Today, All-on-4 dental implants have become established as an essential tool for modern dentistry. The system allows for a full arch of teeth to be replaced by using just four titanium implants. Compared to traditional implants, that use one metal implant for each tooth being replaced, it is faster, more cost-effective and a much better experience for the patient.
The development of All-on-4 dental implants began in 1988, where Portuguese dentist Dr. Paulo Malo found that four strategically placed implants was the optimal number to support a full arch of teeth. With less implants being used, this process also allowed dentists to avoid sinus cavities, and provided space to place the implants at angles, avoiding low bone density areas of the jaw and removing the need for bone grafts.
However, while All-on-4 dental implants have revolutionised this area of dentistry, there are a number of myths surrounding the process that can give patients concern about whether this procedure is for them. With so many advantages for patients compared to more traditional options, missing out on Allon4 denture implants can dramatically change the implant experience, and we believe that it is important that every patient make their treatment choices based on accurate and clear information.
With that in mind, lets look at some of the common myths regarding All on 4, and how they relate to the reality of the process.
Are All-on-4 dental implants expensive?
All-on-4 dental implants cost between $20,000 and $40,000 per arch (all in) and depends on a lot of factors. The wide variation of costs is dependent on the materials used as well as the individual treatment needs. The arch prosthesis is available in composite and porcelain, with the latter being more expensive but more natural looking. But can we make this more affordable to more people?
All on 4 Payment Plan
As part of the initiative to make quality of life treatment available for most people, Dr. Bobby Brown and Associates offer fit your budget payment plans that allow patients to pay as low as $365 a month for All on 4 treatment. Like buying a brand new car, you are buying a brand new smile that lets you eat the foods you want to, smile with confidence, live your life and never worry about your teeth falling out again. Unlike buying a brand new car, your new smile can last as long as you do. If you have questions about this, just contact us for free friendly advice, or to book your free consultation.
Now, let’s compare the treatment to alternatives and why the costs differ.
All on 4 vs. single implants
The best solution in terms of quality of your life, is to replace each individual tooth with an implant. However, we know that is not viable for many people. If we do one implant per tooth and given the per implant cost of $3000 to $6,000 then for 14 teeth, that totals to $42,000 to $84,000 per arch.
Single implants are clearly more than All-on-4 dental implants, and with a much more invasive experience for the patient, with the possibility of needing bone grafts and other more complex procedures to complete the treatment. In this context, while not cheap, All-on-4 dental implants do provide a value proposition, as well as a better patient experience.
All on 4 vs. Dentures
At the other end of the spectrum, you have removable dentures. Again, prices vary depending on material chosen and other factors, but range from around $1,000 to $4,000. Significantly cheaper than either implant solution, however that initial cost is not the only factor. All-on-4 dental implants are permanent replacements designed to last your lifetime, but you will need to replace those dentures every three to five years. Also, some people are ashamed to admit to friends, family and romantic partners that they have dentures.
Taken over the lifespan of dentures, they do not offer the savings that they seem to at first. They also don’t offer the same quality of life improvements. Despite the higher cost, All-on-4 dental implants have an greater value over your lifetime.
Can you eat what you want with All-on-4?
Beyond the costs, this is perhaps the most common of the myths about All-on-4 implants. You will often see criticism suggesting that with these implants you cannot eat what you want and need a restricted diet. But is it true?
Because the process is a surgical one, there are some precautions to take immediately after All-on-4 dental implants are fitted. Diet restrictions are limited to the immediate period after surgery, and are designed to help speed recovery and make sure that your All-on-4 dental implants give the best outcomes possible.
Those restrictions cover two stages. The first is for one to two weeks after surgery, where a liquid diet, non-chewing diet is recommended as the gums recover. After that, from between two weeks and three months post-surgery it is recommended to stick to a diet free of hard, chewy or crunchy foods. This is the period where osseointegration occurs, the process where the implant bonds directly with the jawbone, and for this to work to its best, you need to avoid straining the jaw, hence the diet.
However, once that process is complete, you will have no restrictions. Your implants are as strong as a natural tooth, and you can eat anything you used to eat with ease.
Does the Allon4 treatment take a long time?
First of all, you can walk in and walk out the same day with new teeth. This convenience is very attractive to a lot of people and one of the best benefits of Allon4. However, that doesn’t mean you are finished.
From start to finish, the process of installing takes between four and six months, which sounds a long time. However, the reality is that much of this time is taken with the post-surgery process called osseointegration, where the implants biologically bond with the jawbone to create a permanent, strong connection to give the feel of natural teeth when eating.
In other words, those 4 implants need time to “become one” with the jawbone. In the meantime, you will enjoy the appearance of natural looking, beautiful teeth.
After a few months, and your implants have settled in. You are free.
Are All-on-4 dental implants painful?
Another myth is that the implants are painful. In fact, because the implants bond with the jawbone, they are solid and pain free, becoming a natural part of your mouth structure. In the immediate post-surgery period of days to a week or two, may feel soreness, as you would with any surgery area. You will be in regular communication with the dentist about this in case of too much discomfort or pain but in general, it’s temporary and treatable.
After that period, your All-on-4 denture implants will be pain-free and your permanent teeth for life.
Do All-on-4 Implants Last Long?
There is a myth and common concern that you need to replace them too soon. This couldn’t be further from the experience of patients that choose this treatment. The implants bond with the bone permanently and never needs replacing under most circumstances. As far as the prosthesis (dentures or plate), the longevity depends on the type and material. Dentures themselves wear as teeth or any other denture type do, however with care and proper materials they can last as long as twenty years before being replaced. Ask the dentist about your options here if you wish to have them as long as possible.
Are All-on-4 implants for you?
That is a decision for each of us as individuals. Offering permanence, the ability to eat anything you want compared to dentures and with much less surgery than traditional implants, All-on-4 has significant benefits for patients that are missing their teeth or need extractions.
Whether they are for you will depend on your unique situation and expectations. However, to make that decision it is important you have accurate information rather than be influenced by myths. Missing out on the right solution because of a misunderstanding or not realizing the benefits on offer is not something anyone should encourage.
Nothing is perfect, and All-on-4 dental implants have pros and cons like all treatments. What they do manage though, is to strike the best balance for surgical needs and dental performance, and provide much better value than the initial cost would suggest. If you are looking for teeth replacement or quality of life treatment for any reason, All on 4 dental implants really have a lot to offer.
Contact us, your All on 4 dentist in Mississauga today for a free consultation and for free, friendly advice.
Office Location:
Dr. Bobby Brown and Associates
33 City Centre Dr #145
Mississauga, Ontario L5B 2N5
905-267-4022