According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the global prevalence of total tooth loss for patients 60 and older is 23%. That is millions of people worldwide going through the same struggle of missing teeth. Often, patients turn to traditional dentures first to restore their smile. Unfortunately, these restorations can be more trouble than they’re worth, as they tend to lose their fit over time. Implant dentures are a natural next step, but where do you go from there? With so many implant denture systems to choose from, it’s hard to know which one is right for you. If you’re stuck between dentures like Fix-on-Six, All-on-4, or All-on-X, book a free implant consultation with us. There, we’ll help you make sense of your options and find one that suits your needs.
Implant Denture Systems in Southfield, MI
Over the years, many implant denture systems have been developed, but not all work for every patient. To know which suits your smile, you’ll need to visit a dental professional.
These implant denture systems are some of the most common that patients consider:
- All-on-4: As you may expect, this denture relies on 4 dental implants for support. These implants are conventional-sized, with two in the back towards your molars and two in the front. We place the two posterior (back) implants at around a 45-degree angle, which helps avoid important anatomical structures like your sinus membrane or nerves. While the All-on-4 denture system is effective, it’s not the best choice for everyone. The system puts a lot of pressure on just 4 implants, and if even one of them fails to integrate with your jaw, we may have to restart the entire process.
- All-on-X: To help mitigate the vulnerability of All-on-4, we may use All-on-X instead. The “x” stands for any number, as this implant denture system doesn’t limit itself to only 4 implants. We’ll use as many dental implants as you need for support, creating a stronger and more reliable foundation for dentures. However, the All-on-X denture system still relies on conventional implants. These titanium screws are large and require ample jawbone for support. Many patients with total tooth loss also experience significant bone loss, which makes restoring your smile with conventional implants much more difficult. In many cases, patients aren’t eligible for these dentures without additional work like bone grafts.
- Fix-on-Six: If All-on-4 and other conventional implant denture systems don’t work for you, we offer Fix-on-Six as an incredible alternative. This system uses mini dental implants instead of conventional implants, which are smaller, sleeker, and more affordable.
Fix-on-Six: Restore Your Smile Without the Hassle
The Fix-on-Six denture system involves using 6 mini dental implants to support your denture. Mini implants are small titanium posts that fit in smaller amounts of jawbone. For patients who’ve lost bone structure over time, these implants are a great alternative to conventional dental implants.
We start with a free consultation. There, our lead dentist, Dr. Diane Hines, will use a 3D digital X-ray machine to create a detailed model of your jawbone to determine if you’re eligible for implant treatment. In most cases, patients are eligible for mini implants thanks to their smaller size.
Dr. Hines will then create a custom treatment plan and review pricing. Aesthetic Dental is in network with most insurance plans, including Delta Dental, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (Par network), and UNUM. We will work with your insurance to maximize your benefits wherever possible. And, for eligible patients, we can split your costs into manageable monthly payments with dental financing!
At your procedural appointment, Dr. Hines will use a local anesthetic to numb your jaw. Once you’re comfortable, she’ll create small pilot holes strategically around your jaw. Then, Dr. Hines will gently place about 6 mini implants in your bone using a minimally invasive procedure. Right after placement, she’ll secure a temporary denture to your implants, so you can chew and function normally while you heal.
After a few weeks, your implants will be strong enough to support a final denture. This restoration is custom-made to your jaw and looks incredibly natural in your mouth. You can’t remove a Fix-on-Six prosthetic, as rubber “O” rings inside the denture base hold it securely in place. However, during routine cleanings, Dr. Hines will remove this prosthetic for maintenance and secure it back in place when she’s done.
Book a Free Implant Consultation for Fix-on-Six Dental Implants!
After deciding on implant dentures, it may be difficult to know which prosthetic to get. At Aesthetic Dental, we offer free consultations to help you choose the right denture for your smile! Between All-on-4, All-on-X, and Fix-on-Six, we find that most patients qualify for the Fix-on-Six method, thanks to the smaller implants that we use. This process is simple and minimally invasive, leading to faster recovery and a more affordable procedure! Book your free consultation with us in Southfield, MI, today to learn what you’re eligible for.
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