Tooth loss can lead to a wide range of oral and overall health issues and make it difficult to feel confident in your smile. Thankfully, dental implants are the best way to replace your teeth while maximizing your chewing power and the longevity of your restoration. Here’s a quick look at snap-on dentures and All-on-4 implants to help you get a better idea of which option may be better for you.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are prosthetic devices designed to be surgically inserted into the jawbone and fused with its structure through the natural process of osseointegration. This creates the sturdy foundation necessary for restorations mounted upon them to exert maximum chewing power and last for as long as possible. Dental implants can support a variety of tooth replacement appliances such as crowns, bridges, and dentures, and the best restoration for you will depend on how many teeth you are missing and where they were located.
All-on-4 Dentures
All-on-4 dental implants can be a great way for people with thin jawbones to replace many missing teeth at once, and they are usually used to replace full dental arches. During the consultation process, the dentist will take x-rays of the patient’s mouth to determine the strongest points in the jawbone that can support implants. All-on-4 allows permanent dentures to be installed on only four dental implants, and these beautifully lifelike appliances will be able to work and function just like real teeth once they are in place.
All-on-4 dental implants cannot be removed from the mouth without the help of a qualified dentist (except in cases of injury), and the patient will need to maintain them with a normal daily oral hygiene routine of brushing, flossing, and using antibacterial mouthwash.
Snap-on Dentures
Snap-on dentures are another way for people with atrophied jawbones to receive dental implants. Using two to six dental implants, the dentist will anchor a high-quality restoration that replaces many or all of the teeth along a dental arch. However, snap-on dentures are designed to be easily disconnected from the implants by the patient for daily cleaning and soaking. It may also take longer to get used to speaking with snap-on dentures that would be necessary with All-on-4 implants.
Replacing lost teeth can be one of the greatest things you can do for your oral and overall health. Consulting with your dentist can help you find the best restoration for you.
About the Practice
Beck Dental Care of Columbia offers the finest oral healthcare in town. Led by Drs. Matthew Hart, Kyle Williams, and Philip Matthews, the staff treats each patient with courtesy, respect, and exemplary customer service. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and implant dentistry. To learn more about how dental implants may be able to help you, contact the office online or dial (931) 388-8452.