An arch is defined as a whole curved row of teeth in either the upper jaw or lower jaw. These play a key role in everything from chewing and speaking to maintaining proper facial structure. These are essential for daily living.
While the upper dental arch has about 16 teeth, the lower arch has only 14. Unfortunately, issues ranging from decay and gum disease to poor oral hygiene can all lead to a problem many of us fear: missing teeth.
But fear no more: dental implants are a great solution to this problem. When patients lose most or all their teeth in one of their arches, full-arch dental implants provide a great solution. They offer permanent, functional, and aesthetic solutions that can significantly enhance oral health and overall quality of life.
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What Are Full Arch Dental Implants?
Acting as artificial tooth roots, full-arch dental implants securely anchor to the jawbone using a few surgically placed titanium implants. Traditional dentures may shift or loosen, but these can stay in place, giving you more confidence with your smile.
One of the most common techniques for complete arch restoration is the All-on-4 dental implant system. Using strategic placement, the four titanium implants are positioned in the front of the arch, where the bone is most dense, to ensure maximum bone support and minimize the need for bone grafting. Additional systems include the All-on-5 or All-on-6 dental implant system.
The Benefits of Full Arch Dental Implants
In addition to the fact that this offers a more permanent solution, choosing a complete arch restoration provides several additional advantages over traditional removable dentures:
- Improved Oral Health: Dental implants stimulate the jawbone like natural tooth roots, thereby helping to prevent bone loss. Full-arch dental implants also help promote the surrounding bone.
- Long-term Durability: With proper care, full arch implants can last for decades, often for the remainder of a patient’s life, providing a lasting solution.
- Appearance of Natural Teeth: They closely resemble real teeth in both aesthetics and function.
- Daily Comfort: Most importantly, this allows patients to get back to their everyday lives, eating, speaking, and smiling confidently and with ease.
Are Full Arch Implants the Right Fit for You?
Different treatment options are available for replacing lost teeth, and several factors may influence which options are right for you. Your dental provider will ask about your medical and dental history, evaluate your oral health, perform necessary imaging, and help you weigh the benefits of full-arch implants versus other options (such as removable dentures, individual implants, or dental bridges.) They can help you make an informed decision about what makes the most sense for your dental implant procedure.
Take the Next Step Toward a Confident Smile
Full arch dental implants are a transformative solution for patients missing most or all their teeth in one or both jaws. If you’re ready to regain a secure, functional, and natural-looking smile, the first step is to contact our office today to schedule an initial consultation. Our experienced team is here to help you restore your dental health and confidence with a new smile.