The All-on-4® treatment, designed to provide full-arch restoration, is an alternative to traditional dentures. The treatment was pioneered by Portuguese dentist Dr Paulo Malo in partnership with the dental implant manufacturer Nobel Biocare.
The history of dental implants dates back to the discovery of osseointegration by Professor Per-Ingvar Brånemark in the mid-1950s. This is the process where a biocompatible material, typically titanium, fuses with the jawbone. This discovery would lay the foundation for all modern dental implants, including the All-on-4® treatment.
All-on-4® dental implants are suitable for people who have lost most or all of their teeth and are looking for a long-lasting solution to restore an entire arch of teeth. This article will cover exactly how long-lasting All-on-4® dental implants are, the factors that can impact longevity, and how to take care of your renewed smile.
How Long Do All-on-4® Dental Implants Last?
All-on-4® dental implants are designed to be a long-lasting solution for replacing an entire arch of missing teeth. They are made from a durable, biocompatible titanium material and, as part of the All-on-4® treatment process, are strategically placed in the patient’s jawbone to increase success.
There have been numerous studies demonstrating the long-term success of individual titanium dental implants. With proper care and maintenance, it has been reported that individual titanium dental implants can last over 20 years with a survival rate of 88%.
There is also a longitudinal study that was released on PubMed, which included 245 patients, researching the survival of All-on-4® implants specifically with up to a 10-year follow-up. The research found that the survival rate of All-on-4® was 99.2% with up to 10 years of follow-up.
How Long Do All-on-4® Teeth Last?
When it comes to discussing the All-on-4® treatment, it’s important to understand the difference between the All-on-4® dental implants and the teeth. The dental implants are what are placed into the jawbone, while the teeth refer to the prosthesis that connects to the implants using abutments.
All-on-4® teeth are typically made of acrylic or porcelain. A research paper was published on PubMed that specifically focused on the survival rate of All-on-4® teeth with 10 to 18 years of follow-up. This study found that the cumulative prosthetic survival rate was 98.8% for up to 18 years of follow-up. The research also reports that the prosthetic material used and lifestyle factors (like smoking) can influence how long All-on-4® teeth last.
Research conducted specifically on All-on-4® teeth and previous studies on prosthetic teeth for traditional dental implants reveals they can last 15 to 20 years with the right care, maintenance, and diet.
What Impacts The Longevity of All-on-4®?
Several factors can impact the longevity of All-on-4® dental implants and prosthetic teeth. These include:
Physical health
Certain pre-existing medical conditions that impact physical health, like diabetes, can impact the longevity of All-on-4®. It can also affect the recovery process and increase the risk of complications.
Mental health
Studies have shown that mental health plays a massive role in oral health and overall well-being. For example, poor mental health can lead to poor oral hygiene and increase risk factors that lead to poor physical health and conditions that can affect All-on-4® longevity.
Lifestyle
Lifestyle habits, like alcohol, smoking, and vaping, can all impact the longevity of All-on-4®. Studies have shown that these habits are negatively associated with the survival rates of All-on-4® dental implants and teeth.
Oral hygiene
Similar to natural teeth, oral hygiene plays a massive role in how long a person’s All-on-4® dental implants and teeth will last. Oral hygiene is crucial for keeping the person’s gum and artificial teeth in top condition.
Prosthetic material
The All-on-4® prosthetic teeth can be made out of either porcelain or acrylic. Studies have shown that the prosthetic material can impact longevity, with porcelain typically lasting longer and being more durable.
Bruxism
Bruxism, also known as teeth grinding, is when a person clenches or grinds their teeth when they sleep. This can damage All-on-4® dental implants and teeth, by putting excessive pressure on them, resulting in a higher risk of damage and failure.
Following the post-surgery steps and aftercare as described by the All-on-4® dental surgeon plays a massive role in longevity, too. The post-treatment advice is usually tailored to the individual and is important to the success of the All-on-4® procedure.
If you suffer from bruxism, there are treatment and management options available. If the teeth grinding/clenching is caused by an underlying issue, like stress, a mental health professional may be able to help. A dentist may also be able to help with teeth clenching by providing a mouthguard for your All-on-4® teeth. This can help reduce the pressure and negative impacts of bruxism on the jaw.
Extending The Lifespan of Your New Smile
If you want to extend the lifespan of your new All-on-4® dental implants and teeth, there are several steps you can take. While some factors can’t be changed, like a pre-existing medical condition, we’ve outlined the factors you can control below.
A healthy diet
Diet plays a critical role in oral health and overall well-being. It’s important before and after All-on-4® treatment to maintain a well-balanced diet and restrict your intake of any sugary or acidic food/beverage.
Avoid smoking/vaping
If you smoke, vape, or consume any other nicotine/tobacco product, quitting is critical not only for the All-on-4® treatment but also for your overall health. Smoking and vaping can have a massive impact on your gum health and increase risk factors for medical conditions that can impact All-on-4® longevity.
Regular appointments
Sticking to your regular check-ups with your All-on-4® dental surgeon plays a major role in how long your new teeth last. They can monitor the progress of your All-on-4® implants, catch any potential issues early, and provide tailored advice for maintenance.
Good oral hygiene
Good oral hygiene is crucial for maintaining your All-on-4® smile. To ensure your new smile is well cared for, it is important to follow the correct oral hygiene methods as per the Malo Protocols, which includes:
- Use a water flosser twice daily between the bridge and the gums to rinse away any food particles.
- Use X-floss twice daily between the bridge and gums to remove any food that may have become stuck.
These flossing methods are important for the implant health of All-on-4®. Brushing All-on-4® teeth can still be beneficial to avoid any calculus build up; however, it is not as important in respect maintaining implant health.
It’s also recommended to avoid any hard or sticky food with All-on-4® teeth. They can increase the risk of wear and tear and damage the prosthesis.
Renew Your Smile at Next Smile Australia
Start your journey towards a new smile today with Next Smile Australia by taking our online suitability assessment or by booking a consultation with one of our All-on-4® dental surgeons.
The All-on-4® treatment is a suitable solution for those looking for a long-lasting, fixed alternative to traditional dentures. The Next Smile Australia clinic also follows the Malo Protocol, which is a two-bridge treatment process pioneered by Dr Paulo Malo—the creator of All-on-4®.
During the consultation, our All-on-4® dental surgeon will determine your candidacy for the treatment based on your medical and dental history. They will also discuss with you treatment goals and provide information on what to expect regarding recovery timelines and aftercare.
If you want to learn more about All-on-4® before booking a consultation, we host regular webinars on the treatment and also have information on our website. That way, you can learn more about Next Smile Australia and All-on-4® dental implants from the comfort of your own home.
If you have any questions about All-on-4® or want to book a consultation, contact us today. The Next Smile Australia team would love to hear from you and help you renew your smile.