The Smile Revolution
Posted: Thursday 6 January 2011 10:35am
QUESTION:
I have spent a fortune on my teeth over the years because of periodontal disease and they are just getting worse. My dentist says eventually I will lose a lot of them and that I am a candidate in the not-too-distant for very expensive bridge implant work – even dentures. I’m only in my late 30s and I don’t want dentures! I also can’t afford to keep spending thousands of dollars every year in dental bills. I have heard of a new treatment that replaces your teeth but in a permanent way, and that after the initial outlay there will be virtually nothing to spend on my teeth for years. Where can I get this?
ANSWER:
The procedure you describe is called All-On-4™, a revolutionary and relatively new, cost effective way of replacing dentures or failing teeth.
Unlike traditional bridge or implant work, the time to loading or delivery is shortened to between three and five days as opposed to between four to six months.
There is a cost benefit too – All-On-4™ is roughly half that of the traditional way of doing implants and bridge work.
The “bridge” in this situation is a whole arch of fixed teeth supported by only four titanium implants (two straight and two angled) inserted strategically in the bone of the jaw.
All-On-4™ can be used in either the upper or lower jaw to support an immediate fixed bridge that looks, feels and functions similarly to natural teeth in three to five days. It cannot be removed the patient.
The implants are much the same as traditional implants but, as mentioned, some of them are angled. Because of this they can be placed even where there is very little bone, such as often found in the back of the jaws and most often avoids grafting.
The angled implants combined with the fixed rigid bar around the arch strengthen the implants.
The All-On-4™ procedure involves a full bridge of new, permanent teeth being fitted on to four titanium implants (two straight, two angled) in either or both upper and lowers jaws.
Since fewer implants are by comparison with other methods, it allows for simpler cleaning, while still delivering optimal results.
This procedure is a new treatment for full arch rehabilitation for people who have lost all of their teeth or are about to lose their teeth. It is suitable for almost all cases.
WHAT HAPPENS FIRST
* The first step is an oral examination to discuss treatment options and to determine the best solution that suits your individual needs
* Diagnostic radiographs and scans are taken to determine the final position of the implants. Pre-treatment photographs and cast models are also prepared.
* Diagnostic data is used to plan the optimal position of the final teeth for aesthetics, function and speech. A special guide is also prepared at this stage for placement of the implants and positioning the teeth.
What your new All-On-4™ teeth could look like.
GETTIING YOUR NEW SMILE
Day 1: Implants
The jaw is prepared to receive implants and the implants are strategically placed according to the surgical guide. Impressions are taken of the implants. Clinical indexing is done with a guide that has the teeth in the chosen position.
Day 2: Try in
Teeth are set in wax and are tried in your mouth within 24-48 hours following surgery. Adjustments of tooth position and color can be made at this stage, however, this is not always necessary.
Days 3-5: New Teeth
Your permanent new fully-fixed replacement teeth are inserted on Days 3-5 in most cases.
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