Arch Clinic
ALL-ON-X Rehabilitation
For patients struggling with extensive tooth loss, failing teeth or uncomfortable removable dentures, full-arch dental implants can offer a way to restore an entire upper or lower set of teeth using a carefully planned implant-supported bridge.
At Arch Dentistry in Ballito, we approach All-on-X rehabilitation as more than replacing missing teeth. Our aim is to restore comfortable function, a natural-looking smile and a stable, maintainable foundation for long-term oral health.
Every treatment begins with a comprehensive assessment of your teeth, gums, jawbone, bite and individual needs.
Arch Clinic
Information
All-on-x Dental Implants
All-on-X is a term used to describe a complete set of fixed replacement teeth supported by a selected number of dental implants.
Instead of placing a separate implant for every missing tooth, a full-arch bridge is attached to implants positioned strategically within the jawbone.
You may have encountered terms such as:
- All-on-4: A full-arch restoration supported by four dental implants.
- All-on-6: A full-arch restoration supported by six dental implants.
- All-on-X: A broader approach in which the number and position of implants are determined according to the patient's anatomy and restorative requirements.
There is no single implant arrangement that is ideal for every patient. The appropriate number, position and type of implants are determined during treatment planning.
Full-arch rehabilitation may be considered for patients who:
- Have lost most or all of their teeth in one or both jaws.
- Experience difficulty chewing or speaking with removable dentures.
- Have extensive dental problems affecting multiple teeth.
- Have a failing dentition that cannot predictably be restored using conventional treatment.
- Are seeking a fixed alternative to complete removable dentures.
Preserving natural teeth remains an important consideration. Where teeth can be predictably maintained, we will discuss appropriate alternatives before recommending their removal.
Successful full-mouth rehabilitation requires careful coordination between implant surgery, restorative dentistry and the design of the final prosthesis.
At Arch Dentistry, our treatment planning can incorporate three-dimensional CBCT imaging, digital dental scans, clinical photography and computer-aided design.
This allows us to assess available bone, identify important anatomical structures, evaluate implant positions and plan the intended restoration before surgery.
The objective is not simply to place implants. It is to plan the implants around the teeth we ultimately intend to create.
Arch Clinic
Treatment journey
1. Consultation and comprehensive assessment
We begin by understanding your concerns, treatment expectations, dental history and overall oral health.
Clinical examination and appropriate diagnostic records help us assess whether implant-supported full-arch rehabilitation is suitable for you.
2. Digital planning and smile design
We assess jawbone anatomy, bite relationships, facial proportions, restorative space and the proposed tooth positions.
A personalised treatment plan is developed, including the recommended number of implants, surgical approach, temporary restoration and final prosthetic options.
3. Implant placement
Dental implants are placed into the jawbone to create the foundation for your new teeth.
Where indicated, teeth that cannot be retained may be removed during the same surgical phase. Some patients require additional procedures or a staged approach.
4. Temporary teeth and healing
In suitable cases, a fixed temporary bridge can be attached shortly after implant placement, sometimes on the day of surgery.
This is known as immediate loading and depends on adequate implant stability and other clinical conditions.
When immediate fixed loading is not appropriate, an alternative temporary restoration or a delayed loading protocol may be recommended.
5. Your final implant-supported bridge
Once the implants and surrounding tissues have healed sufficiently, we complete the restorative phase.
Your final bridge is designed to provide appropriate aesthetics, function, strength and access for cleaning.
Material options may include carefully selected zirconia or other reinforced restorative designs, depending on the clinical requirements.
6. Long-term maintenance
Full-arch implant restorations require ongoing care.
Daily cleaning, professional maintenance, periodic examination and monitoring of the implants and prosthesis are essential parts of treatment.
Arch Clinic
TREATMENT PORTFOLIO
Case 1
TREATMENT OBJECTIVE
The pictures below are before and after images from a typical All-on-Four Rehabilitation.
Besides the glaring obvious improvement of the smile and teeth, you may also notice a
huge change in the upright (vertical) dimension of the patient’s face. This restoration of
vertical height is a big deal in any restorative case as it puts the joints and muscles in
better relation. This alone resolves many of the commonly associated symptoms such
as headaches, earaches and muscle spasms. These symptoms may range from a
mild intensity to complete debilitation.
COMMENTS
This was a landmark case for our clinic – being the first fully digitally-planned upper and lower rehabilitation. This case demonstrated the power and effectiveness of digital implant-surgery planning and CAD design software. No adjustments were needed at the placement of the final lower prosthesis.
Need help?
Frequently Asked Questions
No, there are many different ways to get you a new smile, but none involve you without teeth. Your temporary teeth may be either removable or fixed depending on the case. They not only act as intermediate teeth, but allow us to make unlimited adjustments as we move towards your final new smile.
There are many tools which may be used alongside your usual toothbrush that will make cleaning easier. Our favourite is a waterflosser paired with a good quality Chlorhexidine mouthrinse. We also advise regular visits to our Oral hygienist to keep your prosthesis polished. She may also pick up on any irregularities around the prosthesis which will allow early intervention and quick resolution.
There are generally two types of materials in use today. Both options are available and each offer its own unique pro’s and con’s. The ceramic teeth are by nature far more durable than acrylic teeth. Acrylic teeth are inexpensive and easily replaced. On average they should be replaced after 5-10 years depending on their use.
RESTORE CONFIDENCE