When it comes to teeth replacement, there is so much to choose from. It will vary depending on your budget, the quality, and the length of treatment. All-on-X and Implant-supported bridges are the two of the best options out there.
There’s a reason why they are far superior to partials, full dentures, and fixed bridges. Both offer more natural-looking and longer-lasting teeth. Let’s compare these two treatments so you can see what best suits your smile.
What Are Implant-Supported Bridges?
Implant-supported bridges replace missing teeth between two or more existing teeth. It’s usually a two-week process with two appointments. The first involves prepping the teeth that will hold the bridge in place, and the second involves cementing the bridge itself.
Now, bridges have some pros. They’re a faster option than traditional ones. Typically, it takes just two weeks, with one prep appointment and one for cementation. They’re also generally inexpensive, at least in the short term. Sounds good, right? Let’s talk about the cons.
Bridges can be hard to keep clean, especially under the bridge itself. Flossing becomes more challenging, and food debris can get trapped there. Another downside is their lifespan. If one of the teeth holding the bridge gets damaged or decays, the entire bridge needs to be replaced.
Unfortunately, sometimes perfectly healthy teeth need to be prepped for the bridge. Even if these teeth have no fillings or crowns, they’ll still be ground down to support the bridge. It’s not ideal to alter healthy teeth for this purpose.
What Are All-On-X Implants?
One of the coolest things we do in dentistry is the all-on-X treatment approach. All-on-X refers to placing a minimum of four, ideally six or more implants, in a jaw with missing teeth. These implants then support a special restoration called a hybrid denture.
Imagine losing all your teeth decades ago. Traditional dentures are acrylic prosthetics that visually replace teeth but rely on suction or adhesive for stability. They can be uncomfortable and affect your ability to taste and enjoy food.
All-on-X treatment transforms lives. We place implants in the remaining bone and attach a fixed hybrid denture. This denture can’t be removed, won’t come loose while eating, and doesn’t cover the palate, maximizing taste sensation. It’s a game-changer for confidence, function, and aesthetics.
The only downside of an All-on-X restoration is that it is done in stages over several appointments. This includes digital impressions, photos, facial scans to determine the ideal teeth size, and a CT scan to assess your bone volume. Based on this information, we’ll decide if you need four or six implants (the number doesn’t affect the final outcome).
What To Choose?
The quickest answer to this depends on the current state of your teeth. If you’re not missing all of your teeth. If you have a couple or several healthy teeth, then a full restoration is not needed. This means we can replace individual pieces between the teeth or use an implant-supported bridge.
Now, if you’re at a point wherein we have to do a full lower or upper bracket set, then an all-on-x is the way to go. From 4-14 teeth per arch, depending on the severity of your case.
Conclusion
Both of these treatments are great. They provide a reliable solution and a far more aesthetically pleasing smile. If you’re unsure of what to choose, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Here at Hillhurst Dentures, our goal is to give you the best treatment without sacrificing your overall health. We will walk you through the process and make sure that the solution we provide aligns with your goal. Whether you’re missing several teeth or need a full-arch implant, we are here to help.