Dentures, and their various alternatives, such as the All-on-4® system, have long been the go-to solution to replace an entire arch of missing teeth, but did you know that denture technology goes back centuries? As far back as 2500 BC, dentures were made from animal teeth, and the installation process was (to put it lightly) not as comfortable as it is today. As technologies evolved, so did dentures. At one time, dentures were being made from bone, wood, or ivory, then hard rubber or early plastic. Today, we use acrylic or porcelain to fabricate dentures.
But the dental advancements don’t stop there—the development of dental implants allowed new teeth to be firmly attached to the jawbone, leading to a denture option known as the All-on-4® treatment. While this approach is still in use today, at Brockley Dental Center, we use the Fix-on-Six® system. This new-and-improved denture option is a superior method for replacing a full set of upper or lower teeth.
What Is All-on-4®?
The key to this denture system is in the name: “All” the teeth in a dental implant bridge are attached to approximately 4 traditional dental implants. This procedure provides good stability while allowing a full set of teeth to be replaced in a secure, straightforward manner. However, this system does come with some drawbacks.
First, it uses traditional dental implants, which require multiple visits to install and healing time between each stage of implantation. The large implants need to fully fuse to the jawbone before the denture can be mounted, extending the treatment timeline. Also, with only four support points, should one of the implants fail in any way, it would be like having one of the beams holding up the roof of your house collapse.
Thanks to advancements in implant dentistry, the All-on-4® system has been upgraded using mini dental implants. This innovative solution is called the Fix-on-Six® system.
Fix-on-Six®: The All-on-4® Replacement
Just like with its predecessor, the Fix-on-Six® system works just the way it sounds, with approximately six implants anchoring a dental bridge designed to replace a full arch of teeth. But aside from a greater number of implants, what makes the Fix-on-Six® system such an upgrade? The key is the innovation of mini dental implants. These tiny but powerful titanium posts are less than half the size of traditional implants, measuring under 3 millimeters wide. This toothpick-sized profile allows them to be placed in areas that couldn’t accommodate standard implants, such as jawbones with less density.
The bridge itself is made from Zirconia, the strongest and most durable dental replacement material available, and with the additional stability of the extra mini implants, the Fix-on-Six® system provides unparalleled comfort, fit, and security.
While you might think that having more implants placed equates to more discomfort, longer procedure times, and greater costs, the opposite is true. Keep reading to learn more.
The Mini Implant Benefit of Fix-on-Six®
In addition to the increased stability they bring to a Fix-on-Six® denture, mini dental implants provide plenty of other benefits as well:
- Lower cost: Who knew that a smaller size would also come with a smaller price tag? Mini implants are more cost-effective than their traditional counterparts because of their streamlined design and easy installation, which saves you money.
- Less invasiveness: The smaller profile and design of mini implants make their placement a much less invasive procedure, leading to a quicker installation and an overall smoother procedure.
- Quicker recovery: Since the procedure is less invasive, most patients are back to their normal routine within 24-48 hours.
- Less bone required: Because of their small size, mini implants are an option for a wider range of patients who may have suffered bone loss due to missing teeth.
- Fewer appointments: Traditional implants often need multiple visits spread out over many months in order to complete the process. Meanwhile, mini implants can be installed in just one appointment. Imagine, walking into our office in the morning and walking home the same day with a brand-new smile!
While mini implants do offer a lower cost than traditional implants of the All-on-4® system, we understand that any medical procedure will come with a certain amount of financial stress. At Brockley Dental Center, we’ll help you navigate the confusing maze of insurance paperwork to make sure you’re getting the most from your benefits. We also work with the healthcare lender CareCredit to offer flexible payment options that will fit your budget.
Upgrade Your Smile Today
Have you been reluctant to show off your smile due to missing teeth? Are you struggling with loose dentures? With the Fix-on-Six® treatment using mini dental implants, you can enjoy newfound confidence eating, speaking, smiling, and laughing.
At Brockley Dental Center, our experienced team, led by Dr. Donald Brockley, is here to walk you through all your denture options, help you find the solution that’s right for you, and provide expert service and care from consultation to completion. Don’t let tooth loss hold you back from the lifestyle you want. Call today to schedule a consultation and start the journey towards a confident smile once again.