All-on-4s vs. Traditional Dentures: Why Permanent Solutions Win

You've found yourself needing new teeth, and now you have some big decisions to make. Whether you've been dealing with missing teeth for years or you're just now facing the reality of potentially needing dentures, you're now wondering what the best option could be. Should you roll with traditional dentures, or are All-on-4 dental implants the way to go?

We're going to discuss the differences between these two options, why All-on-4s are gaining popularity, and why people are ditching their dentures for something a little more permanent.

Traditional Dentures: The Good, the Bad, and the Slippery

Dentures have been around for what feels like forever, and for good reason! They're a tried-and-true solution for missing teeth. They're also relatively affordable and can restore a full smile. They sound great, in theory.

Dentures are removable. This means you'll be dealing with your teeth slipping, shifting, and sometimes even popping out when you're mid-sentence or enjoying your favorite meal. Since dentures rest on your gums, they also don't prevent bone loss, which can lead to a sunken facial appearance over time. We also can't forget to bring up the dreaded denture adhesive. If you've ever had to deal with that sticky mess, you know exactly what we mean. If not, imagine a gritty, slimy texture all over your mouth that tastes as bad as it feels.

Even so, traditional dentures can still be a pretty good option for people who aren't candidates for dental implants or who need a more budget-friendly choice for tooth replacement. For those who want a more secure and natural-looking solution, there are All-on-4s.

All-on-4s: The Permanent Upgrade

If traditional dentures are the old-school way to replace missing teeth, All-on-4s are like the high-tech, luxury upgrade. These implants use only four strategically placed anchors to support a full arch of teeth, giving you a brand-new smile that looks, feels, and functions like the real thing.

All-on-4s are fixed in place, unlike dentures, which means no slipping, adhesives, or taking them out at night. They fuse with your jawbone over time, preventing bone loss and maintaining your facial structure over time. That also means no sunken look, just a natural, youthful appearance.

How Does All-on-4 Work?

The procedure itself is pretty straightforward. Your dentist or oral surgeon places four dental implants into your jaw, two at the front and two angled toward the back for maximum stability. These implants act as the foundation for your new set of teeth. In many cases, you can walk out with a temporary set the same day, meaning you won't have to go toothless while waiting for your final restoration.

Once the implants heal (which takes a few months), your permanent teeth are placed, and you're good to go!

The Key Differences: All-on-4 vs. Dentures

1. Stability & Security

Dentures? They move around. All-on-4s? They're permanently fixed and stay put. You won't have to worry about your teeth slipping while eating or talking.

2. Bone Health

Since dentures just sit on your gums, your jawbone will continue to shrink over time. All-on-4s, on the other hand, stimulate the bone like natural teeth, keeping your jaw strong and preventing that sunken look.

3. Comfort

Traditional dentures often cause sore spots and irritation. All-on-4s are fixed in place, meaning no rubbing or discomfort, just a smooth, seamless fit.

4. Functionality

Dentures limit what you can eat, meaning no more steak or crunchy apples. All-on-4s function like real teeth, so you can eat what you want without worry.

5. Maintenance

Dentures require daily removal, soaking, and special cleaning. With All-on-4 implants, you brush and floss like you would with natural teeth. Simple and easy.

6. Longevity

Traditional dentures have to be replaced every five to ten years, sooner if they get lost or broken. All-on-4 implants, when properly taken care of, can last a lifetime.

Are All-on-4s Right for You?

While All-on-4s are an amazing solution for many, they aren't a one-size-fits-all option. The best candidates are healthy adults with significant tooth loss who have enough bone density to support implants (though bone grafting can be an option if needed). A consultation with a skilled implant dentist like Dr. Michael Sohl will help determine if you're a good candidate.

The Verdict: Why Permanent Solutions Win

When it comes down to it, traditional dentures can be a decent quick fix, but they come with some significant downsides. Stability issues, ongoing maintenance, and long-term bone loss are only a few. All-on-4s genuinely leave you feeling like you've gotten your real teeth back. No more worrying about replacing your dentures or feeling out of place when someone offers you a piece of gum that isn't sugar-free.

Your Next Steps

Life's too short for dentures that won't stay put. Are you ready to get rid of the adhesives, the slipping, and the constant worry? All-on-4 implants might just be the answer you've been looking for. Book a consultation with your dentist or an experienced implant specialist, like Dr. Michael Sohl, who can review your oral health, weigh all of your options with you, and help you take the next step toward a confident, permanent smile.