Concerns about complications from All-on-6 implants

Question

I want to have All on Six upper and lower. My friend had hers done a month ago, and her acrylic temporary arches keep breaking. The very 'reputable' surgeon also doesn't appear to be correcting her overbite, which he said he could. In fact, her temporary bridges are both protruding, and she has a hard time talking/chewing. Is this all a normal part of the process for this procedure???? After seeing her nightmare, I'm worried.

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD · Answer

There are many providers to choose from for All on Four treatment (All on Six in this case), and there are many methods.  Most clinicians end up at the same result, but not always.  Even if the result is the same, the experience can vary tremendously, even with the same provider.  The challenges/complications your friend has doesn't mean you will have the same things happen to you.

Having said that, it is very important to find a good clinician.

Anthony Farole, DMD · Answer

Hello, without photos and seeing your friend it is impossible to answer your question. However, with properly placed implants and a good prosthetic dentist who will be making the teeth fitting over the implants, there is no reason you should not get a good result. 
Seeing you or your friend can certainly allow me to provide definitive answers.

Hunter Dawson, DMD · Answer

Unfortunately fracture of the temporary or interim prosthetic is a known and realistic complication. It is more common when the patient has a history of bruxism, clenching, grinding. We ask patient to remain on a very soft diet during the healing phase which helps protect them from fracturing the temporary. 
The second concern of an overbite seems to be one of skeletal concern. If there is a true underlying skeletal cause of an overbite or underbite this can not easily be fixed with prosthetics alone, in some cases jaw surgery is warranted. You may be able to slightly improve and underbite or overbite with prosthetics if minor or only dental in nature

Kerem Turgut Atasoy, DDS, PhD · Answer

Hello. Temporary acrylic prostheses are softer materials than permanent prosthesis materials such as zirconia or porcelain fused metal.
There are several possible reasons of temporary prosthesis breakage. The most important possible cause is bruxism which may cause failure of implants besides fractures of prosthesis. So, masseter botox in early healing phase of All-on-4 can be helpful to decrease occlusal forces. 
Acrylic prosthesis may also break due to inadequate lab work. 
This breakage is an early warning against heavy occlusal load to protect implants in a way. 
Overbite can be corrected by correcting the vertical dimension and set of teeth in try in sessions.

Andrew Tibbitts, DDS · Answer

Hi, It is possible for the initial acrylic to sometimes break. It is a temporary measure but usually they don't. I would request a PMMA or an acrylic version made prior to the final to make sure the teeth and bite is aligned and looks great then I would sign off on them making the final which should be significantly improved. 
Dr. Andy Tibbitts

Concerns about complications from All-on-6 implants

Answers (6)

Answer: Breakage of temporaries is a warning

Answer: Breakage of temporaries is a warning

Answer: All on 6

Answer: All on 6

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Everything you need to know about All-on-4 Dental Implants

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Concerns about complications from All-on-6 implants

Answers (6)

Answer: Breakage of temporaries is a warning

Answer: Breakage of temporaries is a warning

Answer: All on 6

Answer: All on 6

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about All-on-4 Dental Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.