Fixed Dentures (Hybrids)

Are All-on-4® Dental Implants The Same as Fixed Dentures?

Yes, All-on-4® dental implants are dental hybrids. The implants that are placed in the jaw are what keep the teeth from moving. This option keeps you from having to rely on denture adhesives. Also, it gives you the best functionality for chewing. The reason that a fixed denture is called All-on-four® is that it must rest on a minimum of four implants. The implants are strategically placed in your mouth to support a full set of teeth. In some instances, the number of required implants may be six to eight. Fixed dentures, or implant-supported dentures, are considered the “Cadillac” of dental treatment.

Why Choose A Dental Implant Instead of Dentures

Many patients choose dental implants instead of dentures because they function like natural teeth. These hybrid prostheses also offer a beautiful natural smile. You will have a full set of complementary teeth that function well for chewing. There is no movement of the teeth in your mouth like traditional dentures or 4-implant locator overdentures. That means that your ability to chew is greatly improved when you go with All-on-4® implant dentures. They do not come out of the mouth except when removed by the dentist for routine evaluation and cleanings. Here is a look at the functionality of each of these prosthetics.

In some cases, it is possible for a temporary fixed denture to be placed the same day the last teeth are removed, or you can in the office for missing teeth. In these instances, all remaining teeth are removed, 4-6 dental implants are placed, and a temporary fixed denture is inserted to be worn while healing occurs. Many times, we make your teeth right here in our office. We have a lab where we handcraft your smile. All your treatment will occur under our care from start to finish.

Fixed Dentures FAQs

Here at Pro Dental Dallas, we always want to answer our patients’ questions as best as possible. Here are a few we often receive:

What Does Fixed Partial Denture Mean?

A fixed partial denture (FDP) is attached mechanically, screwed, or joined to natural teeth, dental implant abutments, or roots.

How to Remove Fixed Denture?

Fixed dentures can be removed in our dental office. If you have implant-supported dentures, we will unscrew them from the abutment. This should be done once a year to be cleaned and inspected. In some cases, it may need to be cut off if it won’t come off with the removal tool.

How to Clean Fixed Denture?

Since this prosthetic does not come out like traditional dentures, you will brush them the same way you do natural teeth. You’ll want to use an extra-soft bristled brush and denture-approved toothpaste.

To clean the gums under your implant dentures, you will need to use superfloss. This specific floss has an end that can be threaded under the denture. Also, you can use a water flosser to clean.

What is a Fixed Denture vs. a Removable Denture?

A fixed denture is only ever removed by the dentist, whereas removable dentures should be removed by the patient for cleaning. The implant-supported dentures will not move around in the mouth and have little chance of falling out. It is treated more like your natural teeth, so you won’t have to remove it for cleaning at night.

A removable denture must be removed every night for cleaning. It should not be worn during sleep. Also, dentures can move while talking or eating.

What is a Fixed Denture vs. Bridge?

Most often, fixed dentures are used when all the teeth are missing. A bridge is a good option when you have one or two missing teeth. Both of these options are fixed in the mouth and do not require the dental appliance to be removed by the patient.

What Are Fixed Denture Advantages and Disadvantages?

There are many advantages to fixed dentures, or implant dentures. Patients love that it allows them to eat and talk without them moving around. Also, this prosthetic can be worn to bed and stays in your mouth while cleaning.

One of the disadvantages of this type of appliance is cleaning. To keep your gums healthy, you must stay diligent in cleaning the gums underneath the denture.

We Work With All Insurance Companies

Our office is willing to work with all insurance companies. We are not controlled by insurance, so they cannot dictate your care, but we’re happy to file with your insurance company for reimbursement. We will collect our fee at the time of service, and your insurance company will send you reimbursement directly for anything they cover.