The Ultimate Guide to All-on-4® Dental Implants

A Comprehensive Overview for Perfecting Your Smile

If you have many missing or damaged teeth and you’re considering replacing them, dentures aren’t always the only option. All-on-4® dental implants are a modern solution for restoring your smile with a full arch of strong, comfortable and lifelike teeth.

All-on-4® implants have a 98% success rate* and your new teeth can usually be fitted within five days of surgery. Unlike dentures, you won’t have to worry about them falling out or making changes to your diet.

Read this general overview of All-on-4® dental implants to find out about:

• The benefits of All-on-4® dental implants
• What the All-on-4® procedure involves
• All-on-4® vs traditional dentures
• All-on-4® success rate and longevity
• All-on-4® cost comparison
• All-on-4® patient reviews
• Frequently asked questions

If you’re interested in All-on-4® dental implants for full arch restoration, contact Perth Dental Implant Centre to book a consultation with one of our dentists.

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

What are the benefits of All-on-4® dental implants?

All-on-4® implants have all the benefits of standard dental implants, with a few differences. One major difference is that fewer implants are needed per tooth. The All-on-4® technique uses as few as four implants to support a whole arch of replacement teeth, keeping surgery to a minimum.

The unique way that All-on-4® implants are positioned means it’s not necessary to wait for the jaw bone to heal around the implants before fitting the final bridge, so the treatment can be completed in a matter of days rather than months. This also means All-on-4® can be an option for some people who aren’t eligible for standard implants due to having a smaller or softer jaw.

By replacing missing teeth or existing dentures with All-on-4® dental implants, you could enjoy:

• Improved appearance and confidence about your smile
• Stronger biting and chewing forces
• Reduced risk of bone loss in your jaw
• Long-term durability with no special care requirements

Nobel Biocare developed the All-on-4® system 25 years ago and is still the leading brand for full mouth dental implants. Perth Dental Implant Centre is recognised as an All-on-4® Centre of Excellence in Australia for our expertise in the All-on-4® treatment protocol. Book a consultation in Applecross to find out more.

What does the All-on-4® procedure involve?

If you’re considering All-on-4® implants at Perth Dental Implant Centre, our highly skilled and experienced dentists will explain what each step of the procedure involves so you know what to expect.

1. Planning your treatment

As with any dental procedure, the first step in the All-on-4® process is a consultation where your dentist will listen to your concerns and assess your suitability for the treatment. This will involve examining your mouth, discussing your oral hygiene habits, and taking images such as x-rays and a 3D bone scan to determine whether you’re a candidate for implants.

If you are suitable for All-on-4® treatment and decide to go ahead, our dentist and dental technician will work with you to design your new smile using the latest imaging software, giving you an idea of how your new smile will look.

2. Placing your All-on-4® implants

All-on-4® dental implants are placed in the jaw bone in a surgical procedure that’s carefully planned by your dentist for maximum support and minimal risk of complications. All implants are placed on the same day, and local anaesthetic or other sedation will be used to numb pain and help you to feel comfortable.

If you have any natural teeth remaining in your upper or lower jaw, these will need to be removed before placing All-on-4® dental implants. If your jaw bone isn’t dense enough to support an implant, your dentist may recommend longer pterygoid or zygomatic implants or a bone grafting procedure, which is typically done at the same time.

After your implants have been placed, your dentist will take digital impressions of your mouth that your technician will use to design your custom bridge. Your dentist will then place healing caps over the tops of the implants.

3. Healing & guided review appointments

Within 24 hours of your surgery, we fit your custom-milled PMMA (acrylic) teeth that have been expertly designed in our online dental laboratory. Designing your bridge in-house means that our dental technician has complete control over the quality, fit and aesthetics of your new teeth. Your dentist will check how the bridge looks and fits and any adjustments needed are easily made.

Your custom-milled PMMA (acrylic) bridge is designed to be worn while your mouth heals. After three to four months, you may choose to wear your bridge for longer or upgrade to a long-term, stain-resistant and durable zirconia bridge.

4. Crafting your long-term teeth

Once you’re ready for your permanent teeth, we take detailed digital scans and collaborate closely with our dental laboratory technician to craft your custom zirconia bridge.

Using advanced digital technology, we carefully fine-tune the shape, colour and fit to suit your facial features, smile and bite—creating a result that looks natural, feels comfortable and functions like real teeth.

4. Care and recovery

You’ll continue with regular maintenance appointments every 6 to 12 months, along with periodic x-rays every 12 to 24 months to monitor the health of your implants and jawbone.

These visits help us professionally care for your smile, identify any concerns early, and support your long-term oral health and function.

All-on-4® vs traditional dentures: how do they compare?

Before the All-on-4® treatment protocol made it practical to use dental implants for full arch replacement, dentures were the only viable option for replacing a full set of teeth. Dentures are still widely used today, and modern dentures designed by a skilled prosthetist can look and feel more natural than those of the past, but All-on-4® implants have many advantages over suction dentures. These include:

• More support and stability for your replacement teeth
• Improved comfort and convenience
• Stronger biting forces allowing you to enjoy a nutritious diet
• More natural appearance, especially when choosing an aesthetic option such as a porcelain-layered zirconia bridge
• Can help prevent problems such as gum recession and a misaligned bite
• Implants stimulate the underlying bone to help prevent jaw deterioration, hollow cheeks and a prematurely aged appearance
• Don’t require special daily care or cleaning
• Implants may last 25 years or more

On the other hand, dentures avoid the need for implant surgery and associated clinical risks. They also cost less, both initially and in the long term, though many patients consider All-on-4® dental implants to be a cost-effective investment.

