Are All-on-4® Dental Implants Permanent

5 minute read

All-on-4® dental implants are a long-term solution for replacing a full arch of missing or damaged teeth and can last for much longer than removable dentures.

While dental implants themselves are designed to last for decades — and potentially a lifetime — the bridge attached to the implants will eventually need maintenance or replacement over time.

Full arch replacement teeth can last anywhere from a few months for a temporary custom-milled PMMA (acrylic) bridge up to 15 years or more for a high-quality zirconia bridge. How long your new teeth last can depend on the type of material they are made from along with some other factors.

To find out whether you're eligible for full arch teeth replacement with All-On-4 dental implants and to learn more about what the treatment involves, contact Perth Dental Implant Centre to book a consultation.

How long do full mouth dental implants (All-on-4®) last?

Dental implants are metal posts that are fixed in the jaw bone to replace natural teeth.

Dental implants are made from high-grade titanium that fuses with the jaw bone to provide a stable foundation for replacement teeth. Titanium has been used successfully in dental implant treatments since 1965.

There are many clinical studies on the long-term effectiveness and survival rates of full arch dental implants. A 2019 study of 471 full arch implant patients found that 98.8% of implants were still functioning after 10–18 years. Getting dental implants is a permanent procedure that is intended to last a lifetime.

Can they fail?

Treatment can fail however, the risk of implant failure can be minimised when the procedure is performed by a qualified and experienced dentist and by following a good daily oral hygiene routine. Other lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol abuse and drug use also affect the longevity of dental implant treatment.

How long do replacement teeth last?

How long your replacement teeth last depends on several factors.

Oral hygiene

Replacement teeth need daily care like natural teeth, as oral health problems such as gum disease can increase the risk of dental implant failure.

You can keep your bridge clean and your gums healthy with twice-daily brushing and daily flossing, a healthy diet and regular check-up and hygiene appointments recommended every six to twelve months.

Biting forces

Biting forces can vary from person to person. Your dentist will assess your bite to determine whether a heavy bite might risk damage to your new teeth.

While dental implants don't limit the foods you can eat, your dentist will advise avoiding very hard foods during the first three to six months after surgery while your mouth is healing.

Grinding habits

Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism) is a habit that affects many people, and which can subject your implant bridge and implants to excess pressure and wear. If you have bruxism, your dentist will discuss treatment or management options. This may involve wearing a night splint to protect your bridge during sleep.

Bridge materials

How long a bridge last can also depend on the materials used.

• Custom-milled PMMA (acrylic) bridges: 1 to 2 years
• Zirconia bridges: 10 to 15 years

Custom-milled PMMA (acrylic) bridges carry a 12-month warranty and can be repaired and replaced if necessary. With proper maintenance, custom-milled PMMA (acrylic) may last beyond two years. custom-milled PMMA (acrylic) remains the material of choice for the first set of teeth attached to full arch (All-on-4) dental implants because they can be made quickly and easily adjusted to a changing bite.

Zirconia bridges carry a 5-year warranty and are highly durable, stain-resistant and natural-looking. On average, zirconia teeth may last between 10 to 15 years with proper care. Zirconia bridges are used as long-term teeth after the mouth has healed from surgery.

What are replacement teeth made of?

The day after your full arch surgery, your dentist will fit a custom-milled PMMA (acrylic) bridge to your dental implants.

This bridge can be replaced with a zirconia bridge from around three months after surgery, once healing has progressed.

Custom-milled PMMA (acrylic) bridge

Your temporary custom-milled PMMA (acrylic) bridge is custom-milled by our experienced dental technicians using detailed digital impressions of your mouth. It is designed to be worn temporarily while the mouth heals.

Why custom-milled PMMA (acrylic)?

Custom-milled PMMA (acrylic) bridges are designed to provide:

• Excellent strength and durability
• A precise, comfortable fit
• Natural-looking aesthetics
• A smooth finish that helps reduce plaque build-up

These qualities make them an ideal solution for full-arch implant treatment during the healing phase.

Designed around your smile

Before your bridge is attached, your dentist will carefully check:

• The fit and comfort
• Your bite alignment
• The appearance of your new smile

This ensures your teeth look and feel as natural as possible.

Upgrading to a zirconia bridge

After your implants have healed — usually around 3 to 4 months after surgery — you may choose to upgrade to a long-term ceramic bridge.

Zirconia is a highly durable ceramic material known for its:

• Exceptional strength
• Natural appearance
• Long-term durability
• Resistance to wear and staining

While some dentists may call this replacement bridge a "permanent bridge," it's important to note that it is not actually "permanent". A zirconia bridge may last between ten to fifteen years before needing to be replaced.

Depending on your individual circumstances and how your bridge is performing, some clients may continue wearing their custom-milled PMMA (acrylic) bridge for one to two years before considering an upgrade to zirconia.

Your dentist will guide you on the most appropriate timing based on your oral health, bite stability, and long-term treatment goals.

Choosing an experienced provider also plays an important role in the long-term success of implant treatment.

Why choose PDIC for All-on-4® in Perth?

At Perth Dental Implant Centre, our implant dentists are highly accredited and experienced in providing a wide range of full arch solutions. This includes standard All-on-4 to complex cases requiring advanced full arch techniques involving pterygoid and zygomatic implants for clients with substantial upper jaw bone loss.

We can explain what the process involves and will make sure you understand all of your options for replacing teeth.

All-On-4 Centre® of Excellence

We are one of only a few dental clinics in Australia to be recognised by Nobel Biocare as an All-on-4® Centre of Excellence. This means we are a trusted provider of full arch dental implants using the All-on-4® treatment protocol.

In-house lab and milling technology

Our dental technician custom-makes all bridge restorations at our onsite dental laboratory, ensuring we maintain full control over the quality, fit and aesthetics to provide you with strong, natural-looking teeth.

Book a free consultation for All-on-4® in Perth

Find out whether you're suitable for All-on-4® dental implants and what your options are for replacing teeth by arranging a consultation with our team today. Book online or call 1300 108 133.

References

1. Malo P, de Araujo Nobre M, Lopes A, et al. The All-on-4 treatment concept for the rehabilitation of the completely edentulous mandible: A longitudinal study with 10 to 18 years of follow-up. Clin Implant Dent Relat Res 2019;21(4):565-577.
2. Taylor M, Masood M, Mnatzaganian G. Longevity of complete dentures: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Prosthet Dent. 2021 Apr;125(4):611-619. doi: 10.1016/j.prosdent.2020.02.019. Epub 2020 Apr 28. PMID: 32359852.
3. van der Bilt A. Human oral function: a review. Braz J Oral Sci. 2002;1(1):7–18.