Are All-on-4® Dental Implants Worth the Cost?

5 minute read

If you’re thinking about replacing all your upper and/or lower teeth and you have struggled with dentures in the past, your dentist might offer full mouth dental implants - also known as All-on-4® dental implants. As the name suggests, this revolutionary concept can support a full fixed bridge of natural-looking replacement teeth on just four implants within 24 hours of surgery.

The term ‘All-on-4®’ refers to the surgical protocol co-founded by Professor Paulo Malo and global implant manufacturer Nobel Biocare.

All-on-4® teeth look and function more naturally than dentures and don't require a special care routine, but treatment cost is higher than dentures. The cost of treatment with full arch implants typically depends on how many implants you need and the type of bridge that is placed after surgery.

If you're considering full teeth replacement in Perth with All-on-4® or other solutions, our dentists at Perth Dental Implant Centre will explain all your options and the costs involved to help you make an informed decision. Book a consultation online today or call our dedicated treatment coordinator on 1300 108 133.

Who is suitable for full arch dental implants (All-on-4®)?

Most people with missing or failing teeth and healthy jawbone may be candidates for full mouth dental implants. treatment may be a suitable solution if you've already lost all of your teeth or if many of your teeth are badly damaged or decayed, in which case having them removed and replaced can restore the function and appearance of your smile almost immediately.

When you visit an implant dentist to discuss tooth replacement, they will examine your mouth, take a 3D bone scan and check your medical history and lifestyle factors to assess your suitability for full mouth dental implants including All-on-4®.

Condition that may affect eligibility are:

• advanced gum disease
• certain medical conditions or medications
• pregnancy
• heavy smoking, heavy drinking or drug abuse, which can affect healing and increase the risk of implant failure

Even if you're not suitable for conventional dental implants, you may be a candidate for All-on-4®, due to the unique way the implants are placed in the jaw.

If you have gone without teeth for some time and have experienced severe bone loss, your dentist may be able to place additional implants or longer implants (known as zygomatic or pterygoid implants) if there isn’t enough bone in the upper jaw to support a full arch of teeth.

What are the benefits of full arch implants (All-on-4®) treatment?

Missing and failed teeth can present a number of difficulties in daily life. If many or all teeth are lost, this may lead to difficulties with speech, chewing and subsequently nutrition and digestion.

Without the support of teeth, the jawbone and other facial structures begin to deteriorate, which can lead to a prematurely-aged appearance.

Replacing missing teeth soon after tooth loss, helps to preserve the jaw bone and reduce further bone loss over time. This is because after a tooth is removed, the jaw bone in that area naturally begins to shrink because it no longer receives stimulation from the tooth root.

Most bone loss occurs within the first 3 to 6 months after an extraction, during which the jaw bone can lose a significant amount of its width (up to 63%) and height (up to 22%). (1)

Prosthetic teeth supported by dental implants are the closest match to natural teeth in functionality and aesthetics and can help to restore a smile. Unlike removable dentures which rely on suction to stay in place, dental implants support jawbone health and carry less oral health risks.

Full mouth dental implants (including All-on-4®) offer a stable, permanent alternative to dentures and are less invasive than conventional implants where an implant is placed for every missing tooth.

With a 98% clinically proven success rate, the dentist places four to six dental implants on the first day then fits replacement teeth within 24 hours. (2)

What are the alternatives to All-on-4® for replacing teeth?

All-on-4® is considered the preferred solution for replacing teeth however, not everyone is suitable for treatment, and an alternative treatment may be a better solution . We'll make sure you know all of your options, which may include:

• Removable suction dentures
• Removable implant-retained dentures

All-on-4® vs dentures

Removable dentures are the most common and affordable option for full teeth replacement, but they have some disadvantages. One of the biggest challenges with suction dentures is the impact on chewing efficiency.

Chewing food inefficiently can negatively impact the body’s ability to digest food and extract necessary nutrients that sustain overall health.

The above figure shows the variations in chewing efficiency using a number of teeth replacement solutions. Fixed full arch (All-on-4) implant bridges retain the highest chewing efficiency compared to other treatment options.

Wearing dentures can be difficult to tolerate but perhaps the biggest disadvantage is that the jaw bone continues to shrink away with time. Teeth rely on stimulation from chewing to keep the jawbone healthy and to prevent resorption.

