Wiand Dental Lab is an All-on-X Dental Implant Lab, among other dental implants and removable dental prosthetics. The All-on-X Treatment Concept, also known as “teeth in a day,” has evolved to become an optimal treatment option to replace a full arch of teeth.
All-on-X Dental Implant Lab
While dentistry has been providing implant restorations for many years, the process was often long and cumbersome for patients. Treatment could take up to two years or more for a final restoration. After 25 years of implant research, Dr. Palo Malo concluded that implants could be immediately loaded when splinted together. In simple terms, this means that the implants could bear the weight of teeth on them as soon as they were placed by the surgeon. The way they are splinted together is by creating a whole set of teeth in one piece. The All-on-X Treatment Concept, also known as “teeth in a day,” has evolved to become an optimal treatment option to replace a full arch of teeth over the past several years. No longer do patients need to wait two years for a full arch of fixed teeth. The most traditional option for replacing missing teeth has been full and partial conventional dentures. While dentures serve the purpose of improving the patient’s smile and how they look, they are not ideal in terms of function or being able to chew the foods you want. Dentures can also be ill-fitting and uncomfortable when not made properly. They also become loose over time with increased bone loss as a result of having no teeth to maintain bone.
In our experience with over 1,500 cases under our belt, we have found All-on-X implants to be the next best thing to real teeth. With conventional dentures, you may only get up to 30% function limiting the foods you can eat which also compromises healthy nutrition. Plus, because the palate on the top of the mouth is covered with a full denture, taste is often also compromised. With All-on-X implants, function increases to 90% allowing the patient to eat anything they want and the palate is exposed allowing patient’s to once again really taste and enjoy the foods they choose to eat.
With conventional dentures, patients typically only get up to 30% function prohibiting them from eating certain types of foods. With All-on-X implants, you can get up to 90% function almost like your natural teeth. It really is the next best thing to having your own teeth!
One of the greatest benefits with All-on-X implants is that you will leave the same day with a temporary fixed (non-removable) set of teeth. This means that you never have to go a day without teeth avoiding the need for dentures!
Actual patients with Dr. Carol Ford:
Benefits of All-on-4® Dental Implants
Fixed restoration (non-removable by the patient)
- One day procedure (wake with teeth)
- Next best thing to real teeth (a third set of dentition)
- Allows patient to avoid the denture phase completely (never go a day without teeth)
- Immediate function (90% after healing)
Minimal time at the dentist (4 hours plus surgery)
Easy recovery with minimal discomfort (usually ibuprofen is enough)
More affordable due to fewer implants (usually 4)
- Easy to clean and maintain (highly polished finish)
Complete long-term full arch solution (do inevitable now and save money in the end)
Lifetime restoration in most cases (a final solution)
Success with the All-on-X requires a team effort. Creating your new smile requires 3 experts combining our skills to achieve an optimal result. You will work directly with your personal dentist and an oral surgeon or periodontist (both are dental surgeons), they are who you will see at your appointments. The lab works behind the scenes with your dentist and surgeon in order to give you that perfect smile. Together with your surgeon, we will customize your temporary set of teeth on the day of surgery at your surgeon’s office.
There are many labs that a dentist or surgeon can choose from. Wiand Dental Lab is unique in that we have exclusive expertise only removables which are dentures and anything you can take in and out of your mouth, as well as implant supported restorations. The All-on-X actually begins with a full set of teeth that we convert and customize to a hybrid bridge for the patient. We craft each set of teeth by hand making sure they are perfect for you as every person is unique! We only use only the highest quality materials available to ensure you get the best fit and optimize the long-term durability of your teeth. The All-on-X restorations we create are easily repairable by the way that we design them. Thus, there is never anything to worry about.
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Following is an overview of the Wiand All-on-X protocol. It is important to note that this is a general overview of what to expect from our experience and the perspective of our laboratory. Other labs and dentist may work differently.
Temporary Stage
While you will get a new set of teeth on the day of your All-on-X surgery, typically there is 1 appointment before surgery, one appointment immediately after surgery and then 3 appointments after healing (6 months) to create and place your final custom set of teeth. This ideal protocol can be achieved when your case is pre-planned and executed according to the Wiand technique with collaboration of your dentist and the surgeon. These appointments are in addition to the treatment planning necessary ahead of time to determine the course of action for your case. It should also be noted that there are times when an All-on-X case may take longer depending on the unique needs of the case.
Let’s take a quick look at what the process looks like:
Step 1: Consultation with Your Dentist
The first step in your All-on-X treatment plan is to meet with your dentist so they can examine your case and explore treatment options. Here they will ask you questions, take some impressions and give you a general examination. After you meet, your dentist will refer you to a surgeon for you to be evaluated for implants.
Step 2: Visit a Surgeon
At this appointment, the surgeon will evaluate your dental condition and determine if you are a candidate for implants. The surgeon and dentist, along with the laboratory (like us!) will work together to customize your treatment plan.
Step 3: Receive Your Treatment Plan
Sometimes your dentist will present the treatment plan, other times the surgeon may present the treatment plan. This may be a separate appointment or after your evaluation by the surgeon. Payment options will be discussed at this time as well.
