05/08/2024
What is an all on four implant retained denture and why is it better than a traditional denture?
First, let’s talk about the traditional old fashioned dentures like your parents or grandparents wore. Or maybe you are currently dealing with right now.
The advantage of an old fashioned denture is cost up front. However, as traditional acrylic dentures have to be repaired, relined, and replaced over a lifetime, the cost savings long term are not as significant.
Old fashioned traditional dentures rely on suction to keep them in place. This mandates that the dentures must be made of acrylic or another plastic so it is light enough to stay in place.
The traditional upper dentures also must cover the roof of the mouth in order to acquire the necessary suction needed not to fall out. Acrylic is a strong plastic but can still fracture and have the teeth fall out if the wearer has a hard bite.
Covering the roof of the mouth affects speech, can cause some people to gag, and changed the way food tastes. It also limits the wearer’s diet.
It is difficult for lower old fashioned dentures to successfully achieve suction as the cheeks and tongue are putting upwards pressure on them whenever the wearer talks or eats.
Our jawbone resorbs once all teeth are removed. These traditional dentures require the wearer to have their dentures relined with more acrylic and/or rely on denture adhesive to try to keep them in place.
Traditional dentures must be replaced over time to achieve proper suction. It is also common to expect repairs for cracks and broken teeth. Unless the wearer has a backup set of dentures, they might have to go days without any teeth while the denture is sent to a lab.
Now, let’s talk about All on Four SecureSmile Implant Dentures. The gold standard for replacing teeth. These dentures are held in place by dental implants that fuse to your bone and anchor to place.
The term all on four comes from the traditional placement of four implants in the top jaw and four implants in the lower jaw.
We call our all on four dentures SecureSmiles because they stay in securely in place!
Placing these implants dramatically reduces the rate your jawbone resorbs as the implants give it a purpose to stay.
The implants also allow for a stronger material to be used and less of it since suction is no longer required. This means the roof of your mouth is not covered! You will also be able to eat and talk easier without fear of the bottom denture coming loose.
SecureSmiles are 3D printed out of a ceramic material called Zirconia. Unlike the old fashioned acrylic dentures, the Zirconia Secure Smiles are made to last a life time.
The only time our SecureSmile dentures come out is when Dr. Hafen removes them for a yearly cleaning!
Home care of a SecureSmile includes brushing the dentures as you would your real teeth and flossing/water flossing around the implants. We will also provide you with a custom mouthguard to help protect your SecureSmile from grinding while you sleep. That’s it!
You do have to allow time for the jaw bone to heal and bond with the implants. During this time frame, you will need to eat a soft diet. But once the implants are securely attached to the bone, you can eat apples, steaks, bite into pizza, and any other food you desire!
SecureSmiles are an investment of time and cost upfront. But the payoff is long term ease of use and quality of life!
If you would like to learn if an All on Four SecureSmile Implant Denture is right for you, schedule your consultation with Dr. Jerame Hafen at Olympia Hills Family Dental today! 210-658-3131
