The Many Ways All On 4™ Implants Can Change Your Life, PART 1

In 1993, Portuguese implantologist Dr. Paulo Malo pioneered a dental implant technique used to treat patients who have lost most or all of their teeth or who have a failing dentition as a result of periodontal disease or advanced decay. The technique is known as the “All On 4™” and to date it has changed the lives of tens of thousands of people in America and around the world. The conventional approach to treating edentulism (the state of not having a single original adult tooth left) and near-edentulism was to have removable dentures fitted. This outdated technology comes with a host of daily challenges and repeat expenses and tends to decrease one’s quality of life markedly. Until the innovation of All On 4 implants, patients were either forced to wear removable dentures or spend as many as 18 months in and out of surgery in order to get a new set of teeth placed. Today the All On 4™ is regarded by many experts as the standard of care for patients in need of new teeth. In this three-part article series, we shall be discussing the many benefits and advantages this breakthrough technique offers over and above the conventional approaches to remedying tooth loss. What Are All On 4™ Implants?

The All On 4™ is a technique that involves the strategic placement of four dental implants in regions of the jaw that tend to be resistant to atrophy and therefore typically contains sufficient bone volume. A customized, non-removable prosthetic dental bridge (which looks, feels and functions like a full set of teeth) is then attached to these implants. One of the biggest problems facing traditional dental

implant techniques is jawbone atrophy (shrinkage) as a result of tooth loss. As a result, older dental implant techniques typically require bone grafting beforehand, so that sufficient bone volume can be achieved for the placement of implants. The All On 4™

has totally revolutionized the field of fixed-oral rehabilitation because of its ability to almost always avoid this additional painful and expensive step. Many of the benefits afforded by this protocol are a result of this key feature. All On 4™ Implants give Patients Non-removable Teeth Unlike traditional dentures, the All On 4™ gives patients teeth that are fixed (no removable) in the mouth. This means that they cannot shift around or fall out and they do not require removal for cleaning, maintenance or for soaking at nighttime. Being non-removable, patients can enjoy the following benefits:

No need to remove teeth for cleaning. The All On 4™ bridge is maintained similarly to natural teeth.

No need to remove teeth at night time for soaking.

Forget the social embarrassment caused by teeth that visibly move around in your mouth while eating or during conversation.

Teeth that feel comfortable and natural. All on 4™ Implants Facilitate a Stronger Bite

Stratford dental implants are anchored in the jawbone just like natural teeth. This enables the bridge they support to function like natural teeth and facilitate a strong and healthy bite. As a result, patients can enjoy a much greater variety of foods quite comfortably. This is very different than dentures, which rest directly upon the soft tissue (gums) covering the jawbone. Because they transmit all the eating forces directly to the gums, dentures are known to often be quite

painful and uncomfortable to eat with. Malnutrition and angry oral sores are typical consequences of denture wearing, which is why the All On 4™ is regarded as a much better solution to missing teeth. Stay Tuned for Part 2 To find out more about the benefits and advantages of the All On 4, stay tuned for the second installment of this three-part article series.