Dental implants mimic the function of tooth roots and support a healthy jawbone. Many problems associated with dentures can be avoided by choosing dental implants.

In comparison with dentures, full mouth (All-on-4®) implant bridges:

• Support jawbone health
• Offer stronger biting forces and the ability to chew food
• Better chewing aids healthier digestion
• Don’t restrict your diet
• Don't affect speech in the way dentures can
• Won't change shape or fall out over time
• Won't cause gum irritation, mouth sores
• Don't need to be taken out, cleaned and stored at night
• Don’t need to be glued in
• Won't get lost or misplaced
• Don't need to be periodically relined
• Have several options for tooth materials
• May help prevent gum disease and recession
• Are longer lasting

Traditional custom-milled PMMA (acrylic) dentures typically last around 4 to 8 years before replacement may be required, depending on wear and ongoing changes in the jaw and gums. They may also require ongoing maintenance over time, including professional cleaning, relines and occasional repairs.

Full mouth dental implants use high-grade titanium implants designed to support long-term function. While implant-supported bridges may eventually require maintenance or replacement over time, their longevity can vary depending on the materials used, biting forces and long-term care.

Another option is implant-retained dentures, where removable dentures attach to dental implants for added stability and support. This treatment typically involves two or more implants in the lower jaw, or four or more implants in the upper jaw, to help secure the denture in place. While this can provide greater retention than traditional dentures, the removable custom-milled PMMA (acrylic) teeth may wear over time and generally do not offer the same fixed feel as a permanently attached implant bridge.

For patients seeking a long-term fixed solution, full mouth dental implants may provide improved stability, comfort and function compared to removable alternatives.

All-on-4® vs conventional dental implants

Before All-on-4®, replacing a full arch of teeth with conventional dental implants was a more expensive and complex procedure that involved placing an implant for each tooth, often with bone grafting (a more invasive surgery with higher clinical risks) and then waiting 3 to 6 months for the implants to bond with the jaw. Once the implants had healed, the teeth could then be fitted.

Modern full arch treatment techniques including All-on-4®, avoid this waiting period. Unwanted teeth are removed and four to six implants are placed in the same surgery, and then new teeth are attached within 24 hours.

Since the introduction of the All-on-4® treatment concept, our team has evolved the approach across a range of implant systems and advanced surgical techniques to provide more tailored treatment solutions for each client.

The original All-on-4® protocol developed by Nobel Biocare involves strategically angled posterior implants designed to maximise the use of available jaw bone and reduce the need for more extensive grafting procedures in suitable cases.

• Depending on the amount of available bone and your individual needs, treatment may also involve additional or longer implants to provide enhanced long-term support for your replacement teeth.
• Our clinicians use advanced digital planning technology to carefully assess bone volume, implant positioning and prosthetic design prior to surgery.
• We offer treatment using premium implant systems, including genuine Nobel Biocare dental implants, with every treatment plan individually tailored to your anatomy, functional needs and long-term goals.
• Our focus is on delivering stable, long-term full arch solutions designed to restore comfort, function and natural-looking aesthetics.

Free implant consultation and scan

Book your free dental implant consultation & 3D scan (valued up to $609). This offer includes:

• Consultation (#014)
• Diagnostic 3D model #071×2
• Intraoral photographs #072
• Extraoral photographs #073
• 3D (CBCT) bone scan^ and written report #026; #089 (if required)

*Offer valid for NEW clients only. ^An OPG x-ray and CBCT scan will only be taken if clinically required. If you have a current OPG / CBCT (taken within the past six months) from another dental provider, we may use this at no additional charge. Total cost of treatment varies depending on your treatment plan inclusions, sedation and hospital fees (if applicable). View full terms and conditions of this offer and treatment considerations and risks here.

How much do full arch (All-on-4®) implants cost?

Our full arch (All-on-4®) packages are designed to support a range of functional, aesthetic and financial needs. ‘From’ prices are per jaw and a guide only and designed for immediate, long-term and advanced solutions for complex cases:

Revive Basic from $17,250 per arch includes:

What’s included

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

Custom-milled PMMA (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.

• Zirconia bridge: $10,500 per arch
• Custom-milled PMMA (acrylic) bridge: $2,000 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 per arch includes:

What's included

• Four to six titanium dental implants
• Titanium abutments
• Next-day custom-milled PMMA (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 offer 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).

