Dental patients who have partial or total teeth loss sometimes want a more permanent solution to typical dentures. Using a process called dental implants, your dentist can give you a beautiful smile that rarely comes out of your mouth. However, depending on the condition of your mouth, some patients are better suited for an “all-on-4” dental implant restoration vs. an “all-on-6” dental implant restoration or vice versa. These two different types of dental procedures still provide you with a beautiful smile. The only difference is the number of implants placed.
Learn more about quality dental implants in New Orleans.
Choosing Between All-On-4 vs. All-On-6 Dental Implants
While either option can give you a beautiful smile, understanding the purpose of dental implants and how the two types differ can help you choose which option works best for you.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dentists use dental implants to take the place of missing teeth. First, the dentist or dental specialist surgically places the dental implant into your jawbone. The bone will grow up and around the implant over the next few months. Part of the dental implant remains above your gum line and is used as an anchor for full or partial teeth coverage.
The fixed dental implant prosthesis makes life easier by providing all of the benefits of dentures and none of the disadvantages, such as constant worry that teeth may fall out. Instead, you’ll enjoy smiling, eating, and talking as though you had your natural teeth. You can even brush and floss normally, making it easier to maintain great oral health.
The only reason that a dentist would refuse a patient’s request for dental implants is due to poor jaw bone stability. Without a strong jaw bone, dental implants are unable to provide the necessary stable groundwork to handle removable or fixed teeth replacements.
What’s the Difference Between All-On-4 vs. All-On-6 Dental Implants?
When patients request full-mouth dental implants, the question is whether they are a better candidate for an all-on-4 vs. an all-on-6 dental implant procedure. The major difference between these two procedures includes the addition of two extra dental implants which provide better structural integrity for the placement of the teeth. Both types of implant restorations offer a strong basis for proper full mouth rehabilitation, but the choice between an all-on-6 instead of an all-on-4 will depend on whether the surgeon feels you need extra stability.
Other differences exist between all-on-6 vs. all-on-4 dental implants. One consists of the teeth’s shape, with all-on-6 implants standing more parallel than all-on-4. Another difference lies in cost, with all-on-6 costing more than all-on-4. This expected increase is due to the need for placement of two additional dental implants.
How to Know Which Type of Implant Restoration Works Best for You
Your dentist will help you determine whether all-on-6 or all-on-4 dental implants work best for your mouth. Some ways your dentist can determine which type you need include:
- The shape of your mouth
- The size of your mouth
- The type of bite you have
- The stability of your jaw bone
- The angle of your natural teeth
Your budget may also help your dentist determine the best way to treat you. Many dentists can offer payment plans or put you in contact with third party lenders designed specifically to help patients with expensive dental procedures. Many factors affecting the budget for successful teeth implant procedure include:
- The number of teeth needing replacement
- The material used for the implant restoration
- Whether additional bone grafts or sinus lifts are necessary
Professional All-On-4 and All-On-6 Dental Implants From the Best Local New Orleans Dentist
When trying to choose between all-on-4 vs. all-on-6 dental implants, your dentist can help you make the best decision for your dental health. Get answers to questions like, “How long do dental implants last?” and more when you work with the best dental team in the area. When you need new teeth and want only the best dentistry, contact Dental Arts of New Orleans by calling (504) 394-5330.
