All on 6 vs All on 4 Dental Implants?
The comparison is in minute details and personal cases. We will first address what a dental implant is, the procedure itself, and why it is so successful. Then we will identify the differences and the methods of 4 implants versus 6 implants.
What is a Dental Implant?
If you are currently missing a tooth, whether it is from an unfortunate accident or an extraction from an oral health concern, you now have a gap in your teeth and an unhealthy smile. It is essential to fill that gap quickly, otherwise the neighboring teeth will immediately begin to drift and shift into that space, altering your bite alignment and even changing your speech. A dental bridge has been the traditional replacement. For over four decades, the dental industry has experienced the dental implant becoming the new gold standard for tooth replacement. Last year alone, over 800,000 dental implants were placed in the United States.
A dental implant is a tiny titanium post that is surgically positioned into your jawbone. With a few months of healing, this post will fuse, bond, and integrate into the jawbone. An extension, or abutment, is placed on top of the post to reach the surface of your gums. To finish, a custom-designed artificial tooth called a crown is affixed on the top of the abutment. Fabricated in enamel or porcelain, you will not be able to tell the difference between this crown and your natural teeth.
What is an All on 4 Dental Implant?
Millions of American adults every year lose an entire arch of natural teeth. For years, traditional dentures were the only option available. Then dental implants were developed. Yet having a dental implant for each tooth is extremely expensive anda slightly awkward solution. Now your entire arch can be replaced with just four implants serving as stabilizing roots. An acrylic bridge supporting your custom-designed artificial crowns is then permanently affixed to those four titanium posts.
What is an All on 6 Dental Implant?
The same procedure, just more implants. This solution is the same concept, only you will have six titanium posts instead of four to even further secure and stabilize the arch of artificial crowns.
Is One Method Better than the Other?
The All on 4 or 6 dental implant solutions provide superior results to a conventional denture. Adhesives are not being used daily to hold your dentures in place. The titanium posts, now functioning as artificial roots, are extremely beneficial for maintaining the health of your jawbone. These posts deliver continuous pressure to stimulate your jawbone, maintaining both natural integrity and density. The healing and recovery time is the same with either option. The All on 6 solution may be longer initially because of the additional posts being placed. The All on 6 procedure will cost more because of the additional posts. Your dentist might encourage the All on 6 dental implant solution based on the additional strength and integrity. It certainly makes sense that your ability to bite, chew, and speak should be better with more titanium roots. There is also quantifiable evidence that states that six posts are better for the long-term integrity of your jawbone. Either way, either option is far better than traditional dentures in restoring your healthy smile.