Alternatives to All-on-4: The Stabili-Teeth Model
In a world filled with countless solutions for more stable dentures, it’s easy to feel lost in the sea of alternatives. Solutions like Stabili-Teeth® claim to provide a “full mouth restorative alternative.” That may sound appealing, but what exactly is this system an alternative to?
Understanding All-on-4
Traditionally, when replacing a full arch of teeth, many dentists recommend the All-on-4® system. This approach involves using four traditional dental implants to support an entire arch of replacement teeth. While this method has worked well for many patients, it does come with some potential drawbacks—particularly due to the type of implant and the number of dental implants used.
The implants used in the All-on-4 system are typically about 5 millimeters wide. Because of their size, they require a healthy amount of bone for proper support. If your jawbone isn’t strong enough, you may need a bone graft to reinforce the area, which adds time and complexity to the process. Additionally, placing these larger implants involves multiple steps. First, the dentist must make an incision in the gums, drill a large hole, and screw the implant into the jawbone. The healing process can be long and multiple appointments are needed before the final result is functional.
The All-on-4 system uses four traditional implants to support an entire arch of replacement teeth, which, on the surface, seems like a solid approach. However, relying on just four implants can be problematic. Each implant has to bear tremendous pressure when you bite and chew. If one of these implants fails, the remaining three are forced to take on even more stress, which can compromise the stability of your new teeth and shorten the lifespan of your implant denture system.
One Answer To All-on-4
How do solutions like Stabili-Teeth® attempt to solve this problem? They introduce a mix of traditional-sized and mini dental implants. The idea is to use mini implants in areas where traditional ones might not be viable due to limited bone density. By incorporating additional implants, this system spreads out the load, offering more overall support for your replacement teeth. This approach checks one important box when it comes to addressing the pressures faced by All-on-4®, but it still begs the question—is this truly a simpler, more effective solution?
Combining traditional-sized and mini implants adds a new challenge: two different sizes mean two distinct healing processes. Traditional implants, being wider, require more time for surrounding tissues to adapt as they impact a larger area of the gums and bone. This increased impact can place additional strain on nearby tissues, resulting in a more complex and extended healing period.
Fix-on-Six: Alternatives to Stabili-Teeth and All-on-4
At Aspire Dental, we proudly offer the Fix-on-Six® system with mini dental implants. This alternative provides a simpler path to full mouth restoration. Mini dental implants are less than 3 millimeters in diameter, making them about half the size of traditional implants. Unlike the multi-part structure of conventional implants used in the All-on-4 system, mini implants feature a single, slender post with a ball-shaped end. Once we place the implant in your jawbone, that ball serves as the connector for the final restoration.
Instead of making cuts or large incisions, we place these implants using a minimally invasive approach. No scalpels, no stitches—we just create a small pilot hole and screw the implant into the bone. Mini implants are also self-tapping, meaning they create their own hole naturally as they are placed. This means we can eliminate the complex drilling sequence needed to place larger conventional implants. This benefit means less discomfort, a faster recovery, and fewer trips to the dentist!
Finally, with the Fix-on-Six system, we use six to 10 mini implants to support a full arch of teeth, providing greater stability and strength. Other alternatives may only address one or two concerns. Fix-on-Six offers a complete solution with fewer invasive steps, quicker recovery, and long-lasting results.
Restore Your Smile the Simple Way With Fix-on-Six at Aspire Dental
Your smile deserves more than just the latest trend. At Aspire Dental, we believe in simplicity, reliability, and lasting solutions. With the Fix-on-Six® system, we’ve taken a smarter approach to full mouth restoration. Don’t settle for something “new” just because it’s different—choose a solution with a proven track record. Contact us today to schedule your free implant consultation.
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