All on 6 vs All on 4 Dental Implants?
The devil is in the details when developing this comparison. First, we will address what is a dental implant, the procedure itself, and why it is a successful solution. Then we identify the differences and the methods of 4 implants versus 6 implants.
What is a Dental Implant?
If you are currently suffering from a missing tooth, whether it be from an unfortunate accident or an extraction from an oral health concern, you now have a space in your teeth and an unpleasant gap in your smile. It is important to fill that gap soon otherwise your neighboring teeth will begin to shift and drift into that space altering your bite alignment and even changing your speech. A dental bridge has been the traditional tooth replacement. Now for over four decades the dental industry has seen the dental implant become the new gold standard. Just last year alone over 800,000 dental implants were placed in the United States.
A dental implant is a tiny titanium post that is surgically placed directly into your jawbone. With a few months of healing the post will fuse, grown, and integrate to the jawbone. An extension, or abutment, is added on the post to now reach the surface of your gums. In completion, a custom fabricated artificial tooth called a crown is affixed on top of the abutment. Created in enamel or porcelain, you cannot tell the difference from this crown and your natural teeth.
What is an All on 4 Dental Implant?
Millions of Americans adults every year find themselves losing an entire arch of natural teeth. For years traditional dentures where the only solution available. Then dental implants were developed and introduced. But having a dental implant for each tooth is too expensive and an awkward solution. Now your entire arch can be replaced with just four implants functioning as stabilizing roots. An acrylic bridge supporting your custom artificial crowns is permanently affixed to those four titanium posts.
What is an All on 6 Dental Implant?
The same procedure, just more numbers. This solution is the same concept only you will have six titanium posts instead of four to further secure and stabilize the arch of artificial crowns.
Is one method better than the other?
The All on 4 or 6 Dental Implant solution delivers superior results to a traditional denture. Adhesives are not being used daily to hold your dentures in place. The titanium posts, now acting as artificial roots, are extremely beneficial for the continued health of your jawbone. These posts will deliver continuous pressures to stimulate your jawbone, maintaining integrity and density. The healing time is the same with either option. The All on 6 procedure might be longer initially because of the additional posts being placed. The All on 6 procedure does cost more because of the additional posts. Your dentist may encourage the All on 6 dental implant solution based on the additional strength and integrity. It makes sense your ability to bite, chew, and speak will be better with more titanium roots. There is also quantifiable evidence that six posts are better for the long-term health of your jawbone. Either way, these options are far better than traditional dentures in restoring your healthy smile.