Four dental implants utilized for a secure bite through the All-on-4 technique
The All-on-4 implant method, first introduced in 1998 by Professor Paulo Malo, offers a more efficient and cost-effective alternative to traditional dental implants. This innovative approach requires only four implants to anchor a complete set of teeth, one implant per jaw, making it less invasive and more affordable[2][4][5].
Unlike traditional implants, the All-on-4 method minimises the need for bone grafting. It achieves this by using angled implants that maximise existing bone[2][4]. This results in a faster treatment timeline, with patients often receiving temporary teeth the same day as surgery, enabling quicker recovery[2][4].
In terms of function and comfort, All-on-4 implants provide stability and bite force close to natural teeth (around 80-90%), superior to dentures (25-50%) and comparable to traditional implants for chewing and speaking[1][3]. Additionally, All-on-4 stimulates the jawbone, maintaining bone density and facial structure, which dentures do not[1][3].
The All-on-4 method also presents as a cost-effective solution in the long run, despite requiring a significant upfront investment. This is due to fewer implants, less surgery, and durability, compared to both dentures and traditional implants[1][4]. The method is often suitable for patients with moderate bone loss who might otherwise need grafting before traditional implants[2][4].
However, the All-on-4 method is not without its drawbacks. The implant positioning is prosthetically dictated, limiting free-hand adjustment and requiring precise surgical planning with CAD/CAM technology[1]. The structure uses cantilevers that cannot exceed certain lengths proportional to the mouth, potentially limiting prosthetic design and strength[1]. Additionally, while All-on-4 offers a high level of stability, traditional implant methods with a higher number of implants may offer greater overall stability and strength in some cases[2].
It's important to note that individuals with severe bone loss or different oral health conditions may not be ideal candidates for All-on-4 without additional procedures[4].
In terms of materials, titanium and metal bodies coated with titanium oxide are widely used and stable materials in implant surgery, as well as in general medicine[6]. These materials allow the jawbone to grow onto their surface quickly, providing a secure hold for the implant body. However, titanium is susceptible to the buildup of unwanted bacteria, which can compromise the implant, making excellent oral hygiene a crucial prerequisite.
The treatment process for All-on-4 involves precise planning, including a 3D X-ray technique to analyze the bone offer and its quality. The patient experiences the actual intervention as follows: first, the remaining teeth are removed, then the patient rests while the dental technician manufactures the perfectly fitting dental prosthesis. The patient leaves the practice after a few hours of treatment, followed by a few follow-up checks a few days later[7].
In summary, the All-on-4 implant method is efficient, less invasive, faster to complete, and preserves bone better than dentures. Compared to traditional implants, it uses fewer implants and often avoids bone grafting but requires high surgical precision and may have design and stability limitations in certain cases[1][2][3][4][5].
The All-on-4 implants not only offer family members a cost-effective solution for dental health-and-wellness, but they also provide stability and bite force, ensuring comfort similar to natural teeth. Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential to prevent the buildup of unwanted bacteria on the titanium implant materials, ensuring the longevity of the implants for future generations.
