All on 4 Treatment
Replace Several Teeth with an All on 4 Treatment
At Maplewood Laser Dental Clinic we offer a comprehensive solution for patients who have lost a significant number of their teeth. The all-on-4 procedure uses only four implants and a fixed, full-arch prosthesis to replace your teeth. This means we can restore the function and aesthetics of your mouth so you can smile, speak, and eat just like you always did.
How it Works
Instead of implanting a titanium root for every tooth, this procedure can replace between 12 and 14 teeth while only using four implants. This also means that the post-operative healing time will be significantly shorter, too.
Each implant is placed in the anterior maxilla, where the bone density it higher, which means this is also a great option for people who may have experienced enough bone loss in the jaw area to make normal implants impossible.
We want to restore your mouth to complete functionality as soon as possible, but it does take time for the bone to heal with the implants. So after the initial surgery, we will place some temporary teeth on the implants until the bone has healed enough to support the permanent prosthesis.
The Benefits of All-on-4 Treatments
If you need to replace several teeth, this is an effective option that allows for faster recovery. It is a permanent option that looks natural and can be brushed and cleaned just like your natural teeth. You don’t have to take them out, use adhesives, or give up some of your favorite foods.
We will be able to restore your facial features, prevent further bone deterioration (which normally accompanies tooth loss), and give you a reason to start smiling again.
Before & Afters:
Partials
A partial is an appliance that is inserted in the mouth to replace missing teeth.
Partials may also provide support for the cheeks and lips. Typically, they can be fabricated two different ways:
- Acrylic Base: Acrylic partials are made from resin and attach to natural teeth with wire clasps for a secure fit. Though the cost is more affordable up-front compared to metal base partials, acrylic is susceptible to wearing down more quickly and possibly breaking because they are made from a plastic resin.
- Metal Base: Metal base partials attach to natural teeth with metal clasps for a secure fit. When properly cared for, these partials tend to last longer than acrylic partials. Metal partials also tend to be smaller and easier to adjust to wearing than acrylic partials. As opposed to acrylic partials, most people who use metal base partials find that they can resume normal eating habits.
Dentures
A denture is an appliance that is inserted in the mouth to replace natural teeth.
Dentures also provide support for the cheeks and lips. Most dentures are made of acrylic and can be fabricated two different ways:
1. A conventional denture is fabricated after all teeth have been extracted and the soft tissues have healed.
2. An immediate denture is fabricated and inserted immediately after the teeth are extracted and the tissues are allowed to heal under the denture.
An upper denture has acrylic, usually gum-colored, that covers the palate (roof of the mouth). A lower denture is shaped like a horseshoe to leave room for the tongue.
The teeth are made of plastic, composite, or a combination of those elements. Dentures, over time, will wear down and need to be replaced or relined to keep the jaw alignment normal and healthy. The alignment will slowly change as the bone and gum ridges shrink due to the lack of teeth. Regular dental examinations are still important because the oral tissues need to be checked for disease or change.
Before & Afters:
