Tooth replacement procedures are essential for individuals who are missing one or more teeth. Without treatment, tooth loss can impact your smile and overall oral health in multiple ways. Adjacent teeth may begin to shift, jawbone density can gradually decline, chewing becomes more difficult, speech may be affected, and facial structure can change over time —all leading to a decrease in confidence and overall quality of life.

At Foothill Dental Care, we recognize that missing teeth can compromise more than just oral health—they influence how you look, feel, and operate every day. That’s why we offer a range of restorative solutions designed to help you regain a secure, natural-looking smile and enjoy life without limitations. While traditional dentures have long been a common option, advancements in dental technology have made All-on-4 dentures a powerful, modern alternative that has transformed the way smiles are restored.

Although both options aim to enhance function and appearance, they differ considerably in terms of comfort, stability, maintenance, and long-term oral health benefits. Understanding these differences is crucial to selecting the solution that best suits your lifestyle, budget, and individual dental needs.

All-on-4 Dentures vs. Traditional Dentures: Which is Right for You?

• Permanent: One of the most notable differences is that All-on-4 dentures are permanently anchored using four dental implants, as the name suggests, while traditional dentures are removable.
• Attachment: Unlike traditional dentures, which rest on your gums, All-on-4 are fixed directly into your jawbone.
• Stability & Comfort: Traditional dentures may shift or slip, resulting in discomfort and reduced confidence when eating or speaking. All-on-4 dentures remain securely in place, offering a stable, natural-feeling bite and a comfortable, worry-free smile.
• Functionality & Chewing: Compared to dentures, which restrict your chewing ability, All-on-4 dentures restore near-natural biting power, letting you enjoy a wider variety of foods comfortably.
• Bone Preservation: Missing teeth can lead to deterioration of the jawbone over time. All-on-4 can help maintain and stimulate the jawbone, thereby preserving facial structure, whereas traditional dentures do not support this benefit.
• Maintenance & Care: All-on-4 dentures are cared for just like natural teeth, with regular brushing and flossing. In contrast, dentures must be removed daily for cleaning and soaking, and often require daily reapplication of adhesives.
• Longevity & Durability: All-on-4 can last a lifetime with proper care, although the prosthetic teeth may need to be replaced every 10–15 years. Traditional dentures typically require replacement every 5–7 years due to wear, changes in the jawbone, or issues with the fit.

Regain Your Smile with All-on-4 Dentures or Traditional Dentures at Foothill Dental Care

As you can see, choosing the right tooth replacement option involves several factors. At Foothill Dental Care, we proudly offer both of these innovative treatments to patients in Livermore and the surrounding areas. Traditional dentures are available as either partial or full sets, depending on your needs. While both options use prosthetic teeth to restore your natural smile, each comes with its own advantages and considerations—topics that can be discussed in detail during a consultation at Foothill Dental Care. There, we take the time to educate and guide patients, helping them make informed decisions that support their long-term oral health and overall well-being.

If you’re missing most or all of your teeth and want to overcome the limitations of traditional dentures, All-on-4 dentures are often the ideal solution. For those missing only one or a few teeth, or for whom surgery isn’t an option, traditional dentures can provide a practical and cost-effective alternative. To determine which option is best for you, schedule your appointment today by calling us at (925) 961-5484 or book online.