5 minute read

In the past, dentures were the only practical option for replacing a whole arch of missing or failing teeth. That’s no longer the case, with full arch dental implant systems like All-On-4® offering a more comfortable and permanent alternative for full teeth replacement.

All-On-4® dental implants are designed to be less invasive and more affordable than standard full mouth dental implants, and most healthy people are candidates for treatment. This can depend on the condition of your jaw bone, your medical history and lifestyle factors, which your dentist will explain.

To find out whether All-On-4® implants are an option for you, book a consultation at Perth Dental Implant Centre. Our highly-accredited and experienced All-On-4® surgeon, Dr David Norcross, will assess your suitability and explain all of your options for restoring your smile. We have clinic locations in East Vic Park and Kelmscott, call our team today on 1300 108 133 or book online.

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What is All-On-4® treatment?

All-On-4® refers to the technique of supporting a full bridge of replacement teeth on four specially-configured dental implants. These are inserted into the jaw bone during surgery following any remaining tooth extractions.

Your new teeth can be fitted within five days of All-On-4® dental implants being placed. Unlike dentures, an All-On-4® bridge is permanently fixed in the mouth, and can look and function more like natural teeth. The special placement of implants can reduce the need for bone grafting, making All-On-4® an option for patients who have gone without teeth for some time and are missing some bone as a consequence.

The All-On-4® protocol was developed by Professor Paulo Malo and is trademarked by Nobel BioCare. With a clinically-proven 98% success rate*, All-On-4® is the industry gold standard for full arch replacement.

Who qualifies for All-On-4® implant treatment?

All-On-4® may be an option if you’re missing all or most of the teeth in your upper or lower jaw, if you have a number of badly decayed, damaged or failing teeth that you want to replace, or if you want to replace your dentures with a more permanent bridge.

While most people are suitable for All-On-4® treatment, there are some factors that can affect your treatment eligibility. Your dentist will determine whether you’re suitable for All-On-4® by examining your mouth, taking a 3D bone scan and discussing your medical history and other relevant factors.

Some conditions that may affect your suitability are:

Poor oral health

Your gums and mouth should be healthy and free from disease before dental implants can be placed. Problems like advanced gum disease (periodontitis) can increase the risk of implant failure and complications, and will need to be addressed as a priority.

Poor bone quality

All-On-4® implants don’t require as much bone density in the jaw as standard full mouth dental implants, but they may require more support and planning for particularly small or weak jaws. If this is the case, our dentist may offer solutions, such as using longer pterygoid or zygomatic dental implants for the upper jaw.

Medical history and conditions

Certain medical conditions and medications could affect your suitability for dental implants, or related procedures such as bone grafting and general anaesthesia. Implant treatment should also not be performed during pregnancy.

Lifestyle factors

Heavy smoking, excessive alcohol and drug use can all affect the success of implant treatments and should be avoided after treatment.

What are the benefits of All-On-4® implants?

Missing teeth can cause a number of problems, from speech issues and appearance to preventing you from eating certain foods needed for a healthy diet. Badly decayed or damaged teeth can also affect oral health, which is linked with overall health.

All-On-4® dental implants have many advantages over dentures for full teeth replacement, including:

• Superior chewing function and stronger biting forces
• Feeling more comfortable
• Support for the jaw and face
• Longer lasting
• More natural appearance
• Don’t need special care
• May help prevent gum recession and bone loss

Another alternative to full removable dentures is implant-retained dentures that use dental implants for support. These have many of the advantages of fixed dental implant bridges, but are removable like conventional dentures and generally won’t last as long as a fixed implant bridge, which can last 15 years or more when made of a titanium and ceramic material. Dentures also require more daily care.

Book a consultation with our Perth implant surgeon to find out what your options are for replacing teeth. Call 1300 108 133 to speak with our treatment coordinator today.

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When might All-On-4® implants not be suitable?

Even if you are eligible for All-On-4® teeth replacement, there could be other reasons why this treatment isn’t the best choice for you.

Some people may prefer to avoid surgery and the associated clinical risks, though risks can be minimised when the procedure is carried out by a qualified and experienced dentist using high-quality materials.

Others may be able to tolerate wearing dentures and not want to change. While dental implants are more supportive for the jaw and face, a denture or implant-retained denture features a thicker flange (pink gum section making up the walls of the teeth) which can offer more lip support.

The cost of All-On-4® treatment is also higher than standard dentures. Although a bridge can last longer than dentures, the long-term maintenance costs can also be higher overall, which can put the treatment cost beyond some people’s means.

At Perth Dental Implant Centre, we’ll help you to find the most suitable treatment option for your needs and your price range. We offer flexible payment plans from trusted finance providers including Zip and Pretty Penny Finance that could help you manage your treatment cost by paying in more affordable instalments.

We are also a SuperCare provider and can assist with early access to your super to pay for dental implants.

All-On-4® treatment process

All-On-4® treatment at Perth Dental Implant Centre takes no more than five days, from the time we place your implants to the fitting of your new custom teeth. Our six-step process helps to ensure that your new teeth will fit comfortably and that you have all the care and support you need.

Step 1: Consultation and planning

As with any dental procedure, the first step in the All-On-4® process is a consultation with a dentist. This is the chance to find out more about the treatment and whether it’s right for you, so you can make an informed decision about whether you want to proceed.

Our experienced implant surgeon Dr Norcross will discuss your teeth replacement needs and goals and will examine your mouth and jaw to determine whether you’re a candidate for full arch implants. This will involve taking x-rays, a 3D CT scan and digital impressions of your mouth.

If you are a candidate for All-On-4® treatment, Dr Norcross will provide you with a personalised treatment plan outlining what’s involved and the costs. You’ll then meet with our lab technician to choose the shape and shade of your new teeth.

Step 2: Extractions and implant placement

On the day of your surgery, Dr Norcross will first remove any unwanted teeth, including any infected bone and create a flat surface to support your new bridge. He will then place a minimum of four dental implants into your jawbone. Abutments and healing caps will be attached over the implants after taking impressions of your mouth.

The All-On-4® surgical protocol uses four Nobel Biocare dental implants, with two being placed at the front of the mouth and two at the back on a 45-degree angle. We offer a choice of sedation options for your surgery, including IV sedation at the clinic and general anaesthesia provided by a qualified anaesthetist in hospital.

Step 3: Bridge try-in

While your custom bridge is being made, we’ll call you back one to two days after surgery to try on a wax-up model and see how it feels and assess your bite (how top and bottom teeth come together). Dr Norcross will note any adjustments that need to be made to your finished bridge.

Step 4: Bridge fitting

Five days after your implants are placed, you’ll attend your final appointment to fit your All-On-4® bridge. Dr Norcross will check for any last-minute adjustments that may be needed and attach the bridge to your implants. We’ll also explain how to care for your new smile while your mouth heals.

Step 5: Follow-up review

After your treatment is complete, we’ll organise a review appointment about one month later and again at three months. During one of these visits, Dr Norcross will check the condition of your implants and bridge ask about your recovery and take before and after photos to show your final result.

Step 6: Maintaining your new smile

The final and most important step in the All-On-4® process is ongoing maintenance of your dental implants and new teeth. We recommend you attend a professional check-up and clean appointment every 6 to 12 months and dental x-rays every one to two years to help keep your new teeth and your oral health in the best condition.

Prosthetic teeth are susceptible to gum disease in the same way natural teeth are, which is why we encourage patients to avoid smoking, follow a healthy diet and maintain a thorough oral hygiene routine at home.

All-On-4® Centre of Excellence in Perth

Perth Dental Implant Centre is one of only a handful of Australian dental clinics to be named an All-On-4® Centre of Excellence by Nobel BioCare. This recognises the expertise and training of our implant surgeon Dr David Norcross in providing genuine All-On-4® implants and high-quality results.

Dr Norcross has completed residences in Melbourne, Portugal and Brazil studying advanced All-On-4® techniques so he can offer the highest standard of care to his patients. Our dental technician Patrick Barrett-Lennard is also highly experienced at providing custom bridges using advanced titanium milling technology.

Book an All-On-4® consultation today

For more information about All-On-4® implants in Perth, or to get started on your treatment, call Perth Dental Implant Centre to book an appointment with Dr Norcross. We have two locations in metropolitan Perth, at Kelmscott and East Victoria Park.

Call 1300 108 133 to speak with our treatment coordinator today. You can also contact us with any questions.

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The total cost of All-On-4® treatment includes the cost of the implants and implant surgery, initial and replacement bridges, diagnostics, and any other services that may be involved. There are also ongoing maintenance costs to consider, such as professional cleaning and repairs when needed. How often your All-On-4® teeth need to be replaced will depend on their material, your oral hygiene, biting forces, and lifestyle factors.

 

References

* Malo P, de Araújo Nobre M, Lopes A, Moss SM, Molina GJ. A longitudinal study of the survival of All-On-4®® implants in the mandible with up to 10 years of follow-up. J Am Dent Assoc 2011;142:310-204