315-422-0894
No one likes going to the dentist! However visits to Dr Mead are a real pleasure for the cleanings and fillings I’ve had done. Dr Mead listened to my issues surrounding my TMJ and after a thorough initial examination put into place a treatment plan with some innovative suggestions to deal with a long term issue I have had with my jaw.
We could not be happier with our new Dental Practice and I recommend Dr Mead to all of my family and friends.
- Beth-Ann Wise
Restore Your Smile with All on 4 Locator Fixed in Syracuse, NY!
Downtown Dental Syracuse understands the pain that our patients experience when they lose their teeth permanently. We are thrilled to announce that we are now offering All on 4 Locator Fixed, a revolutionary fixed full-arch treatment that uses the same abutment and workflow as the original removable locator attachment system. With All on 4 Locator Fixed, you can easily convert your existing Locator Removable overdentures into a permanent fixed prosthesis, without the need for any changes to the underlying locator abutments.
Removable or Fixed: It All Comes Down to the Inserts and Housings
What Are the Green Inserts For?
Green inserts are designed to provide fixed retention for 4-implant or all-on-4 cases.
What Are the Blue and Tan Inserts For?
Blue and tan inserts are used together in cases involving 5 or more implants.
Blue inserts are used in the mid-arch between the anterior and posterior implant positions, while tan inserts are used in the anterior and posterior positions of the arch.
The Benefits of Implant Supported Prosthesis
- Higher success rate with teeth replacement, which is over 95%.
- Stimulate bone growth to form a stable foundation for new teeth.
- There are no restrictions on foods.
- Eliminates the need for messy denture adhesives to stabilize teeth.
- Improved appearance, self-esteem, and speech.
- Brushing and flossing are effortless, making implant maintenance easy.
Next Steps
Step 1 - Consultation And Initial Planning
Call Downtown Dental Syracuse to schedule your All on 4 Locator Fixed Consultation. Your initial appointment with our implant dentist will cover the following:
- What are your primary concerns and complaints?
- Are there any specific smile goals or teeth replacement preferences?
- Review your medical and dental history.
- Use full 3D CBCT imaging to conduct comprehensive dental exams.
Our dentist will review all these details and help you choose the best treatment approach with All on 4 LOCATOR FIXED implants to meet your goals. We develop a custom treatment plan to replace your missing teeth.
Step 2 - Removing Any Teeth (If Necessary)
Our dentist may recommend placing bone graft material after removing the remaining teeth to ensure proper healing of the site. This process helps remove bacteria and decay from your body before proceeding with the implant placement procedure.
Step 3 - Placing The implants
We utilize 3D CBCT imaging to determine the exact location for placing the dental implants.
Step 4 - Healing And Digital Scans
The implant site may take around 3 months to heal properly. We create your new artificial teeth through digital scans and impressions.
Step 5 - Placing The Final Teeth
Your prosthetic teeth will be completed and prepared for installation in a few days. After making sure they are perfectly fitted and properly aligned, we will use the locator abutment to secure them to the implant. Lastly, we'll show you how to take good care of your stunning new teeth!
Frequently Asked Questions
1). What makes All-on-4 Locator Fixed different from traditional All-on-4 implants?
All-on-4 Locator Fixed uses a specialized attachment system instead of a fully screw-retained bridge. This allows the prosthesis to securely “lock” onto the implants while still offering a slightly different approach to retention and maintenance.
2). Is All-on-4 Locator Fixed permanent, or is it removable?
It is designed to feel fixed in your day-to-day life. However, your dentist can remove it when needed for maintenance. This provides the stability of a fixed solution with added flexibility for long-term care.
3). Can I convert my existing removable denture into this type of solution?
In many cases, yes. One of the key benefits of this system is that certain existing locator-supported dentures can be upgraded to a more secure, fixed-feeling solution without replacing the implant foundation.
4). What role do locator inserts play in how secure my teeth feel?
Locator inserts help control how firmly the prosthesis attaches to the implants. Different types of inserts provide varying levels of retention, allowing your dentist to customize the feel and stability.
5). Will this feel different from traditional fixed implant bridges?
Both options provide strong stability, but Locator Fixed may feel slightly different because it uses attachment inserts rather than being fully screw-retained. Most patients still experience a very secure, natural feel.
6). Is this system more flexible than traditional fixed implant solutions?
Yes. Because it uses a locator-based design, it allows for easier adjustments and maintenance over time, making it a flexible long-term option.
7). What happens if the locator attachments wear out over time?
The attachment inserts are designed to be replaceable. If they wear down, your dentist can simply replace them to restore proper retention—without replacing the entire prosthesis.
8). Can this system handle normal chewing and daily function?
Yes. When properly planned and placed, it distributes bite forces across the implants effectively, allowing you to eat and function comfortably.
9). Is this a good option if I’ve struggled with loose dentures?
Yes. This system is ideal for patients who want a more secure, stable solution compared to traditional dentures, without committing to a fully screw-retained bridge.
10). When might Locator Fixed be preferred over traditional All-on-4?
It may be recommended for patients who want easier maintenance, a more flexible design, or the ability to transition from a removable to a fixed-feeling solution over time.