All-on-4™ (Locking Dentures)




Are you dissatisfied with your current dentures? Do you have teeth that are so damaged or decayed that they need to be removed and replaced? Would you like to have the confidence of knowing your teeth won’t move? All-on-4™ (locking dentures) might be for you!
Removable dentures can be problematic in many ways.
- Technology that has been around for hundreds of years.
- They slip, move, and feel unstable.
- Food gets trapped underneath, causing discomfort and possible infections.
- They often require glue to stay in, which is unpleasant to most people.
- Often look fake or “bulky.”
- For an upper denture, the roof of the mouth is covered with plastic/acrylic, which is cumbersome and affects taste perception, speech, and comfort.
- For a lower denture, retention is extremely poor, as the tongue invariably moves it around. In addition, the bulky plastic/acrylic is quite uncomfortable for most people.
Our experienced team of dentists at Saco River Dentistry have extensive experience helping patients improve their overall quality of life using All-on-4™ implant-supported dentures. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Who is a Candidate for All-on-4™?
Ideal candidates for All-on-4™ are typically those who need to replace one or both arches of teeth. This technique is often incorporated into full mouth reconstruction plans for comprehensive smile rejuvenation. In many cases, switching to implant-supported dentures can help those who currently have traditional dentures enjoy greater comfort and smile aesthetics. For patients with one or more of their natural teeth still remaining, one of our dentists can determine if extraction or another restorative technique will best suit you.
One thing that is important to note is that patients interested in All-on-4™ must have sufficient jawbone density to support the dental implants used to anchor the denture prosthetic. During your consultation process, one of our dentists can assess the state of your mouth and jaw to determine whether you are a good candidate. That said, one of the major benefits of the All-on-4™ system is that it usually requires only 4-6 implants per arch, so many people who have been told they were not good candidates for implant restorations in the past may still be eligible for this treatment.
How Long Do All-on-4™ Results Last?
With proper care, All-on-4™ locking dentures can last for decades or even a lifetime. The dental implants used to anchor your locking dentures are designed to become a permanent part of your mouth, fusing fully with the jawbone and gum tissue. That said, the denture prosthetic itself may need to be replaced at some point. This is because the biting and chewing surface sustains natural wear and tear over time.
In order to promote the longevity of your denture appliance, our dentists recommend brushing and flossing regularly and attending your twice-yearly dental visits. This allows a professional to assess your appliance and notice any potential issues—such as teeth grinding—in advance. We also advise patients to avoid biting into excessively hard or pitted foods—such as cherries or ice cubes—that can subject your dentures to excess wear.
For more information about All-on-4™, or to schedule a consultation, please contact our office today.