All-on-4 implants for the lower arch are the answer to those who are fed up with the discomfort and insecurity of traditional dentures or severe tooth loss.
If you’re one of the many who are looking for a reliable, long-term solution to restore your smile and confidence you’re probably wondering if All-on-4 implants are for you.
What are All-on-4 Implants for Lower Arch?
All-on-4 implants for the lower arch offer a permanent, cost-effective solution for severe tooth loss. Using four titanium implants to support a full arch, this technique provides immediate function and stability, often without bone grafting. Patients enjoy improved aesthetics and functionality, restoring their ability to eat and speak confidently with a long-lasting, reliable alternative to dentures.
All-on-4 Implants for Lower Arch Benefits
Permanent Solution for Missing Teeth
All-on-4 implants is a permanent solution for those with severe tooth loss, a full arch of teeth anchored to the jawbone.
This technique has a high success rate; a study by Maló et al. (1) showed a 1-year survival rate of 98.5% for All-on-4 implants in completely edentulous maxillae.
Less Cost and Complexity
Less cost and complexity compared to traditional dental implant procedures.
Using 4 implants to support a full arch of teeth reduces treatment time and cost.
A study by Buser et al. (2) showed that non-submerged ITI implants like those used in All-on-4 can reduce treatment time and cost.
Suitable for Low Bone Density
All-on-4 implants are suitable for patients with low bone density, as they don’t require bone grafting.
That’s a big plus, as bone grafting is a complex and costly procedure.
A study by Albrektsson et al. (3) showed that oral implant surfaces with specific topographic and chemical properties like those used in All-on-4 can enhance osseointegration and reduce the need for bone grafting.
| Benefit | Description | Supporting Data |
|---|---|---|
| Permanent Solution | Provides a full arch of teeth securely anchored to the jawbone | 98.5% 1-year survival rate for All-on-4 implants in completely edentulous maxillae (Maló et al., 2003) |
| Reduced Cost and Complexity | Uses only four implants to support a full arch, reducing treatment time and cost | Non-submerged ITI implants lead to reduced treatment time and cost (Buser et al., 1997) |
| Ideal for Low Bone Density | Suitable for patients with low bone density, eliminating the need for bone grafting | Specific implant surface properties enhance osseointegration and reduce need for bone grafting (Albrektsson et al., 2004) |
How All-on-4 Implants for the Arch work?
4 Strategic Implants
The All-on-4 technique involves 4 implants in the lower jaw which are designed to support a full arch of teeth.
This way the forces are distributed optimally and the prosthetic teeth are stable.
A study by Jemt et al. (4) showed that precise implant placement is important as misfit of the prosthesis can lead to marginal bone loss.
Immediate Function and Less Healing Time
One of the advantages of All-on-4 implants is their immediate function; patients can eat and speak with confidence just after the procedure.
This is achieved by using a temporary prosthetic bridge, which is attached to the implants the same day of the surgery. According to Esposito et al. (6), immediate implant placement can reduce healing time and patient satisfaction.
| Aspect | All-on-4 Single Arch (Lower Jaw) | Full Mouth Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Implants | 4 implants in lower jaw | Typically 8 implants (4 in upper jaw, 4 in lower jaw) |
| Treatment Complexity | Less complex, focused on lower arch | More complex, involves both upper and lower jaws |
| Cost Considerations | More cost-effective, reduced treatment time and cost[2] | Higher overall cost due to more extensive treatment |
| Recovery Time | Reduced healing time, immediate function possible[6] | Potentially longer recovery due to more extensive surgery |
| Suitability | Ideal for patients with lower arch tooth loss[2] | Recommended for severe tooth loss in both jaws[6] |
All-on-4 Single Arch vs Full Mouth
Single Arch for Lower Jaw
There are several differences between all on 4 single arch vs full mouth.
All-on-4 single arch is designed for patients who need full arch of teeth in the lower jaw.
This approach is more targeted and cost-effective as it only focuses on the lower arch and not the upper jaw. According to Buser et al. (2), non-submerged ITI implants like those used in All-on-4 can have a high success rate and long-term durability.
Full Mouth for Both Upper and Lower Jaws
Full mouth treatment involves restoring both upper and lower jaws with dental implants.
This is recommended for patients who have severe tooth loss in both jaws and need a comprehensive solution.
A study by Esposito et al. (6) showed that immediate implant placement can be an option for full mouth rehabilitation with a high success rate and less healing time.
But full mouth treatment requires more planning and surgery, which can increase the overall cost and complexity of the procedure.
Who is a good candidate for All-on-4 implants for the lower arch?
All-on-4 implants is suitable for patients who have complete or partial tooth loss in the lower arch.
This is more suitable for patients who have lost multiple teeth due to decay, gum disease, or trauma.
According to Berglundh et al. (5) patients with history of periodontal disease are at higher risk of biological and technical complications with dental implants so careful patient selection is important.
Patients with many teeth in Advanced Deterioration
Also All-on-4 implants is an option for patients who have many teeth in advanced deterioration and cannot be restored with traditional dental restorations.
This approach allows to replace multiple teeth with one stable and functional prosthesis.
According to Esposito et al. (6) immediate implant placement can be a successful treatment option for patients with advanced tooth deterioration with high success rate and less healing time.
Conclusion & Key-Takeaways
Key Takeaways:
All-on-4 implants are a reliable and cost-effective solution for those with severe tooth loss with immediate function and long-term durability.
Less invasive than traditional methods, no bone grafting required, and overall treatment time and cost reduced.
Single arch is for the lower jaw; full mouth is for both upper and lower jaws; comprehensive dental restoration.
Suitable for patients with complete or partial tooth loss and many teeth in advanced deterioration.
Conclusion:
In summary All-on-4 implants for lower arch is a game changer in restoring dental function and aesthetics. By placing 4 implants to support full arch of teeth this is a permanent solution that will boost patient’s confidence and quality of life.
FAQ
References
- Maló P, Rangert B, Nobre M. All-on-4 immediate-function concept with Brånemark System implants for completely edentulous maxillae: a 1-year retrospective clinical study. Clin Implant Dent Relat Res. 2003;5(2):89-94.
- Buser D, Mericske-Stern R, Bernard JP, et al. Long-term evaluation of non-submerged ITI implants. Part 1: 8-year life table analysis of a prospective multi-center study with 2359 implants. Clin Oral Implants Res. 1997;8(3):161-172.
- Albrektsson T, Wennerberg A. Oral implant surfaces: Part 1—review focusing on topographic and chemical properties of different surfaces and in vivo responses to them. Int J Prosthodont. 2004;17(5):536-543.
- Jemt T, Book K. Prosthesis misfit and marginal bone loss in edentulous implant patients. Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants. 1996;11(5):620-625.
Article: Prosthesis misfit and marginal bone loss in edentulous implant patients
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