Both All-on-4 and traditional dental implants aim to replace missing or damaged teeth, but they differ significantly in their approach. Here’s a breakdown to help you understand:
Traditional Implants: Each missing tooth typically requires a single implant. Depending on the number of teeth missing, this could involve multiple implants (up to 10 or more for a full arch).
All-on-4: This technique utilizes only four implants per jaw (upper or lower) to support a fixed denture. Strategic placement, including strategically angled implants in the back, allows for this efficient approach.
Traditional Implants: A multi-step process. Initial surgery inserts the implants, followed by a healing period (several months) for osseointegration (fusion with jawbone). After healing, another procedure attaches the replacement teeth.
All-on-4: Often completed in one surgery. The implants are placed, and a temporary fixed denture is attached on the same day. After healing and osseointegration, a permanent denture is secured.
Replacing missing teeth is crucial not only for aesthetic purposes but also for maintaining good oral health and overall health. When teeth are missing, it can become difficult to chew food and speak clearly, and the area around the mouth may sag. Missing teeth can also cause other teeth to tilt or move out of place, and can lead to bone loss and changes in chewing patterns. Furthermore, missing teeth can lead to other health conditions if left untreated. Therefore, it is critical to replace missing teeth to maintain good oral health and overall health. When you lose a tooth, it can be tempting to leave the space empty. This is called a “tooth vacancy” and it can lead to other problems in your mouth. For example, when teeth are missing, it becomes difficult to chew food and speak clearly. The area around the mouth may sag as well.
To replace missing teeth, you may need to undergo several procedures. The first step is an evaluation by a dentist or oral surgeon. This will help determine the extent of damage and whether additional treatments are necessary before replacing the missing tooth.
Replacement options include dentures, bridges and implants. Dentures are removable appliances that fit over the gums and other teeth. They can be made of a variety of materials, including acrylic resin or metal alloys. include dentures, bridges and implants. Dentures are removable appliances that fit over the gums and other teeth. They can be made of a variety of materials, including acrylic resin or metal alloys. To replace missing teeth, you may need to undergo several procedures. The first step is an evaluation by a dentist or oral surgeon. This will help determine the extent of damage and whether additional treatments are necessary before replacing the missing tooth
When you lose a tooth, the first thing to do is visit your dentist. A missing tooth can cause other teeth in the mouth to shift out of place and may lead to bone loss around the jaw. The longer you wait to replace missing teeth, the more difficult it will be for your dentist to restore their original position.
Cosmetic
dentistry is a method of professional oral care that focuses on improving the
appearance of your mouth, teeth and smile. And although cosmetic dentistry
procedures are usually elective, rather than essential, some cases of treatment
also provide restorative benefits.
The most
common procedures used in cosmetic dentistry are fairly simple, whereas others
are more complex and require specialized care.
Inlays and Onlays
These are
also known as indirect fillings, which are made by a dental laboratory, and
they are used when a tooth has mild to moderate decay or there is not enough
tooth structure to support a filling. Provided there is no damage to the tooth
cusps, according to Choice One
Dental Care, the inlay is placed directly onto the tooth surface. When
the cusp or a greater portion of the tooth is damaged, however, an onlay is
used instead to cover the tooth’s entire surface.
Inlays
and onlays are made in a dental laboratory from composite resin material and
attached to the teeth with adhesive dental cement. They provide support to
strengthen teeth, restore their shape and avoid any further decay or
deterioration.
Composite Bonding
Composite bonding refers to the repair of decayed,
damaged or discolored teeth using material that resembles the color of tooth
enamel. Your dentist drills out the tooth decay and applies the composite onto
the tooth’s surface, then “sculpts” it into the right shape before
curing it with a high-intensity light. Also referred to as simply
“bonding,” per the Consumer Guide to Dentistry, this effectively
covers the damage to the tooth and gives the appearance of a healthy tooth in
its place. Bonding is one of the least expensive cosmetic dentistry procedures
available to patients with tooth decay, chipped or cracked teeth and worn-down
edges.
Dental Veneers
Typically manufactured from medical-grade ceramic,
dental veneers are made individually for each patient to resemble one’s natural
teeth, according to Bruce Wilderman, DDS. They look exceptionally realistic and
can resolve numerous cosmetic problems, ranging from crooked teeth, to cracked
or damaged enamel to noticeable gaps between two teeth. The dentist applies the
veneer to the front of each tooth using a dental adhesive.
Teeth Whitening
One of the most basic cosmetic dentistry
procedures, teeth whitening or teeth bleaching can be performed at your
dentist’s office. Whitening should occur after plaque, tartar and other debris
are cleaned from the surface of each tooth, restoring their natural appearance.
Teeth can also be bleached to achieve an even lighter shade than this original
color, according to the American Dental Association (ADA) Mouth Healthy site.
Over the
years, teeth become stained and worn from food, drinks, medication and personal
habits such as smoking. Whitening coats the teeth and this procedure can be
done in the dental office or at home.
Implants
Dental
implants are used to replace teeth after tooth loss. The dentist inserts a
small titanium screw into the jaw at the site of the missing tooth, which
serves as the support for a crown. These implants are almost indistinguishable
from the surrounding natural teeth, and once the bone and supporting tissue
fuse to the implant, they are permanently secured into place. Patients need to
practice diligent oral hygiene
during the implant placement period to clean plaque and food debris from the
area.
If you’re considering cosmetic dentistry
procedures, it’s vital to find a cosmetic dentist who specifically offers the
option you’re interested in. Talk with family and friends to find out if they
can refer to you a dental professional, or check with the AACD for listings of dentists
in your area.
