly in that area of the jaw, so most patients will be candidates for All-on-4 even if they’ve worn dentures for some time, which resulted in bone loss at the back of the jaw.

How long do All-on 4 implants last?

When patients practice good oral hygiene habits as directed, All-on-4 dental implants can remain in place for decades. However, advanced gum disease can threaten the integrity of the bone, which can compromise the link between bone and dental implant. Therefore, patients must do everything possible to prevent gum disease if they want to maximize the longevity of their dental implants and get the most benefits possible from them.

How do you clean implant-supported dentures?

It is important to keep the gumline clean while wearing implant-supported dentures, and fortunately, it is easy to achieve that goal. You may be able to use a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush the appliance and along the gum line, or you may choose alternative tools, such as a water pick. Dr. King will give you thorough instructions for maintaining your implant-supported dentures. In addition to your daily oral hygiene routine, be sure that you are getting adequate professional care. Even patients who have All-on-4 dental implants need to see their dentists twice a year for exams.

How much does All-on-4 cost?

All-on-4 costs can vary from patient to patient, depending on the circumstances of dental implant placement and the design of the prosthetic denture. After evaluating your case, we can give you a detailed estimate of the anticipated costs in your case. Our experienced billing staff will also work closely with you and any insurance providers who may offer some coverage to offset your out-of-pocket costs associated with this treatment. We will also review our various payment options in great detail to help you choose the one that will best help you fit this expense into your budget.