Once your treatment plan has been agreed upon, here is what typically happens at each appointment:
Appointment 1: Record Taking
In order to create your customized smile, your dentist will take impressions of your mouth, a bite registration, a series of photos and a video of you speaking. The images and video help us customize your new set of teeth uniquely for you. Once the lab has that information, it takes as little as 8 days to fabricate your preliminary set of teeth which are temporary. Consider them a test run!
Appointment 2: Surgery
With your preliminary set of teeth ready to go, it is time for surgery! Your surgeon will remove any remaining teeth, make room for your final set of teeth, place the implants and then the lab will be on hand to custom fit your teeth made ahead of time onto the implants. Once all of that is complete, you will wake with your new set of teeth! Patients have reported minimal discomfort after All-on-X surgery. Your surgeon will give you post-op instructions to care for your new teeth and you will need a ride home. As mentioned, this first set of teeth is temporary and made to last for the 6 months-time that you will need to heal. Consider them a test run and know that we can make changes when we make your permanent set of teeth 6 months later.
Appointment 3: Check-Up
Within 1 week after surgery, your dentist will need to check to see how your new teeth are functions and make any adjustments at that time.
We recommend 6 months of healing in order for the implants thoroughly integrate and allow your tissue to completely remodel.
FINAL STAGE
Appointment 4: Final Impressions
All appointments for your final set of teeth will take place at your dentist’s office. At this first appointment 6 months after surgery, your dentist will take final impressions. On this day, the lab will need to keep your temporary set of teeth to use as a record for your final set of teeth that we will be making. This technique that we use is what allows us to fabricate your final set of teeth in only 3 total appointments, a small sacrifice to avoid several more appointments.
Appointment 5: Try-in of Final Teeth
At this second appointment for your final set of teeth, your dentist will try in your final set of teeth and request any changes at this time to the lab. Be sure to articulate and communicate your desires thoroughly to your dentist.
Appointment 6: Final Placement of Your Permanent Teeth
Finally, at this last appointment, your dentist will secure your final set of teeth and you will be on your way to your new life! Keep in mind that like real teeth, your new teeth will need to be maintained over the years with regular hygiene and maintenance. You dentist will give you hygiene instructions.
Questions to ask your doctor about All-on-X
All-on-X treatment is a major investment in your health and we want you to be thoroughly educated on it so you can feel confident in your decision making process. Not all dentists or dental labs provide the same quality as Wiand Dental Laboratory. Here are questions to ask about this treatment option along with an explanation of why it is important to ask.
Do you offer IV Sedation?
If the surgery runs longer than it should, local sedation can begin to wear off or become non-effective at a certain point. This may compromise the procedure thereby increasing the risk of non-completion the same day resulting in a removable denture instead of your fixed prosthesis. You would then have to return for a second procedure to complete. Additional training is required for executing IV Sedation. This requires monitoring vitals and the knowledge to handle any potential emergency situation. It is critical that you are in capable hands because there is always a chance of unforeseen circumstances.
What type of implants and components will be used for my treatment?
The All-on-X Treatment Concept was developed by Dr. Palo Malo using the Nobel Biocare system of implants, components, and CAD/CAM framework. All the research supporting the success of the All-on-X is based on the Nobel system, not generic components. If you pay less for this treatment, most likely generic components are being used. While there is a cost-savings associated with generic components, there is no research to back up what the outcome or longevity will be for your restoration. Doing this twice would cost much more than doing it right the first time. Additionally, you will want to make sure that the implant components chosen come from a reputable company that will be in the market for years to come should you have any challenges in the future.
What type of training does the dentist have to perform this procedure?
This is a surgical procedure not to be taken lightly as this is full arch rehabilitation. The dentist performing this procedure must have taken advanced training because navigating the anatomy of the maxilla and mandible requires great confidence, skill, and experience.
Is the surgeon seasoned in this procedure?
A good way to find out is to ask how many of these surgeries they have performed to date. This single most important thing the surgeon must do is make enough room for the final set of teeth. When they don’t, it compromises the strength of the teeth which leads to fractures and more time and money.
Which laboratory do you use and why?
The lab is responsible for designing, crafting and fitting both your provisional set of teeth and your final set of teeth. There is a vast range of options out there so we highly recommend that you research the lab that will be making the prosthesis. Just like the dentist, the lab needs to have expertise as well. The materials and processing the lab chooses for your restoration in addition to their level of knowledge will set the course for your treatment and long-term outcome. Like generic components, if you pay less for this procedure savings are likely to come from the use of sub-standard lab materials which will most likely compromise the long-term durability of your prosthesis.
How will my final set of teeth be designed?
There are two options for design including an acrylic wrap and a primary mill with exposed titanium. An acrylic wrapped bar has acrylic wrapped around an implant bar with teeth processed into it. This type of design can be bulkier in the mouth sitting closer to the tissue making it harder for the patient to keep the prosthesis clean. A primary milled bar with exposed highly polished titanium close to the tissue prevents tartar build-up and allows easy access for proper hygiene.
Do you offer additional options for the final set of teeth?
While the process is the same, your final set of teeth can be upgraded to stronger materials such as Zirconia if you tend to be hard on your teeth or have a tighter bite. Be sure you go through the options of what and why with your dentist.