Revive Advanced from $30,000 per arch includes:

Whats included

• Four to six titanium dental implants
• Titanium abutments
• Next-day missed custom-milled PMMA (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

Ongoing maintenance

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

Additional costs may include

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

How much does a replacement bridge cost?

Your temporary custom-milled PMMA (acrylic) bridge is designed to provide fixed teeth while your mouth heals following implant surgery. Temporary bridges are made from custom-milled PMMA (acrylic) and are intended as a provisional solution during the healing phase.

Once healing is complete — typically around 3 to 4 months after surgery — you may choose to upgrade to your long-term zirconia bridge.

Like natural teeth, implant bridges require ongoing maintenance and may eventually need repair or replacement over time. When considering treatment, it’s important to factor in the long-term care and maintenance associated with full arch dental implants.

Ongoing maintenance costs

• Professional implant cleaning every 6–12 months
  From $350 per arch or $500 for both arches
• 3D CBCT scans every 12–24 months
  Recommended to help monitor implant health and bone stability
• Minor bridge repairs as needed*
  From $350–$600 per arch
• Full bridge replacement over time
  From $10,500 per arch
  (typically every 10–15 years or as required)

*Repair costs may vary depending on the extent of damage or wear. can often be done in one day while significant damage may require a completely new bridge to be made.

All-on-4® finance

Full arch dental implants are the preferred method for full teeth replacement and not too dissimilar to the cost of a knee or hip replacement - the main difference being that Medicare does not cover dental treatment.

At Perth Dental Implant Centre, we're transparent about prices and committed to making quality dental treatments accessible to everyone.

Payment plans

We offer flexible payment plans through trusted providers including:

• Zip Money
• Humm
• Pretty Penny Finance

A payment plan or dental loan aims to break down treatment costs into smaller instalments.

Early superannuation release

Our dentists can also help to determine your eligibility for early super release to pay for treatment.

You may choose to apply for early super access directly via the ATO website, or via a third party provider such as Super Health Ensemble.

Learn more about 'Accessing Super for All-on-4® dental implants'.

Are full mouth (All-on-4®) dental implants worth the cost?

The value of full mouth dental implants is different for every patient. While treatment typically costs more upfront than traditional dentures, many clients feel the improvements in comfort, stability, appearance and confidence make it a worthwhile long-term investment.

Unlike removable dentures, full arch dental implants are designed to feel more secure and function more like natural teeth, helping many of our clients eat, speak and smile with greater confidence.

When comparing treatment options, it’s also important to consider the ongoing challenges that can sometimes be associated with poorly fitting dentures, including:

• Difficulty chewing certain foods
• Gum irritation and recurring sore spots
• Reduced stability and denture movement
• Changes in jaw bone and facial support over time
• Ongoing maintenance, relines and replacements
• Emotional and social impacts associated with missing teeth

For many people, the long-term benefits of fixed implant treatment extend beyond the smile alone, supporting overall comfort, function and quality of life.

Watch our clients Steph, as she explains what treatment means to her:

Book a consultation for full mouth implants (All-on-4®) in Perth

If you want to know more about All-on-4® implants in Perth or you're ready to speak to a dentist, contact Perth Dental Implant Centre today to book a free consultation.

Alternatively, call 1300 108 133 to speak with our treatment coordinator for more details.

References

1. Lin, Hsi Kuei et al. “Prevention of Bone Resorption by HA/β-TCP + Collagen Composite after Tooth Extraction: A Case Series.” International journal of environmental research and public health vol. 16,23 4616. 21 Nov. 2019, doi:10.3390/ijerph16234616
2. 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
3. Osterberg T, Carlsson GE, Sundh V, Steen B. Number of teeth—a predictor of mortality in the elderly? A population study in three Nordic localities. Acta Odontol Scand. 2007;65(6):335–40.
4. Manoharan, S., Nagaraja, V. and Eslick, G.D. (2014). Ill-fitting dentures and oral cancer: A meta-analysis. Oral Oncology, 50(11), pp.1058–1061. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oraloncology.2014.08.002
5. Tiwari, T., Kelly, A., Randall, C.L., Tranby, E. and Franstve-Hawley, J. (2022). Association Between Mental Health and Oral Health Status and Care Utilization. Frontiers in Oral Health, 2(732882). doi: https://doi.org/10.3389/froh.2021.732882