The Temporary (Provisional) Teeth: All On 4 Dental Implants

The "All On 4" patient receives an interim implant-supported bridge, as the "provisional teeth" (also referred to as the "temporary teeth"). These teeth are secured onto the implants immediately following surgery and should remain attached to the implants for a period of 4 - 6 months, hence the terminology. After sufficient healing (4 - 6 months), the final and permanent teeth will be attached to your implants giving you a lifetime of smiles (see "temporary teeth" & "final teeth" for more information).

About The "Temporary Teeth" (commonly referred to as "provisional" or "interim teeth")

The temporary teeth, commonly referred to as the provisional teeth or interim teeth, should be made with an acrylic resin material in a state-of-the art dental lab by a master ceramist. Why acrylic resin? In short, functional aesthetics. This pliable material helps to absorb certain forces and pressures that would otherwise transfer to the dental implants and possibly jeopardize successful integration of the dental implants — and, it looks good too! To be certain, the temporary teeth for the "All On4" patient incorporates adequate strength and superior aesthetics that satisfies the most demanding lifestyles. With that said, don't hold back, just watch what you eat — a soft/medium diet until directed otherwise by your clinician. These provisional teeth are intended to last up to 6 months.

Dietary Restrictions

A modified diet is required until you receive your final fixed titanium reinforced framework. The time line will be determined by your clinician, but is normally about 4 to 6 months. In the mean time, you can eat anything that can be cut with a fork, and does not involve biting or tearing with your front teeth. Some examples are hamburgers, salmon, pasta, cooked vegetables, etc. Avoid hard foods and foods that require tearing such as hard breads, pizza, carrots, corn on the cob, steak, and crunchy and sticky snacks treats such as nuts, hard candy and gum.