Dental science is an incredible gift. It allows us to understand the importance of dental hygiene and its role in our overall health. Moreover, if we should ever lose any of our teeth, dentists and oral surgeons have the tools they need to help us fix the problem to get our health back on track.
Explore three of the most popular dental implants—all-on-four, snap-on dentures, and three-on-six. Discover which might be the best treatment for you after a 3D scan has been taken. The findings from these diagnostic tests will determine the most suitable treatment plan for your condition.
All-on-4 Implants
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of all on four implants vs. snap-on dentures vs. three-on-six, a firm understanding of the procedures behind each is required. All-on-four implants are incredibly durable artificial teeth that replicate the natural shape and appearance of your mouth and jaw.
Procedure and Care:
Dentists only need to install four of these implants to support a full-arch prosthesis, which imitates the appearance of a healthy dental bridge—hence the moniker, all-on-four implants. These artificial bridges are permanent modifications, and dentists typically attach them to tooth implants.
When set on four implants, this denture hybrid stretches across your gum line, giving you full coverage and strength. The care and maintenance of these implants are pretty typical. You’ll need to brush your teeth as you usually would. Scheduling regular dentist visits to ensure your implants are still functioning is also vital.
Benefits:
Because they’re permanent, you never have to worry about taking your all-on-four implants out. They also offer a bit more support than traditional dentures. As a result, your jaw will be stronger, and you’ll have an easier time biting into things without risking breakage.
Plus, they’re attached to your implants, meaning you don’t have to fuss with anything moving out of place as you eat. As a bonus, all-on-four implants mimic the natural look and shape of your teeth, so you can also keep your beautiful smile intact!
Snap-On Dentures
Another viable tooth restoration option is snap-on dentures. Snap-on dentures are much like their removable counterparts. But what makes them distinct is their ability to snap into and stay in an immovable position as you go about your day.
Procedure and Care:
Snap-on dentures have two to four locators under their “plate.” These tiny parts attach to the top of implant abutments, allowing them to click into place and stay put. Thus, part of this procedure requires installing abutments or implant supports. Care routines for snap-on dentures are identical to that of traditional dentures and, in general, look like this:
- Soak your dentures in a cleansing solution overnight
- Brush them clean each morning
- Wipe your mouth with a washcloth
Benefits:
Of course, this overview wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t discuss the benefits of these click-in-place dentures. These dentures are significantly more stable than more traditional choices. They’re far less likely to become loose or move around as you speak or eat.
Plus, they enhance your chewing capacity, so most sticky and hard foods are not an issue. On top of that, snap-on dentures preserve your jawbone and prevent bone loss. If that isn’t enough to entice you, they’re also far more comfortable and natural-looking than other denture options.
3-on-6 Implants
Who Is a Candidate for These Implants?
Your eligibility for three-on-six implants largely depends on how much bone you have.
How Do 3-on-6 Implants Function?
These implants work by separating each arch into three independent sections, called bridges.
Each bridge holds four artificial crowns and is anchored into the jaw by two implants. Since it takes three bridges to cover an arch, you will have a total of six implants.
3-on-6 Implants vs. All-on-4 Implants
Three-on-six and all-on-four implants are similar in that both give you artificial roots and crowns. A key difference, however, is that all-on-fours include synthetic gums.
The choice between all-on-fours and three-on-six implants should be driven by clinical evaluation, not personal preference.
An all-on-four works best in situations where the patient doesn’t have sufficient bone to support an implant. It is also the best treatment solution for patients with combination defects, i.e., missing teeth, insufficient bone, and overlying tissue problems.
If you’re only missing teeth and do not have combination defects, then three-on-six implants are usually the ideal treatment option.
If you maintain your implants properly, they should last a lifetime. You will still need to floss and brush and avoid smoking and drugs; these habits can affect bone density and the implant’s longevity.
Which Is Best for You?
But which of these incredibly supportive and beneficial dental implants is the right choice for you? On the one hand, all-on-four implants are an excellent pick for those with higher budgets. They’re fantastic for those who need a low-maintenance care routine without compromising the integrity and shape of their natural smile.
On the other hand, snap-on dentures are great for those who have limited budgets and don’t mind a more involved maintenance routine but want extra support, strength, and stability. Whichever you choose, give Engel Institute a call. We’ll answer any questions and set you up with our dental experts for the best all-on-four, snap-on procedures and even same-day dentures in Charlotte, North Carolina.
