For individuals missing an arch of their teeth, the All-On-4 dental implants are a literal life-changer. This revolutionary solution enables you to get new teeth and a new smile (and a totally natural-looking one, at that!), helping boost both your confidence and oral health.

However, as with natural teeth and other types of dentures, these implants require regular and proper upkeep. Today, we’re bringing you the all-you-should-know about All-On-4, so you can continue to reap the benefits for as long as possible.

How do you maintain All-On-4 dental implants?

The best thing about All-on-4 is that keeping them in top shape is pretty straightforward. For the most part, it requires a combination of good oral hygiene practices and regular checkups by your dentist. 

However, in some cases, it may involve a certain degree of lifestyle changes, primarily in terms of food selection (i.e. avoiding sticky or hard foods) and giving up smoking (which you should do anyway). With that being said, let’s see how you can foster a long and healthy relationship with your new implants.

Establishing a meticulous brushing routine

This is key to keeping your All-On-4s aesthetically pleasing and functional in the long term. Of course, this doesn’t entail brushing every hour or even after every meal; twice a day is enough – provided that it’s done with proper products and using the right techniques.

Choose the right toothbrush

Standard toothbrushes don’t do the trick when it comes to cleaning All-On-4 – in fact, they may even damage your dentures. Therefore, consult with your dentist and, based on their recommendation, choose one of the following options:

• Soft-bristled toothbrush (preferably an electric one) is an excellent choice. It is gentle, allowing you to clean around the dentures, without the risk of damaging them.
• Implant-specific brushes feature a head specifically designed for implant cleaning, making them even more effective.
• Interdental brushes are widely considered the best option for All-On-4 implants, as they are gentle on implants and gums while enabling for precision cleaning.

Finally, be sure to choose the proper size of a toothbrush to avoid injuring your gums or damaging the prosthesis. The brush should comfortably fit in your mouth and between denture spaces, without you having to force it or use unnatural motions.

Select the adequate toothpaste

As for the toothpaste, always go for the one that’s mild and minimally abrasive, as they drastically reduce the risk of scratching the implant or surfaces of the prosthesis. Whatever you do, remember to steer clear of products that contain teeth-whitening components or baking soda. While there are some exceptions, these are generally too abrasive for All-On-4 implants.

Adopt the proper brushing technique

Regardless of the brush you choose, chances are you’ll have to adopt a slightly different and more careful cleaning procedure. Fortunately, this won’t take long, and sooner, rather than later, it will feel like second nature:

• Brush in gentle, circular motions to ensure you’re covering the entire surface of the denture.
• Hold the brush at approximately 45॰ angle, especially when cleaning around the gum lines.

Granted, this routine may take a bit more time than you’re used to but it ensures thorough cleaning that will keep your dentures shining and your smile shining.

Don’t forget to floss

If you’ve decided to go for an interdental brush, you may freely skip this step. If not, you should know that flossing with All-On-4 implants will require a bit of adaptation. The main reason is that traditional flossing techniques and products aren’t suitable for this type of prosthesis.

Due to their affixed nature, using standard methods may result in damage. In other words, you’ll have to exercise extreme caution while flossing. If you decide to go this route, it is highly advisable to go to your dentist for a “crash course” on flossing with All-On-4 implants.

A much better alternative is to use a water flosser (a.k.a. “oral irrigator” or “Waterpik”). This device shoots a steady stream of water, efficiently cleaning implant surfaces and crevices between them. Just remember to use it on a low setting, to avoid injuring the gums.

Schedule regular checkups & professional cleaning

Even if you’re adamant about All-On-4 maintenance, nothing can replace an intervention by an experienced professional. Therefore, be sure to schedule regular checkups with your dentist. For low-risk patients, twice a year is more than enough to ensure health and longevity of the implants.

However, high-risk patients (e.g. smokers and those with periodontal gum disease history) should opt for a more frequent arrangement. A checkup once every 3 to 4 months is highly advisable, as it can help prevent or mitigate potential complications.