If you have missing or decayed teeth, the thought of dealing with dentures for the rest of your life can be depressing. Thankfully, there is now a procedure for permanent dentures that can restore your smile and your ability to eat without restriction. Often referred to as a smile makeover, getting all-on-x dental implants for replacement teeth gives you the benefits of full-mouth restoration and the convenience of permanently anchored replacement teeth that look and feel like your natural teeth.
Continue reading to learn more about the benefits of all-on-x dental implants and where to find the best dental implant dentist in Houston.
All-on-X vs. Traditional Dental Implants: What’s Best for You?
A question we at Sapphire Smiles often get is, “What is the difference between traditional dental implants and all-on-X?” Traditional dental implants are a great option if you have one or two missing teeth, but getting “all-on-X” dental implants is an innovative approach to restoring your smile if you have several teeth that need to be replaced.
With traditional implants, each replacement tooth is secured with individual anchors. All-on-X dental implants, however, can replace an entire row of missing teeth secured with four to six strategically placed anchors along the upper or lower jaw.
What Are the Benefits of All-on-X Dental Implants?
All-on-X dental implants utilize fewer implants to support a full arch of teeth, offering a cost-effective and minimally invasive route to full-mouth reconstruction if you have multiple missing teeth. The benefits of all-on-x include:
1. Improved Quality of Life
If you have several missing or decayed teeth, chewing and talking may be difficult. Additionally, if your missing teeth aren't replaced, you may suffer bone loss in your jaw, which can lead to even more difficulty with eating.
Dental implants are the best way to replace teeth and prevent bone loss without having to deal with dentures for the rest of your life. Since all-on-x implants look and feel like natural teeth, most patients experience an immediate increase in their quality of life.
2. A Long-term Solution
Dental implants are made to last. In fact, their 10-year survival rate is over 96%. However, proper maintenance is the best way to extend the life of dental implants. This includes good oral health habits, like brushing and flossing regularly and attending regular dental check-ups with your dentist. Having good oral health habits not only keeps your dental implants in great condition but also ensures that your gums stay healthy.
3. Easy to Maintain
After your dental implants are secured, you need to do little else besides continuing a good dental hygiene routine. With proper care, your dental implants are designed to last several years and even a lifetime. Since all-on-x implants replace a full arch of teeth, you won’t have to worry about getting more implants placed later in life.
4. Better Option When Compared to Dentures
Dentures often slip and can feel unnatural to some people. They also require specialized cleaning and may need to be replaced every few years due to cracks or changes in anatomy. Additionally, people who have dentures often suffer bone loss, which can result in dentures becoming uncomfortable or needing adjustment or replacement.
For many years, dentures were the only option for those with missing teeth. While dentures are a great option for some, especially older people, dental implants offer a more comfortable, natural-looking, and permanent option for replacing teeth.
Are All-on-x Dental Implants Right For Me?
There are a couple of things to consider before you decide if all-on-x dental implants are right for you. The first thing to consider is how many teeth you need to have replaced. If you have just one or two teeth that need to be replaced, then getting a full arch restoration is not necessary. However, if all or most of your teeth are missing or otherwise not serving you in the best way that they could, a full arch restoration may be right for you.
Because dental implants are permanently secured to your jawbone, you need to have enough jawbone to place the anchor. In some cases, a bone graft can be done if you lack enough bone in a small area. But if you have had missing teeth for a while, you may not have enough jawbone to hold in dental implants.
One last thing to consider is your oral health habits. Dental implants are manufactured to resist tooth decay from plaque and tartar, but your gums and the rest of your mouth still need regular cleaning. In fact, good oral hygiene is one way to ensure that your dental implants last for years.
Get All-on-X Dental Implants in Houston
At Sapphire Smiles, we understand that a full mouth restoration is a big step for you.
Choosing a restorative dentist who is an expert in the latest techniques and technology is important for your comfort and the success of your dental implants. That’s why Dr. Antoun and the team at Sapphire Smiles make it a priority to stay up-to-date on all the latest treatment options, techniques, and strategies in restorative dentistry.
Sapphire Smiles also uses state-of-the-art imaging, 3D intraoral scans, and the most advanced surgical planning software on the market to meticulously plan and perform this life-changing treatment. Our process not only ensures that you have the best treatment plan for your needs but also ensures that you are as comfortable as possible during every stage of treatment.
Are you ready to get a confident smile with the best dental implant dentist in Texas?