Are All-on-4® Dental Implants the Magic Bullet? Pros and Cons of Treatment
Posted on: May 15, 2025
BackAre All-on-4® Dental Implants the Magic Bullet? Pros and Cons of Treatment
5 minute read
If you’re considering replacing all of your teeth, or you’re looking to upgrade from dentures, All-on-4® dental implants are a proven treatment option that have helped millions of people to transform their smiles and enhance their quality of life through an improved ability to chew and digest food, speak clearly and prevent premature jawbone loss.
The All-on-4® system uses four or more implants to support a full bridge of natural-looking prosthetic teeth that are permanently attached within days of surgery. As the industry’s gold standard for full teeth replacement, its clinical protocol is backed by clinical evidence that spans almost 30 years.
But, like all treatment options, All-on-4® implants may not be the most suitable treatment solution for everyone, and it’s important to know all of your options before you decide on a teeth replacement solution for you. Read this overview of the pros and cons of All-on-4® dental implants and book a consultation with our experienced Perth dentists to discuss your smile options.
What are All-on-4® dental implants?
All-on-4® is a full arch implant system, meaning it can replace all of the teeth in your upper or lower jaw (or both). The name ‘All-on-4®’ refers to the technique of attaching a complete bridge of replacement teeth to four implants per jaw – two at the front of the mouth and two at the back, on either side.
These back implants are placed in the jaw at 45-degree angles, which maximises support from the jawbone. This trademarked protocol avoids the need for additional implants and allows your new teeth to be securely attached within 5 days.
How is All-on-4® different from other dental implant options?
The All-on-4® treatment protocol was developed by Professor Paulo Malo in conjunction with Swiss dental implant company Nobel BioCare in 1998 and is still considered the gold standard for full teeth replacement, offering more convenience, shorter surgery and faster healing time compared to the conventional method of placing full mouth dental implants (one implant for every tooth). A 2012 review found that the treatment had a high 98% success rate over 10 years.*
In the past, conventional full mouth dental implants were placed in stages where any remaining teeth were removed, and implants placed in the jaw. If the jaw was particularly weak or small, a bone graft would be used to help stabilise the implants. The mouth was left to heal for 3 to 6 months before a set of teeth could be attached. With All-on-4®, your new teeth can attached within days of surgery.
* 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
Who is the All-on-4® treatment designed for?
All-on-4® dental implants may be an option if you have several missing or badly damaged teeth and want to restore the function and appearance of your smile. You may be a suitable candidate for All-on-4® treatment even if you’re not eligible for conventional full mouth dental implants, due to the unique way in which All-on-4® implants are placed in the jaw.
Some factors that could affect your suitability for All-on-4® implants include:
- Gum disease or other oral health conditions
- Poor bone quality in the jaw, which may require additional or longer implants
- Certain medical conditions and medications
- Smoking or excessive alcohol use
Your All-on-4® dentist will assess your suitability for implants during your consultation. If they identify an increased risk of implant failure, they may suggest lifestyle changes or pre-surgery treatments to restore your gum health and to lower your risks. They will also discuss alternative treatment options with you. To find out if All-on-4® is the right treatment choice for you, call our dedicated treatment coordinator today on 1300 108 133.
Pros of All-on-4® dental implants
There are many reasons to consider All-on-4® implants over conventional dentures. These include:
- Functional benefits
- Aesthetic appeal
- Long-term durability
- Bone health preservation
- Cost-effective full arch solution
1. Functional benefits
Replacing missing or failing teeth can help restore chewing functionality, enabling you to eat food normally and lower the risk of digestive problems and nutritional deficiencies. An implant-supported bridge provides stronger biting forces and increased stability and retention than removable dentures, so you can enjoy a wider variety of foods.
Dental implants are permanently fixed in the mouth, helping to address speech issues associated with missing teeth or dentures, and you won’t have to worry about your replacement teeth coming loose or warping out of shape.
2. Aesthetic appeal
All-on-4® teeth look like natural teeth. When your All-on-4® bridge is designed by a skilled dental technician, your replacement teeth will be indistinguishable from the real thing. Your dental technician will customise your bridge to suit your facial proportions consult with you for your tooth shape and shade preferences.
