Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry in Houston, TX.

In the mid to late 1990s, the dental implant procedure, All-on-4,  was developed as a way to more efficiently use implants in both jaws. It is especially effective treatment for upper arch restoration because longer, stronger implants can be used in the back part of the jaw.

In the early 2000s, implant manufacturer Nobel Biocare collaborated with noted European implant dentist Paulo Malo and began to use computer simulation, bio-mechanics, and clinical research to determine the optimal use of implants for restoring a full upper or lower arch of teeth. The result was a procedure that uses the fewest implants possible, avoids bone graft surgery, and provides high-quality restorative results in the shortest time possible.

All four titanium implants are placed so that the bone will grow around and secure them in place. With only four implants, there is much less invasive and lengthy surgery. Once the implants are in place, the Oral Surgeon attaches abutments to which the new replacement teeth can be secured. The Prosthodontist fits the replacement teeth on the abutments and adjusts the bite for comfort and a beautiful smile.

Traditional approaches to restoring a full arch of teeth usually involved bone grafts, six or more implants, and as many as 18 months of treatment. That meant that a patient often would be without any teeth, or with ill-fitting temporary dentures for more than a year. ClearChoice Center patients always leave with teeth!

With the All-on-4 Dental Implant Procedure, the patient has one or two visits to the office to allow the Oral Surgeon, Prosthodontist, and Restorative Dentists to gather information for a treatment plan (e.g., CAT Scan, X-rays, impressions, photos). Following this consultation, the patient is scheduled for surgery implantation and the new teeth are fitted and adjusted, all in one appointment (even when extractions are necessary). The patient comes to the office in the morning with unhealthy (or no) teeth, and leaves in the afternoon with a beautiful set of fixed, functional teeth.

The patient will return for occasional check-ups over the next several weeks and months. After almost six months, when the gums have fully healed and the implants are fused to the natural bone, ClearChoice Centers will take new impressions of the patient’s mouth and prepare a final, stronger, permanent set of teeth adjusted to a perfect fit--at no additional cost. This helps ensure that the teeth will last for decades, and provide maximum support, beauty, and function to the patient.

Why ClearChoice Uses Nobel Biocare Dental Implants

The Nobel Biocare Mission Statement: At Nobel Biocare, our mission is to be the most desirable partner in science-based solutions that help dental professionals to make a real and lasting difference to the well-being of their patients, empowering them to lead healthier and more satisfying lives.

Read frequently asked questions about the All-on-4 Procedure >>^[1]

References

1. ^{^} Read frequently asked questions about the All-on-4 Procedure (www.clearchoice.com)