Your First Teeth vs Your Final Teeth: Understanding All-on-4® Bridge Options in Perth

If you’re considering full mouth dental implants, one of the most important decisions isn’t just the implants—it’s the type of teeth placed on top.

At Perth Dental Implant Centre, we use a two-stage approach designed to support healing first, then deliver long-term strength and aesthetics.

This guide explains:

• The difference between your first set of teeth and your final teeth
• Why materials matter at each stage
• What to expect throughout your treatment journey

Discover if full arch dental implants are right for you, book a free consultation with one of our dentists today.

What happens after All-on-4® implant surgery?

Full arch dental implants (All-on-4®) allow a full arch of teeth to be supported on four strategically placed implants. After surgery, your mouth needs some time to heal and for the implants to integrate with your jawbone.

Because of this, treatment is typically completed in two stages, using two different types of bridges – these bridges are also known as your first and final teeth.

Our process

Stage 1: Immediate teeth in 24 hours

After implant surgery, a temporary acrylic bridge is usually placed within 24 hours.

What this bridge is designed to do:

• Restore your smile straight away
• Allow you to eat soft foods
• Support healing of the implants and surrounding tissue

Why acrylic is used:

Acrylic is a lighter, more forgiving material, which makes it suitable during the early healing phase when:

• Your bite is still settling
• Your gums and bone are adapting
• Implants are integrating with the jaw

This bridge is not intended as a final solution, but rather as a protective and functional step in the process. An implant bridge is fitted within 7 days of surgery, before the jaw starts to soften and begin the healing process.

Stage 2: Your final teeth (from 3–4 months)

Once healing has progressed and your implants have stabilised, you may choose to upgrade to a zirconia bridge.

Zirconia bridges offer:

• High strength and durability
• Improved aesthetics and natural appearance
• Resistance to wear and staining

Zirconia is commonly used for long-term implant bridges and may last many years with appropriate care. Learn more about All-on-4® Perth.

Why not place zirconia teeth immediately?

Here’s a common question we get asked —and an important one, “Why not place zirconia immediately?” 

1. Healing needs flexibility

After surgery, your mouth is still changing:

• Bone is integrating with implants
• Gum tissue is reshaping
• Your bite position is adjusting

A rigid material like zirconia is not ideal during this phase, as it can’t be adjusted once it is manufactured. An acrylic bridge allows for any necessary adjustments as healing progresses.

2. Precision comes after healing

Zirconia bridges are custom-designed and milled with high precision. This process typically takes 1–2 weeks and relies on a stable foundation.

Placing a final bridge too early may mean:

• The fit is based on tissues that are still changing
• Adjustments are not easy to make

Waiting allows for a more accurate and stable result.

Can I keep my first bridge?

Some clients choose to keep their acrylic bridge for a period of time, depending on their preferences and circumstances.

However, it’s important to understand:

• Acrylic bridges are more prone to wear and tear over time
• They are generally considered a short-term solution

Upgrading to zirconia is often recommended for clients seeking:

• Longevity
• Improved aesthetics
• Increased resistance to stains and damage

Your dentist will discuss what’s suitable for your individual situation. The cost of full arch dental implants (All-on-4®) start from $17,250 per arch.

Comparing your bridge options

Feature	Acrylic Bridge (Temporary)	Zirconia Bridge (Long-term)
Timing	Within 24 hours	After ~3–4 months
Purpose	Healing + immediate function	Long-term solution
Material	Lightweight acrylic	High-strength zirconia
Durability	Short–term	Long-term
Aesthetics	Functional	Highly aesthetic, stain-resistant

A staged approach designed around healing

Rather than using one bridge to do everything, this staged approach allows each phase of treatment to be managed appropriately:

• Immediate teeth → support healing and function
• Final teeth → provide long-term strength and aesthetics

This approach is widely used in implant dentistry and allows treatment to be adapted based on your individual healing.

What affects how long your teeth last?

The teeth attached to full arch dental implants can last anywhere from a few months to 15 years or longer. The lifespan of any implant bridge depends on several factors, including:

• The material used
• Oral hygiene and maintenance
• Bite forces and habits (e.g. teeth grinding)
• Regular dental visits

Your dentist will provide guidance on how to clean and care for your bridge and when repairs or replacements may be needed.

Replacement bridges

Between three to four months after surgery, the mouth will have healed healed and dental implants have integrated with the jaw bone.

An acrylic bridge may be replaced with a long-term bridge made of ceramic material from around 3 to 4 months after surgery. Revive Essentials starts from $25,000 per arch and includes your immediate acrylic bridge followed by your long-term zirconia bridge when you're ready to have teeth replaced.