View our before-and-after patient photos to see how dental implants have transformed our patient’s smiles.
3. Long-term durability
All-on-4® dental implants are made from strong titanium and designed to last a lifetime once bonded with your jaw. A titanium-acrylic bridge can also last for many years before it needs replacing, with no additional care requirements like suction dentures.
4. Bone health preservation
Unlike dentures or a dental bridge that only replaces teeth above the gumline, dental implants also support the jawbone like natural tooth roots. All-on-4® implants are made from biocompatible titanium that stimulates bone in the jaw, helping to prevent early bone loss and shrinking of the jaw and face, and may even help to prevent gum recession.
5. Cost-effective full-arch solution
All-on-4® implants are a considerable investment, however treatment requires fewer implants, surgeries and associated recovery periods compared to traditional dental implants, making it a cost-effective option for replacing multiple teeth.
Compared with removable dentures, All-on-4® dental implants are more expensive but the restored function they may provide is unmatched.
At Perth Dental Implant Centre, we use a single-stage approach to All-on-4® treatment that avoids the added expense of wearing a temporary acrylic bridge before your permanent bridge is fitted, as our dentist can place your final titanium-acrylic bridge within five days of surgery.
Cons of All-on-4® dental implants
All-on-4® implants might not be the best option for everyone, depending on your situation. Some factors to consider are:
- Suitability limitations
- Ongoing maintenance
- Surgical risks
- Financial investment
- Adaptation period
1. Suitability limitations
All-on-4® implants are more accommodating than conventional dental implants for patients with smaller or thinner jaws, but the implants still require a certain amount of bone density to be supported. If you’ve gone without natural teeth for some time, it’s possible that you’ve experienced some bone loss. Your dentist may discuss additional implants or longer implants, such as pterygoid implants to build up your jaw and adequately support a full arch of replacement teeth.
As with other types of dental implants, you may be unsuitable if you have certain medical conditions or untreated gum disease. Your dentist will ask about your medical history and take an x-ray and bone scan to determine your eligibility for treatment.
2. Maintenance considerations
All-on-4® implants are maintained in the same way natural teeth are. This involves twice-daily brushing, flossing once a day (we’ll provide you with a water flosser), attending regular check-ups and professional cleans every six months and x-rays every 12 to 24 months to check the bone health around the implants. Your dentist may also provide you with a night guard if you grind or clench your teeth during sleep.
3. Surgical risks
Placing dental implants involves minor surgery, and as with any surgical procedure, there are possible risks involved, such as infection of the implant site or nerve damage during implant placement. These risks can be minimised when you choose an experienced implant dentist.
4. Financial investment
Teeth replacement with All-on-4® is cost-effective in the long term, but the initial cost of All-on-4® dental implants is higher than that of dentures. There are also ongoing maintenance and repair costs to consider, as your bridge will need to be replaced after several years, depending on the material it’s made from and how well it’s cared for.
If you’re concerned about managing your All-on-4® payment, we offer payment plans that could help you to break down the cost.
5. Adaptation period
Like any prosthesis, it can take some time to get used to eating and speaking with an All-on-4® bridge while your mouth is healing. This is only temporary, as your mouth will adjust and feel more natural over time.
Are All-on-4® dental implants right for me?
Weighing up the pros and cons of All-on-4® dental implants should give you some idea of whether they’re a good fit for you, but it’s important to consider your personal circumstances and to talk to a professional about your suitability and options.
A dental implant surgeon can determine whether you’re suitable for All-on-4® treatment, explain more about what the procedure involves, and discuss alternatives so you can make a fully informed decision about your smile.
Book an All-on-4® consultation in Perth
If you’re considering restoring your smile with full mouth dental implants, give us a call today on 1300 108 133 to arrange a consultation with one of our dentists. We have clinics in Mount Lawley, East Victoria Park and Kelmscott.
The total cost of All-on-4® dental implants includes the cost of the implants themselves, first and subsequent sets of replacement teeth, implant surgery, diagnostics, and any other services provided, such as dental sedation.
There will also be ongoing maintenance costs such as professional cleaning and bridge repairs when needed. How often your All-on-4® bridge needs to be replaced depends on the type of bridge you choose, your oral hygiene, biting forces and lifestyle factors.
References
1. 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
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
