The All-on-4® treatment process has gained more traction over the past few decades for people missing all or some of their teeth. It’s a long-lasting, fixed solution that is also an alternative to dentures.
The All-on-4® procedure is also sometimes known as “same-day teeth”, as patients can receive a new set of teeth within 24 hours of the dental implant procedure. This is revolutionary compared to other restorative dentistry treatments, as it gives the individuals a new smile in a shorter time frame than other treatment options.
The All-on-4® treatment concept was created in the 1990s by Dr Paulo Malo, a Portuguese dentist. The concept was built on the work of Swedish professor Per-Ingvar Brånemar, who discovered osseointegration.
In 1998, Professor Malo treated his first-ever patient with the All-on-4® technique, which is now considered the standard for full-arch tooth replacement. Since then, the technique has been adopted around the world, and he has published numerous books in the field of restorative dentistry.
If you’re considering All-on-4® treatment, it’s important to understand the process, recovery timeline, aftercare, and the difference between temporary and permanent bridges.
The All-on-4® treatment is divided into two stages. In the first stage, the patient undergoes surgery for dental implants, and a temporary bridge is connected to the implants. After three to six months of healing, the temporary bridge is replaced by a final one.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the bridges used in All-on-4® treatment. We’ll also answer questions like “What is the purpose of temporary bridges in the All-on-4® treatment process?” and “Do I need a temporary bridge when getting All-on-4®?”
The Difference Between Temporary And Permanent Bridges
Understanding the key differences between temporary and permanent bridges is essential if you’re researching All-on-4® dental implants. Both bridges play an important role during the treatment procedure. Below, we’ve outlined the key differences.
Functionality
The purposes of temporary and permanent bridges are different. The purpose of temporary bridges are used during the healing process of the All-on-4® treatment and are only designed to be used for three to six months. Permanent bridges are designed to be a long-term solution to missing teeth and replace the provisional bridge after osseointegration.
Aesthetics
A huge difference between provisional and permanent bridges is the aesthetics. Temporary bridges are only for the recovery process, so they aren’t custom-made for the patient’s mouth like permanent bridges; however, even the provisional bridge will look like natural teeth.
The purpose of a temporary bridge is to offer a functional solution during the healing process and protect the dental implants. So, the look and feel of the provisional bridge aren’t tailored in the same way that they are for the final bridge.
Comfort
Permanent bridges are custom-made to fit the healed gums and your mouth. This means they’re typically more comfortable and feel closer to natural teeth when eating and speaking compared to the temporary bridge used for All-on-4® treatment.
The Purpose of Provisional Bridges
Do I need a temporary bridge when getting All-on-4®? The provisional bridges used during the All-on-4® procedure serve multiple functions. These include:
- Providing immediate functionality to the patient after All-on-4® implant surgery. Provisional bridges allow patients to walk out of the clinic with a new set of teeth that can be used for eating and talking.
- The provisional bridges also serve as protection for the All-on-4® implants during the healing process. After the dental implants are placed, it takes time for osseointegration to occur. During this time, the provisional bridge acts as a shield for the implants.
- Provisional bridges play an important role when it comes to shaping the mouth. It helps shape the soft tissue on the gum as they heal around the implant, which is important later on for the permanent bridge.
- Temporary bridges can also be beneficial for mental well-being. The provisional bridge can help alleviate any anxiety about missing teeth after the surgery and help patients feel more normal after the All-on-4® process, as they can resume activities like eating and talking almost immediately.
How Do Provisional Bridges Improve All-on-4® Results
Provisional bridges play a massive role in the success of All-on-4® results. They inform the design for the final set of All-on-4® teeth, facilitate soft tissue healing, and protect the All-on-4® implants.
The provisional bridges help protect the All-on-4® implants and lower the risk of osseointegration failure. They reduce the amount of stress on the All-on-4® implants when eating and can also protect them from any excessive force or pressure that could impact osseointegration and recovery.
The dentist can also use feedback from the provisional bridge and how it interacts with the patient’s bite and soft tissues to incorporate into the final bridge design. This allows them to better customise and tailor the final set of teeth, making them look and feel more natural.
The provisional bridge is important as it provides immediate function and aesthetics during the healing phase and allows the patient to adapt to the bridge of teeth. For patients who have been wearing dentures or were missing many teeth, their mouth needs time to adapt and function with the new prostheses. The provisional bridge allows time for the mouth to adjust, which can greatly impact the final look of the All-on-4® teeth.
Experience The Two Bridge System At Next Smile Australia
Find out why the All-on-4® treatment is known as the same-day smile and experience the two-bridge system for yourself at Next Smile Australia. Contact us today to book an obligation-free consultation for eligibility for the All-on-4® treatment process.
All-on-4® is a revolutionary treatment that allows for a new smile to be fitted within 24 hours after dental implant surgery. You can walk out of the clinic with a new set of functional teeth that you can use for talking, speaking, and eating.
All-on-4® implants are becoming a popular alternative to traditional dentures for people who are missing all or most of their teeth. The All-on-4® procedure, in most cases, also avoids the need for bone grafting, which makes recovery time faster than traditional alternatives.
When you come to one of our Super Clinics for a consultation, one of our All-on-4® Next Smile Australia dentists will gather information on your medical and dental history, treatment goals, and current jaw health to assess your suitability.
At Next Smile Australia, we use the Malo Protocol, the two-bridge system. So, when you recover from your dental implant surgery, you will have a provisional bridge in place before receiving your tailor-made final bridge. Our team will also give you patient resources regarding treatment timelines, recovery expectation information, and aftercare instructions.
If you’d like to learn more about the All-on-4® treatment, you can attend an information session or contact Next Smile Australia to arrange a personal consultation.