Dental implants, while giving the replacements teeth an anchor, become transformative when considered alongside the quality and nature of the materials used in their final restoration. Usually in a full-arch restoration set up, like all on 4 dental implants, one would do well to know how prosthetic teeth can be fabricated to make a better-informed decision concerning the long-term well-being and aesthetics of his or her mouth. The materials chosen will greatly affect how your new smile looks, feels, wears out, and lasts.
Placing four titanium implants into the jawbone in ideal positions forms the basis of the All-on-4 system. Being biocompatible, titanium posts form a direct bond with the bone through osseointegration, giving a strong and stable anchor for the replacement teeth. On the other hand, the part of the restoration visible to the eye and function-full arch teeth-can be manufactured from various materials, each with advantages and disadvantages. The dentist will weigh all the above factors in deciding which material will be best for the patient.
Acrylic resin is by far the most commonly used material for the All-on-4. It is relatively inexpensive, can be customized well to variations in tooth form and size with shades to mimic natural tooth stains, and is light in weight, which gives it some advantages. It is easier to repair or replace when damaged as well. On the downside, however, it is relatively soft compared with other materials. This makes it prone to wear and tear, staining, and chipping with time. Patients with an acrylic restoration need to watch their diet and brush well to keep the aesthetic—for best results.
Composite resins are the next big thing in All-on-4 prosthetics. Compared to acrylic materials, composites offer increased durability and beauty. They provide increased resistance to wear and staining, offering the wearer a truly long-lasting solution. Composite resined teeth allow the technician to layer and polish the restorations to a more natural look with translucency and color stability than any other restoration type. Although composite restorations last better than acrylic, they are not as strong as some other materials and can chip when subjected to very high pressure. Composite restoration usually costs more than acrylic, but it can be regarded as an investment for better and longer-lasting appearance.
Zirconia has become the most popular groove for All-on-4 restorations if strength, durability, and aesthetics are the primary factors. Zirconia is a ceramic material that has become widespread for its strength and ability to resist fracturing, wearing, and staining. This ceramic material is designed by CAD/CAM to have the most precise fit and comfortable feel. Finally, zirconia-based restorations have been layered with porcelain to obtain the best possible translucency and natural tooth appeal. Although they appear to provide great longevity and aesthetics than other materials, zirconia is generally considered the most costly option for All-on-4 restorations. The long life span and resistance to damage could mean a much cheaper choice for many patients in the long run.
Lastly, metallized porcelains, which have long been known to dentists’ choices, are still available for All-on-4 frameworks. This restoration has a metal support substructure for strength, with a thin layer of transparent porcelain mixing with the rest of the tooth structure. PFM bridges stand somewhere in the middle of strength and aesthetics, although the metal may show through at the gum line after some years. Being quite an option, it is now fading away from limelight in favor of all-ceramic restorations such as zirconia due to better material properties and aesthetics.
In conclusion, making a choice about the material for your All-on-4 restoration is one that needs to be made with your dental professional. Each of the materials: regular acrylic resin, composite resin, zirconia, and porcelain fused to metal, will offer you a unique value in terms of aesthetics, durability, and price. Having an understanding of the features of your options will allow you to discuss with your dentist the option best suited for your needs, desires, and budget, leading toward a functional, aesthetically pleasing, and long-lasting smile mounted on your All-on-4 implants.
