All-on-4 dental implants have become much more popular in recent years. These prostheses are a transformative solution for patients with multiple missing teeth or who need full arch or mouth reconstructions.
What’s incredible about them is how they’re able to transform a smile in a single day. But how long do they actually last? And is it worth getting this type of cosmetic dentistry in Chattanooga, TN?
The purpose of this post is to guide your decision-making. We break down everything you need to know about All-on-4 technology so you can decide whether you want to use it.
How All-On-4 works
All-on-4 is a bit like a conventional implant, except dentists don’t replace the root of every tooth. There are two distinct parts of the prosthesis:
- The titanium implant posts (similar to standard implant surgery)
- The prosthetic teeth or arch that sits on top of them
The name All-on-4 comes from the fact that there are four small screws that are placed into the jaw bone that act as artificial tooth roots for each arch, lower and upper. These fuse with the bone through a process called osseointegration. Once the fusion takes place, the bridge or arch of prosthetic teeth is placed on top (often made of durable materials like zirconia or acrylic).
Expected lifespan of All-on-4 implants
Many all-on-4 implants last for 20 years or more and can even survive indefinitely if properly cared for. Clinical studies show that lifespans are between 94% and 98% after 10 years. As such, many patients continue to experience stable results for 15 to 20 years.
Crown material is the weak point of the All-on-4 system. Like regular natural teeth, it can wear down over time in response to chewing or chipping. While it won’t rot, it can suffer damage from mechanical action if you eat a lot of hard foods.
Factors that determine durability
Multiple factors affect the durability of your All-on-4 restoration. These include:
- Your level of oral hygiene. We recommend brushing twice a day with a soft toothbrush and using a water flosser or a pick. Peri-implantitis or inflammation around the implants can become a problem if you have poor oral hygiene habits.
- Lifestyle habits. We suggest you adjust your lifestyle habits to maximize the lifespan of your All-on-4 implants. Avoid smoking or quit it entirely, and limit hard and sticky foods that can stress the prosthesis while chewing. If you have teeth grinding at night (bruxism) then wear a night guard as recommended by your dentist.
- Routine dental care. Finally, we recommend going for a check-up every three to six months. All-on-4 systems last longer when you deal with issues early on, such as looseness around your gums.
Schedule a Consult for All-on-4 dental implants in Chattanooga TN
Ultimately, All-on-4 isn’t just a temporary fix; it’s a way to completely redesign your smile when you have significant tooth loss.
At Mint Dental, we’re committed to enabling you to achieve your smile goals. If you’re tired of dentures or missing teeth, then schedule your no-obligation consultation with us today. We can build a personalized plan just for you.