Dentures vs. All on 4 Implants: Which One Is Better for You?

Dentures have been the go-to solution for patients facing severe tooth loss, allowing them to fully restore their chewing, speaking, and smiling abilities. Still, with advancements in dental technology, new alternatives, such as All on 4® dental implants in Columbus, Ohio, have emerged.

Both traditional dentures and All on 4® implants are reliable treatments for recovering your full, healthy smile, which is why deciding between the two can be hard. These popular tooth replacement methods offer distinct benefits tailored to various needs and lifestyles, and here are some tips so you can figure out which one works best for you.

What Are All on 4® Dental Implants?

All on 4® is a modern method for permanently replacing a whole set of upper or lower teeth. It is a type of “implant-supported denture," which means that dental implants are placed into the jawbone and act as artificial tooth roots, providing a stable foundation for the denture to attach to.

The dental prosthetic can be secured on the treatment with just four strategically placed implants. Therefore, it’s a reliable treatment even for patients with less jawbone density. The set of teeth is custom-designed to match your appearance in shape, color, and length, ensuring a natural look. If you have any remaining set of teeth, they will seamlessly blend in.  

That way, All on 4® implants provide a strong and long-lasting solution that allows you to resume normal chewing and prevents your jawbone from gradually receding by firmly securing a set of replacement teeth in place.

Benefits of All on 4® Dental Implants

As mentioned, All on 4® implants allow you to eat without limitations, enhance your quality of life, and talk, laugh, and smile confidently. Besides these factors, they offer some unique benefits, such as:

• Increased Stability and Longevity: By attaching directly to your jawbone, All on 4® implants greatly minimize movement, unlike traditional dentures that may shift when you eat or speak. This solid base contributes to increased comfort and self-assurance in day-to-day activities.

• Preventing Bone Loss: When properly incorporated into the bone structure, these implants support and even enhance bone health. This stops the continuous bone loss often observed with other tooth loss treatments, such as conventional dentures, which do not halt the degradation of the jawbone.

• Natural Beauty and Practicality: These implants closely mimic natural teeth' look and feel. There are no limitations on the range of foods you can eat, including sticky foods and foods with tough textures. They also help restore your facial profile and give you a more youthful appearance as a full-mouth restoration solution.

• Low Maintenance: All on 4® implants require regular dental hygiene, such as brushing and flossing. However, they do not require the extensive daily adjustments or special soaking that is usually required for other options like dentures.

• High Success Rate: Even patients with different bone densities can benefit from All on 4® dental implants, which have high patient success rates of 94.8%, implant success rates of 98.1%, and prosthesis survival rates of 99.2% over ten years. For that reason, they are a dependable long-term procedure for full-arch restoration.

What Are Traditional Dentures?

Dentures are removable dental devices composed of acrylic resin, including artificial teeth and an acrylic base mimicking gum tissue. Dentures restore teeth in your upper jaw, lower jaw, or both.

They enhance functionality and appearance but might not perfectly mimic the natural experience, and they frequently need adhesives to stay in place. Additionally, dentures are supported by the ridge of your lower jawbone or palate, which is the roof of your mouth.

Conventional dentures are simple to remove for upkeep and cleaning. They must be removed at night to let your gums rest and soaked in water and a cleaning solution. With proper care and maintenance, they can last between 7 and 10 years.

However, dentures may need constant relines and adjustments as the shape of the mouth changes.

Benefits of Traditional Dentures

Traditional dentures are a simple and affordable option for recovering your full smile. Some benefits you can enjoy with this option include.

• Affordability: Traditional dentures are frequently more reasonably priced than dental implants, which can have higher initial costs. They are perfect for patients with limited financial resources looking for tooth replacement options.  

• Non-Invasive Procedure: Because they do not involve surgery, traditional dentures are a non-invasive way to replace missing teeth. They can be used as temporary or permanent prostheses because there is no need for complicated implant placement or worry about healing times.  

• Customizable and Removable: Dentures can easily be customized to fit your mouth perfectly. They fit in perfectly with your care routine and make maintenance a breeze because they are easy to remove and clean.

• Improved Look and Performance: Even though they’re not a bone-restoring solution like implants, dentures can help plump up the cheeks and lips, creating a more symmetrical appearance. They also help people regain basic oral abilities like speaking and chewing.  

• Shorter Treatment Times: Traditional denture treatment plans typically take less time to complete from the first routine dental care consultation. From fitting to receiving full dentures, the entire process can be completed in a few weeks without requiring surgical recovery.

So, All on 4® Dental Implants vs. Dentures: Which Is Best for You?

There are several factors to consider when determining what restorative dentistry option is better for you. Your oral health, daily habits, and expectations all help determine what treatment works best for you. Some other key factors to keep in mind are:

Comfort and Fit

The comfort and stability of All on 4® dental implants and conventional dentures are very different. Because they are fixed, All on 4® have unparalleled levels of stability, which improves comfort levels. On the other hand, dentures can shift and move, requiring adhesives to keep them in place.  

Durability and Maintenance

With the right maintenance, All on 4® implants are a long-lasting permanent solution that requires little more than routine dental hygiene. On the other hand, conventional dentures frequently require more maintenance, such as frequent cleaning and regular adjustments.

Suitability

When deciding between All on 4® dental implants and traditional dentures, consider factors like age, bone density, and general dental health. Because of their stability and longevity, All on 4® implants may be more advantageous for people with high bone density.

However, traditional dentures might be a better fit for people seeking a noninvasive solution or whose medical conditions impact bone quality.

Cost and Investment

Although All on 4® implants may initially cost more than dentures, their longevity and low maintenance requirements frequently make up for this difference. At first, dentures may appear more cost-effective, but the expenses of constant adjustments and replacements can mount up over time.

Surgical and Recovery Considerations

Following a surgical procedure to implant the implants, the All on 4® treatment involves a recovery period that typically lasts three to six months as the implants fuse with the bone. This method might not be the best for everyone. Dentures, on the other hand, provide a less invasive and simpler option.  

Nevertheless, the best method for figuring out the best treatment option for you is to consult a reliable dental professional. Contact us today to explore every available option in detail!  

Understand the Benefits of All on 4® Dental Implants in Columbus, Ohio

A confident smile is essential to our overall look and self-confidence. It can help us feel better about ourselves and more comfortable in social situations. However, losing teeth can greatly affect our self-esteem, particularly if it starts to interfere with our speech and eating habits.

Luckily, there are several treatment options available to help you restore your full smile. Both All on 4® implants and traditional dentures are reliable dental restorations, so contact Spectrum Dental & Prosthodontics today and let’s work together to determine which procedure works best for you!