Are All-on-4 Dental Implants Removable?
Every day patients come to me for advice and have questions concerning tooth replacement options for a full arch or full mouth of missing teeth. There are so many options and so many names it can be confusing to those seeking the best option to replace an entire arch of teeth. One of the questions asked is "Are All-on-4 dental implants removable?" Because there are other types of implant options like Snap-in or snap-on dentures, it can be confusing what is meant by the term "All-on-4/All-on-four". If you're missing most of your teeth or all of your teeth need to be removed, replacing them is crucial. Luckily, dental implant therapy is a great option for tooth loss. This can come in the form of Snap-in Dentures or All-on-4 Dental Implants. Both of these treatments use implants to support the teeth and are secured in the jawbone, but there are significant differences.
Snap-in Dentures vs. All-on-4 Dental Implants
The short answer to the question is No, All-on-4 dental implants are not removable. Also known as dental hybrids, they rely on dental implants to anchor them in place and hold them securely. All-on-4 teeth are permanently installed and completely supported by these implants keeping it in place. Dental implants posts are made of titanium that act like tooth roots and are attached to the jawbone. Once dental implants fuse with the jawbone, known as osseointegration, the all-on-4 replacement teeth can then be connected. All-on-4 dental implants use just four implants to replace a full arch of teeth meaning either all of the upper teeth or all of the lower teeth are replaced. The dental hybrids are secured to the implants by your dentist and can only be removed by your dentist when or if needed. All-on-four implants are a permanent and fixed solution to tooth replacement unlike other options like conventional dentures or even removable overdentures (Snap-in dentures).
The biggest difference between complete conventional dentures / traditional dentures and snap-in dentures is that both of these are removable dentures. These removable options are to be taken out daily for proper cleaning, care, and maintenance. They are not to be slept in and should be removed and cleaned nightly before bed and should be kept out overnight to allow the tissues to rest.
Like natural teeth, All-on-4 implants are not removable and never come out of the mouth during eating, teeth cleaning, or ever unless your dentist sees a need to remove them for hygiene or maintenance.
It's also important to note the difference in materials used with the fixed vs removable options. All-on-4 teeth use a much harder and more easily maintained material. Conventional dentures or snap-in dentures are made of an acrylic base with acrylic teeth bonded to it which can break more easily and pick up stains more easily. The all-on-4 teeth use materials like zirconia which is known in dentistry as "ceramic steel" because of its beautiful aesthetics and strength.
Benefits of All-on-4 Implants vs Removable Traditional Dentures and Overdentures
- Permanent and Fixed - removed only by your dentist when/if needed
- Better Materials - harder, more aesthetic and easier to maintain
- Eliminates Roof Of Mouth Coverage - avoids the "gag reflex"
- Provides Nearly 100% Chewing Function - removable options only restore a fraction of the chewing function
There are many different ways to replace a full set of teeth, but using permanent implants, placed by a reputable implant dentist is one of the most popular for providing health, and well-being and they can last a lifetime. To find out how you can restore your smile with as little as four implants per arch either upper or lower, with a look and feel like natural teeth, call Restore in 24 today at 678-496-3717 and schedule a complimentary, no obligation consultation.