Here's how long each bridge lasts:

• An acrylic bridge may last between 1 and 2 years on average
• A zirconia bridge may last between 10 and 15 years on average

Revive packages

At Perth Dental Implant Centre, we offer three full arch solutions to suit various needs. Each package features specific inclusions, warranties and optional upgrades:

Revive Basic from $17,250

Designed for clients seeking an accessible pathway into full arch dental implant treatment (All-on-4®). This foundational solution that aims to immediately improve function, comfort and aesthetics while providing a pathway for long-term teeth restoration:

What’s included

• Four to six titanium dental implants
• Titanium abutments
• Next-day milled acrylic bridge*
• Custom-fitted night splint
• Oral hygiene kit
• 12-month warranty on acrylic teeth

Designed for

• Clients seeking a cost-effective solution
• Suitable for clients with minimal bone loss
• Unsuitable for clients with heavy teeth grinding habits

Additional costs may include

• Extractions
• Bone grafting (if required)
• IV sedation or general anaesthetic
• Hospital excess (if applicable)
• Jaw muscle therapy (if required)

Optional upgrade pricing

Acrylic teeth typically last 1 to 2 years before needing to be replaced. Option to upgrade to zirconia teeth from 3-4 months post-surgery.

• Acrylic bridge: $2,000 per arch
• Zirconia bridge: $10,500 per arch

Ongoing maintenance

• Hygiene maintenance visits (removal, cleaning & refitting the bridge every 6-12 months $350 per arch or $500 for both)

Revive Essentials from $25,000

Designed for clients seeking a long-term full arch dental implant solution (All-on-4®), this comprehensive treatment pathway combines an immediate acrylic bridge with a long-term zirconia restoration. Treatment aims to improve function, comfort and aesthetics while providing a durable, fixed teeth solution tailored to long-term goals.

What's included

• Four to six titanium dental implants
• Titanium abutments
• Next-day milled acrylic bridge
• Monolithic zirconia bridge (after 3 months)
• Custom-fitted night splint
• Oral hygiene kit
• 5-year warranty on zirconia teeth

Designed for

• Clients seeking a comprehensive solution
• Suitable for clients with moderate bone loss
• Suitable for clients with teeth grinding habits

Additional costs may include

• Extractions
• Bone grafting (if required)
• IV sedation or general anaesthetic
• Hospital excess (if applicable)
• Jaw muscle therapy (if required)

Ongoing maintenance

Zirconia bridges offers increased strength, aesthetics, stain-resistance and durability and typically last between 10 and 15 years on average, or longer with proper care.

• Hygiene maintenance visits (removal, cleaning & refitting the bridge every 6-12 months $350 per arch or $500 for both)
• Acrylic bridge repairs (if required)
• Zirconia bridge replacement $10,500 per arch

Revive Advanced from $30,000

Designed for clients with more complex implant requirements, this advanced full arch dental implant solution may incorporate specialised surgical techniques including zygomatic or pterygoid implants and bone grafting. Tailored for clients with significant bone loss and previous implant complications. This comprehensive approach supports fixed teeth rehabilitation where conventional methods are limited.

What’s included

• Four to six titanium dental implants
• Titanium abutments
• Next-day missed acrylic bridge
• Monolithic zirconia bridge (after 3 months)
• Extractions
• Zygomatic or pterygoid implants (if required)
• Custom-fitted night splint
• Oral hygiene kit
• 5-year warranty on zirconia teeth

Designed for

• Clients seeking an advanced solution
• Suitable for clients with significant bone loss, gum disease or requiring corrective surgery for previous failed treatment
• Suitable for clients with teeth grinding habits

Additional costs may include

• Bone grafting (if required)
• IV sedation or general anaesthetic
• Hospital excess (if applicable)
• Jaw muscle therapy (if required

Ongoing maintenance

• Hygiene maintenance visits (removal, cleaning & refitting the bridge every 6-12 months $350 per arch or $500 for both)
• Acrylic bridge repairs (if required)
• Zirconia bridge replacement $10,500 per arch

Considering Perth dental implants?

If you’re exploring full mouth dental implants, understanding the difference between your first and final teeth can help you make a more informed decision.

At Perth Dental Implant Centre, we’ll guide you through each stage of full arch implant treatment and discuss the options available based on your individual needs.

Contact our dental implant clinic Perth to arrange your free consultation and scan*.

*Scroll down for offer terms and conditions.¹

Why us

Whether you want to replace one tooth or an entire arch of teeth with dental implants, our team has the skills, technology and experience to help you smile again. We provide high-quality treatment using a clinically proven approach. We’re also an All-on-4® Centre of Excellence, and apply this expertise across a range of implant systems to deliver full mouth dental implant treatment.

References

Malo P, de Araújo Nobre M, Lopes A, Moss SM, Molina GJ. A longitudinal study of the survival of All-on-4® implants in the mandible with up to 10 years of follow-up. J Am Dent Assoc 2011;142:310-204.