Restorative dentistry can be a game-changer when it comes to repairing or replacing decayed, damaged, or missing teeth. There are a range of options available, including All-on-4® treatment.
All-on-4® treatment is a dental restoration solution that offers a long-term, fixed alternative to traditional dentures. All-on-4® involves replacing an arch of teeth supported on only four dental implants in either the upper or lower jawbone.
All-on-4® leverages innovative technology to overcome bone deficiencies and also doesn’t require time-consuming and invasive bone grafts. Compared to older, traditional dental implants, All-on-4® reduces the number of implants required and increases the success rate. The All-on-4® treatment concept has a proven success rate of 98%.
If you’re considering All-on-4® treatment, you might have questions regarding the process and chances of All-on-4® teeth chipping, cracking, or breaking. Although the chances are low, it is possible to damage All-on-4® teeth if proper aftercare measures aren’t taken.
What Are The Chances of All-on-4® Teeth Chipping, Cracking or Breaking?
All-on-4®dental implants use high-quality, biocompatible titanium posts (implants) that serve as the stable foundation for a full arch of teeth. The replacement teeth are typically made from high-impact acrylic, a durable material designed to be long-lasting and withstand the forces of regular oral function.
Normal oral use includes drinking and eating food. Under normal circumstances, it’s extremely rare for All-on-4® teeth to chip, crack, or break. Although there is no concrete number, the chance is extremely low, especially if the patient follows proper aftercare routines and practices good oral hygiene.
Below, we’ve outlined the common factors that can contribute to All-on-4® teeth chipping, cracking or breaking.
- The material of the prosthetic teeth can impact durability.
- If the individual receiving All-on-4® treatment suffers from bruxism (grinding teeth) or has a habit of chewing on hard materials, like ice or pen caps. Mental health disorders like anxiety can cause these habits.
- Just like with natural teeth, oral hygiene plays a massive role in preventing chipping, cracking and breaking. Poor oral hygiene can compromise prosthetic teeth and dental implants.
- As time goes on, wear and tear can lead to chipping or damage. That’s why it’s important to attend your planned follow-up appointments at the clinic that performed the All-on-4® procedure.
While All-on-4® dental implants and teeth are durable and long-lasting, they aren’t immune to damage. You should always consult with your dentist if you have any concerns regarding wear and tear. Your dentist will be able to give you tips and advice on preventing damage to your new smile. For instance, this could include wearing a night guard if you’re prone to bruxism.
How To Avoid All-on-4® Teeth Chipping, Cracking or Breaking
The best ways to avoid All-on-4® teeth getting damaged depend on the individual. It’s always best to discuss with your primary dentist, as circumstances and requirements may change from person to person.
Below, we’ve outlined general care tips to prevent All-on-4® teeth from chipping, cracking or breaking. For tailored advice, it’s always best to seek advice from an oral health professional who is experienced with All-on-4®.
- If you suffer from teeth grinding, invest in a night guard designed for your new smile. Teeth grinding can place excessive force on your teeth, leading to wear damage over time and potential chips and cracks.
- Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for All-on-4® teeth in peak condition. This includes brushing at least two times a day or as directed by a dentist and regular flossing.
- Consider using a soft-bristle toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. These will be softer on the prosthesis and reduce the chance of it breaking or chipping.
- Attending your regularly planned dental visits can help check for any signs of early wear, cracks, or other issues. They can also check if any adjustments need to be made with the All-on-4® teeth.
- Although avoiding hard and sticky foods is recommended for All-on-4® post-surgery recovery, it is also a good idea to avoid them in general. Hard and sticky foods can stress and damage the All-on-4® prosthesis and dental implants.
- If you participate in activities that carry a risk for facial trauma, like contact sports, it is important to wear a custom-fitted mouthguard to protect your new smile.
- Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, vaping, nicotine products and recreational drugs. These activities can have an impact on your oral health, which can compromise All-on-4® teeth and dental implants.
What To Do If Your All-on-4® Teeth Chip, Crack or Break
While All-on-4® teeth and dental implants are designed to be long-lasting, they can chip, crack, or even break early if proper care isn’t taken. If that happens, it’s important to schedule an appointment immediately with the dentist who performed the All-on-4® procedure.
Depending on the clinic and the extent of the damage, it may be possible to have the All-on-4® teeth repaired on the same day. More serious damage like a cracked or broken tooth may take longer.
If the entire All-on-4® bridge needs to be replaced due to severe damage, it can be costly and will take more than just a day. All-on-4® clinics typically recommend having check-ups every 6 to 12 months to ensure the teeth remain in good condition.
Dental x-rays every 1 to 2 years following the All-on-4® treatment are also important. This is so your dentist can monitor the condition of the All-on-4® bridge, dental implants, and your mouth overall.
Renew Your Smile With Next Smile Australia
If you’re considering the All-on-4® treatment, start your journey to renew your smile with Next Smile Australia.Contact us today to book an initial consultation, where an experienced dentist will review your dental history and determine if you’re a suitable candidate for All-on-4®.
All-on-4® treatment isn’t just for individuals who have lost all of their teeth. At Next Smile Australia Super Clinic, candidacy is decided on a case-by-case basis, and individuals who still have some remaining teeth may be eligible for treatment.
Next Smile Australia Super Clinic’s All-on-4® treatment uses the Malo Protocol. When you undergo treatment at a Next Smile Australia Super Clinic, you get a set of new, provisional teeth within 24 hours of your dental implant surgery.
At Next Smile Australia, we understand the importance of a full set of teeth. All-on-4® teeth are designed in our in-house laboratories and made to look and feel like natural teeth. The All-on-4® prosthesis is also specifically designed and tailored towards the individual.
If you’re on the fence regarding other restoration methods versus the All-on-4® treatment, Next Smile Australia also offers a range of patient resources. These include information on aftercare instructions, recovery expectations, and All-on-4® preparation. If you can’t find the information on our website, contact our team and we’d be happy to answer any of your queries.