All on 6 vs All on 4 Dental Implants?
We will take a deliberate approach in developing our comparison. We will first address what a dental implant, the procedure, and why it is such a successful option. Then we isolate the differences and the methods of 4 implants versus 6 implants.
What is a Dental Implant?
If you are suffering from a recently missing tooth, whether it is the result of an unfortunate accident of an extraction because of a health concern, you are left with a space in your teeth and a glaring gap in your smile. It is essential to close that gap soon otherwise the neighboring teeth will start to shift and drift into that gap disrupting your bite alignment and even hindering your speech. The traditional tooth replacement has been a dental bridge. For over four decades, the dental industry has seen the dental implant become not only a viable substitute but the new gold standard. Over 800,000 dental implants were placed in the United States just last year.
A dental implant is the surgical placement of a tiny titanium post directly into your jawbone. With several months healing the post will fuse and grow to the jawbone. An extension, or abutment, is put on the post to reach the surface of your gums. Finally, a custom fabricated artificial tooth called a crown is put on top of the abutment. Made of enamel or porcelain you cannot tell this crown from your natural teeth.
What is an All on 4 Dental Implant?
Every year millions of Americans adults find themselves losing an entire arch of teeth. For many years traditional dentures where the only solution. Then came the introduction of the dental implants. But having an implant for each tooth is an expensive and awkward solution. Now you can have your entire arch replaced with just four implants acting as stabilizing roots. An acrylic bridge supporting your artificial teeth is permanently affixed to those four titanium posts.
What is an All on 6 Dental Implant?
Same process, just more numbers. This option is the exact same principle only you will have six titanium posts instead of four to stabilize and secure the arch of artificial crowns.
Is one method better than the other?
The All on dental implant solution is far superior to a traditional removable denture. You do not have any adhesive being used daily to hold your dentures on your arch. The titanium posts, functioning now as artificial roots, also are extremely beneficial for the health of your jawbone. These posts deliver continuous pressures to stimulate the jawbone, maintaining density. With either option the healing time will be the same.
The All on 6 procedure could be longer initially due to the additional posts being placed. The All on 6 procedure will cost more due to the additional posts. Your dentist might encourage the All on 6 dental implant option based strength and integrity. Your ability to bite, chew, and speak will be better with six titanium roots versus four. There is quantifiable evidence that the six posts will be better for the long-term health of your jawbone. Either option is far better than traditional dentures and in restoring your healthy smile.
