11/02/2020
All-On-Implants... What are they?
What exactly do the All-on-4, All-on-6 and All-on-8 procedures mean? What are the differences and advantages? When are they recommended, how does the dental treatment work, and how do I know which solution I need?
WHAT ARE ALL-ON-4, ALL-ON-6 AND ALL-ON-8?
The All-on solutions involve a dental treatment to help someone reconstruct the teeth that have all been lost in one or both jaws.
During the treatment implants are used that integrate into the jaw. Their job is to imitate the pressure applied to them by the teeth. The fixed bridge is then attached to these implants. The name “All on” comes from the fact that the complete bridge is attached to 4, 6 or 8 implants depending on the procedure. Imagine that all your teeth are connected and have only 4, 6 or 8 roots that go into your jaw. This means that there is no need for an implant for every missing tooth.
The concept of All-on solutions is that all teeth on the upper or lower jaw can be rehabilitated with only one oral surgery. There are 4, 6 or 8 implants and a fixed bridge without bone augmentation.
Distance, angle and depth are specifically determined whilst placing the implants in the jaw.
WHEN ARE THE ALL-ON-4, ALL-ON-6 AND ALL-ON-8 SOLUTIONS RECOMMENDED?
The All-on-4 and its alternative treatments are an effective solution for those who have lost a large number of teeth in the upper or lower jaw, or in case of complete toothlessness.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ALL-ON-4, ALL-ON-6 AND ALL-ON-8?
The general difference is that All-On-4 involves the insertion of 4, All-on-6 that of 6 and All-on-8 that of 8 implants. The more implants are used, the stronger and more stable the teeth become, the more evenly the pressure is distributed to the implants and thus to the jaw.
However, one can say that in case of All-on-4, All-on-6 and All-on-8 no wrong decision can be made. Dental implants are a permanent solution for tooth loss.
WHY ARE THE ALL-ON-4, ALL-ON-6 AND ALL-ON-8 METHODS A GOOD SOLUTION?
In case of large tooth loss, the All-on treatments mean stable dentures instead of removable ones.
One of the biggest benefits of the All-on technique is that rehabilitation can be performed on small bone tissue, usually without bone augmentation. It therefore only means a minor surgical burden, whereby additional operations can be avoided.
After implantation, in many cases a long-term prosthesis can be fixed within a few days, so a removable prosthesis is not necessary.
The use of the All-on technique provides firm teeth with a natural look and feel and stable biting power.
In the past, replacing a whole dentition typically required many more implants, it could include jawbone transplantation, and needed a healing time of about 6-9 months before the mouth was ready for the crowns or dentures. The All-on technique results in less healing as fewer implants are needed without bone augmentation. Temporary dentures can be installed at the same time until you get the final denture (usually within 3 months).
WHICH ALL-ON TREATMENT DO I NEED?
One wonders which one is better: to have several or fewer dental implants. You want to know which one to choose: All-on-4, All-on-6 or All-on-8?
There is no clear answer to which of these options is best. It depends on the patient and the anatomical situation.
Let’s see how these solutions work:
Because they integrate naturally into the jawbone, dental implants are a preferred dental solution to achieve the same level of strength and stability as natural teeth. In an All-on-4 solution, four dental implants become part of the jawbone after integration, serving as the basis for a bridge that will support crowns or other types of dentures.
Dental implants require that the jaw has enough bone to support the implants and that the structure of the bone is strong. An All-on-8 requires more bone and more bone strength than an All-on-4 solution.
However, this is not the only consideration. All-on-4 is simpler than All-on-8. In many cases, the patient does not require extensive bone reconstruction, so All-on-4 therapy may be more appropriate. The location of the missing teeth, the situation of the remaining teeth and the general health situation can also influence which type of reconstruction is more suitable for the patient.
For these reasons, there is no “better” solution. You need to talk to your dentist about your specific situation, and maybe go through some tests before your dentist can decide if you need an All-on-4 or another solution.
All-on-4, All-on-6 and All-on-8 are a great solution for people who have lost many teeth and want to regain their smile.
All in all, the onset and healing time is minimal, and it will not be long before you even forget that the implants are there.
HOW DOES THE TREATMENT WORK WITH THE ALL-ON TECHNIQUE?
Consultation and preparation of the treatment plan
Prior to All-on-4, All-on-6 or All-on-8 treatment, an X-Ray will be taken, which will be needed during consultation with our specialist and for the accurate determination of the implant positions. The treatment plan is created based on this.
Implantation
After the personal consultation, an appointment is made as to when the oral surgery, the insertion of the implants is made.
After implantation, the bridge is attached to the implants
After a successful trial, a temporary prosthesis or even a fixed bridge will be made within a few working days after the implantation. This way, the patient can quickly get teeth, optimally return to his usual lifestyle, laugh confidently again, eat normally again and chew heavily during meals.
Approximately 3 months after implantation, the temporary teeth are exchanged for the final bridge.
After the implants are installed in the bone, the final bridge is attached to the implants.
Regular check-up, oral hygiene
After the All-on treatment, it is recommended to go to check-up every six months and receive dental hygiene treatment.
