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Full-Arch Dental Implants · Highland, Indiana
All-on-4 vs. full-arch implants: what's the difference?
"Full-arch" is the umbrella term for replacing an entire upper or lower row of teeth with a fixed bridge held by dental implants. All-on-4 is one version of it, using four implants per arch. Other versions, often called All-on-6 or All-on-X, use more implants. At Implanted Wisdom at Pulver Oral Surgery, the number of implants is chosen for each patient, not fixed in advance.
| All-on-4 | Full-arch (All-on-X) | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A specific full-arch technique | The general category |
| Implants per arch | 4 | Usually 4–6 or more, set by the plan |
| Teeth | Fixed bridge, doesn't come out | Fixed bridge, doesn't come out |
| Chosen by | The technique | Your bone, bite and health |
How the number of implants is decided
Under Dr. Pulver's Patient-Specific Protocol™, a 3D CT scan shows how much bone you have and where. That, along with your bite, your health and your goals, decides how many implants will give your new teeth stable, long-term support. Some patients need four; others do better with more.
Is a full-arch bridge the same as a denture?
No. A traditional denture rests on the gums and is taken out to clean. A full-arch bridge is attached to implants in the jaw and stays in. It is cleaned in place and checked at regular maintenance visits.
Not sure which option fits you?
A free consultation with board-certified oral surgeon Dr. Eric Pulver is the fastest way to find out which option fits your mouth.
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