All-on-4® vs. Dental Bridges vs. Traditional Dentures

Nowadays, people looking to replace missing teeth can choose between options like All-on-4®, bridges and traditional dentures. A few years ago, dentures were the most common option for replacing several missing teeth. This article compares teeth replacement options and why you should choose All-on-4 implant dentures.

Overview of traditional dentures

Dentures have seen significant improvements over the years, especially in terms of aesthetic appeal and personalization options. Dentures are fabricated from porcelain, to imitate the appearance of natural teeth, and semi-soft acrylics, to mimic the look of gingival tissue. The prosthetics rest directly on the gums, supported by the arch of the jaw, and are removable for cleaning and when sleeping.

One of the major drawbacks of dentures is that they depend on the gums for support. The gum tissues are not meant to handle the pressure induced by dentures and therefore, can cause discomfort to the wearer. Dentures can also slip out of their position or fall out when talking and eating. This can cause embarrassment, and the movement of dentures in the mouth can cause sores, which can be painful.

Dental bridges

A dental bridge gets support from the existing healthy teeth near the gap to form a bridge. In the more conventional types of dental bridges, the two teeth on either side of a gap are filed down to support a bridge. A crown is placed over the teeth, along with the bridge to replace the lost teeth.

In areas of the mouth where there is less force or one tooth is lost, dentists can use a winged bridge (called Maryland bridge) that is fixed into the nearby teeth, instead of the one that covers them completely. Sometimes, there may be no teeth on either side of the gap. The treatment approach here would be to use a cantilevered bridge. This bridge option is connected to a single tooth on one side, and the bridge prosthesis rests on the gap.

All-on-4

Traditional dentures and bridges may have improved remarkably in their design over the years, but they still have limitations. Since they rest over the gums and are detachable, they are not as sturdy as dentures supported by dental implants. All-on-4 is a dental implant restoration that entails embedding small titanium posts inside the jaw. The titanium posts support the prosthetic teeth by acting as an anchor.

With the All-on-4 option, the dentist will place four dental implants strategically in different positions along the jaw, and these implants can support a complete set of teeth. This option removes the issue with denture movement and helps preserve bone mass by preventing jaw atrophy. This means that patients can have proper oral function and maintain the structure of their jaw, while not having to visit the dentist constantly for denture relining and adjustments. Also, because implants are sturdy and reliable, patients can feel more confident in their new smile.

In conclusion

If you are unsure of which to choose from the tooth replacement options, you should schedule an appointment with the dentist. During the meeting, the dental professional can determine if All-on-4 is suitable for you.

Request an appointment here: https://www.communitysmilesnc.com or call Community Smiles at (919) 913-9075 for an appointment in our Chapel Hill office.

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