All-on-4® Dental Implants

Are you looking for a new, brilliant smile? All-on-4® dental implants are often an excellent restorative solution for those who wear dentures or who have serious issues with all or most of their teeth. All-on-4® dental implants, officially named “full-arch fixed implant bridges,” are used to replace an entire upper or lower arch (row) of teeth supported by just four or six fixed posts made of biocompatible titanium. Patients with numerous teeth to replace may find All-on-4® more cost and time efficient than managing their teeth individually. 

At this point, you may have more questions than answers, so please know Dr. Duffy is available for a free consultation to help you determine if All-on-4® is right for you.

If you want to learn more about implant basics, these links might be helpful to read first: 

Basics of dental implants here.

Dental implants FAQs here.

A permanent solution

Enjoy new-found freedom and enjoyment

Those who choose All-on-4® implants, for one arch or both, discover a wonderful answer to: 

•       A lifetime of poor-to-marginal dental health
•       Multiple decayed, loose or missing teeth and large gaps
•       Endless dental appliances and procedures or being fully dependent upon dentures
•       No longer looking like your formerly confident self

With All-on-4® implants, these problems are solved by new upper and/or lower arch dental implants. They will look, feel and function like natural teeth and our patients consistently marvel about this. Best yet, the titanium implants are considered permanent and your crowns which are affixed to the implants last about 15 years, though with proper care we intend them to be lifetime solutions.

Improved oral health, a stronger jawbone and better nutrition

Enjoy anything you wish–from corn on the cob to nuts or biting into an apple!

Did you know that dentures or existing gaps from missing teeth will eventually weaken your jawbone?  They can also cause your face to sag due to a lack of structural support. Dentures often cause sores and irritate the gums.

Implants allow your jaw to strengthen naturally and help you chew your food more efficiently. Data suggests that people choosing All-on-4® gain significantly more nutrients due to improved chewing compared to those who wear conventional dentures. Once the biocompatible titanium fuses with your jawbone, your new teeth will function the way they are designed to–with an up to 80-90% chewing efficiency compared to healthy natural teeth, and significantly increased nutrient absorption compared to conventional dentures. 

A boost in function, aesthetics and confidence

The benefits are endless

Your All-on-4® implants will help give you a beautiful and genuine smile. You may also find that your speech is clearer, especially if you are used to slipping dentures or gaps that challenge your speech. We will also help you choose the best shade of white for your smile depending upon your needs: 

•       Match your new teeth to existing teeth
•       Whiten your remaining teeth to match your new teeth 
•       OR if you are having both your upper and lower arches replaced, we’ll help you choose the  shade that’s best for you

 Before you know it, you’ll be tearfully smiling through your daughter’s wedding toast, glowing in family photos, or confidently enjoying a gathering of friends or colleagues.

Your needs are our top priority. 

Our work is not a “cookie cutter” process, it is individualized, putting you, your dental health and overall health needs at the top of our list. It is critical that you have all your questions answered and that you feel comfortable in deciding if All-on-4®dental implants are right for you. Of course we are here to answer your questions along the way, and you will have several appointments along the way.

You will work closely with both Dr. Duffy and his implant partner–a local, trusted oral surgeon to determine if All-on-4® is the best choice for you. Depending upon the state of your dental health, your process or timeline may vary. 

Questions encouraged…

Both Dr. Duffy and your oral surgeon will meet with you during your initial consultations. These appointments will include a thorough exam, imaging, preliminary impressions, an overview of your procedure, timeline, choosing the right shape and color for your new teeth, pricing options and time for questions. Dr. Duffy and the oral surgeon work together as a team. You will have a single invoice (or set of invoices) for your All-on-4® procedure, helping you to avoid duplicate billing and confusion.

Phase 2: Inserting the Implants

Just know, you will never walk out of our offices without beautiful teeth again. 

You will have a custom mold created for your temporary replacement arch and surgical guide that Dr. Duffy and your oral surgeon will both work from. On the day of your procedure, the oral surgeon will remove any remaining teeth and prepare your gums for surgery. Next, four or more titanium implant posts are inserted into your jawbone, where they will fuse together over the next several months. Following your procedure, we will review your home care, pain control and other important information with you. 

During your healing period, you will wear an attractive replacement arch that is affixed to abutments on top of the newly implanted screws. In rare occasions you may have a temporary denture due to the complexity of reconstruction. The timing and type of temporary teeth you receive could depend upon several factors including your existing jawbone health and any medical conditions you might have. You can expect to eat a soft diet during the healing period including cooked meats, vegetables and cooked or soft fruits – anything you easily can cut with a fork.

Phase 3: Affixing you permanent crowns to your implant posts

Are you ready for your “big reveal”?

Once your jawbone is healed and ready to return to natural, efficient chewing, Dr. Duffy will remove any temporarily attached dentures and attach your new arch of teeth to the abutments. He will perform a series of x-rays, measurements and checks to ensure that your new teeth are seated properly, you will be ready to see your beautiful smile of a lifetime!  You may also receive a night guard to protect your new teeth.

Please talk to us about the excellent outcomes our patients are experiencing! And know that right from the start you will have an immediate, usable, temporary All-on-4 rather—than a conventional denture—that will be customized to the shape and color of teeth you desire, giving you vastly improved speaking and eating ability.

To schedule your consultation with Dr. Duffy, call us at (253) 525-5186 or request an appointment via our convenient form.

Read our Dental Implant FAQs