Is it Difficult to Eat With All-on-4 Implants?
All-on-4 Dentures allow patients to permanently replace several missing teeth without the hassle of a removable bridge or dentures. This blog explains how All-on-4 dentures work compared to natural teeth.
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Do you need to replace your missing teeth with prosthetics, but are afraid that conventional dentures will move or fall out while you eat or speak? Maybe you already have dentures and have experienced discomfort from an inconsistent fit, embarrassment from shifting while in public, or just plain irritation with the care and cleaning process. If your dentures aren’t what you expected or if you’re just beginning your research into prosthetic teeth, it’s time to explore the benefits of All-on-4 dentures.
What Are All-on-4 Dentures?
All-on-4 dentures, also known as implant-supported dentures, are designed to replace your entire tooth, from root to crown, by securing prosthetic teeth to four dental implants. The implants are placed in specific locations and embedded in your jaw to support your permanent prosthetic teeth fully. The placement of the four dental implants is done strategically, ensuring that the force associated with chewing is distributed evenly across the implants so that your teeth and jaw function as they would with your natural teeth.
All-on-4 increases denture stability by eliminating the movement common with traditional dentures. This allows patients to enjoy eating and speaking just as quickly as they would with their biological teeth.
Are There Foods I Can’t Eat With All-on-4 Dentures?
The short answer is no. However, there are some caveats. Dental implants are well-secured in your mouth, and the material your prosthetic teeth are made of is also very durable and allows you to eat just about anything. But you should avoid eating or chewing on anything that could damage a natural tooth. Ice, hard candy, non-food items—all are things you should avoid.
Additionally, the condition of your jaw will affect how well the implants hold so that you may be restricted from certain foods because of that. Your dentist will give you a more comprehensive list of things to avoid to ensure that your All-on-4 dentures remain solid and intact for years to come.
What Can I Eat With All-on-4 Dentures?
Overall, patients with All-on-4 implants can enjoy a wide range of foods. With the security of All-on-4 implants, you can confidently eat crunchy raw vegetables and fruits without worrying that your prosthetics will slip or fall out. In fact, crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, celery, and carrots actually help keep your teeth clean by stimulating saliva and dislodging plaque and other bacteria that contribute to gum disease. The best part is that your All-on-4 dentures function and feel like your natural teeth. So go ahead and enjoy a chewy steak or bone-in ribs on a night out with friends, secure in the knowledge that your teeth will stay in place and no one will even notice that you have prosthetics.
Other Benefits of All-on-4 Dentures
When you’re deciding between conventional dentures and All-on-4 dentures, here are some factors to consider:
Cost
While All-on-4 dentures may be more expensive than conventional dentures up front, they do not require replacement. Regular dentures must be replaced periodically due to wear and changes in the shape of your mouth due to loss of density in your jawbone.
Facial Profile
Because All-on-4 dentures are implanted into your jaw, the bone of your jaw continues to be stimulated and remains completely intact. With traditional dentures, your jawbone atrophies and shrinks over time, giving you a “sunken” look. All-on-4 dentures provide more support to your cheeks, so your smile looks younger for a much longer time.
Food Restrictions
Because dentures aren’t firmly anchored in your mouth, you must avoid various foods, including nuts, raw fruits and vegetables, and chewy foods. With All-on-4 dentures, your only dietary restrictions are the foods you would avoid with your natural teeth.
Learn More About All-on-4 Dentures in Norridge and Schaumburg
If you’re wondering if you’re a good candidate for All-on-4 dentures, it’s time to schedule an appointment with the experts at Royal Dental Care. They will examine you, answer any questions, and let you know if All-on-4 dentures are right for you. Call us today at
(773) 232-3929 (Norridge) or (847) 999-7620 (Schaumburg) or fill out our online contact form.