If you’re not sure which teeth replacement option is right for you, our dentist will explain all the pros and cons of All-on-4® vs traditional dentures and other alternatives so you’ll have a balanced view and can decide what’s best for your needs and your budget.

All-on-4® success rate and longevity

One advantage that All-on-4® has over other dental implants for full arch restoration is the growing body of clinically-proven studies demonstrating its success.

• A long-term study of 245 patients published in 2011 found an All-on-4® success rate of 98% after 5 years and 95% after 10 years, confirming that the treatment is a viable option for permanent teeth replacement.*
• A 2012 study of All-on-4® patient reviews found high satisfaction rates, with 98% of patients saying they would definitely recommend a similar treatment.**

All-on-4® implants can last for 25 years or longer with proper care. While your bridge doesn’t need special cleaning like dentures, it’s still important to brush and floss your replacement teeth to remove plaque that can cause problems like gum disease. Avoiding smoking and excess sugar can also lower the risk of implant failure.

It’s also important to keep up with your regular dental appointments every 6–12 months so your dentist can check for any signs of oral health problems and professionally clean and polish your bridge. We also recommend a dental x-ray every 12–24 months so our dentists can check the condition of your jaw bone around your implants, improving the chance of any problems being addressed early.

*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

**Babbush CA. Posttreatment quantification of patient experiences with full-arch implant treatment using a modification of the OHIP-14 questionnaire. J Oral Implantol. 2012 Jun;38(3):251-60. doi: 10.1563/AAID-JOI-D-12-00001. Epub 2012 Jan 17. PMID: 22250619.

All-on-4® cost comparison

Even if you’re convinced of the benefits of All-on-4® dental implants, you also need to consider whether the treatment is affordable for your price range. The price of All-on-4® full mouth dental implants starts from $17,250 per arch. This provides clients with an immediate solution to restore their smile.

Our price packages are tailored to suit your individual needs whether you want an immediate solution, long-term solution or an advanced solution.

When comparing the cost of All-on-4® and other dental implants for full arch replacement, it’s important to check what is and isn’t included in the price, and any other associated and ongoing costs that will add to the total treatment cost. At Perth Dental Implant Centre, we’re fully transparent about the cost of All-on-4® implants and other services we provide. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect.

What’s included

Our All-on-4® dental implant package at Perth includes:

• Four to six dental implants placed using the All-on-4® trademark protocol
• Four 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*

*Warranties are subject to attending implant reviews, six-monthly check-ups and hygiene maintenance appointments.

What’s not included

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

Maintenance costs

• 6–12 monthly check-ups and cleans with a dentist (as with natural teeth)
• CBCT bone scan every 2 years to check bone around implants
• Bridge repairs as needed, which can range from $350–$550

Bridge replacements

Like all teeth replacement solutions, prosthetic teeth do not last forever and will eventually need to be replaced. A replacement custom-milled PMMA (acrylic) bridge may last anywhere from 1 to 2 years, while a zirconia bridge may last up to 18 years or more, depending on how well it is cared for:

• Replacement custom-milled PMMA (acrylic) bridge $2,000 per arch or $500 for both (Lasts 1 to 2 years on average)
• Zirconia bridge $10,500 per arch (up to 18 years or more)

What support is available?

Although the cost of All-on-4® dental implants isn’t covered by private health insurance, you may be able to claim some of the costs involved in your treatment plan, depending on your health fund. Our staff will help you to find out what you can claim to avoid some out-of-pocket costs.

We also offer flexible payment plans through trusted providers including Zip Money, Humm and Pretty Penny Finance if you prefer to break down your treatment cost into more manageable instalments. Zip Money offers payment plan options for dental treatments to the value of $30,000*.

*T&Cs, and credit approval apply. A monthly account fee of $9.95 will apply. A one-off establishment fee may apply for new customers. Other charges may be payable, see T&Cs. Interest, fees and charges subject to change. Credit provided by ZipMoney Payments Pty Ltd (ABN 58 164 440 993), Australian Credit Licence Number 441878.

If the cost of All-on-4® dental implants is out of reach, you may be eligible to apply for early release of superannuation via Super Health Ensemble to help cover the full cost or partial cost of treatment.

All-on-4® patient reviews

As a regulated healthcare service, All-on-4® patient reviews and testimonials are not permitted under Australian advertising guidelines. These regulations help to protect the public from being influenced by providers who may be less reputable and qualified.

If you’re considering All-on-4® dental implants for full arch restoration, it’s important to do your research and find a provider you trust. Resources such as before and after photos and videos can be useful, but you should also try to hear from patients themselves who can discuss their honest experiences, helping you to make fully informed decisions.

Want to know more? Book an All-on-4® consultation

If you want to restore your smile and your oral health after tooth loss, or to upgrade from uncomfortable dentures, All-on-4® dental implants are a permanent teeth replacement solution. To find out if you’re eligible for treatment and have all your questions answered, book a no-obligation All-on-4® implant consultation today.

Call our Applecross on 1300 108 133.

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

Babbush CA. Posttreatment quantification of patient experiences with full-arch implant treatment using a modification of the OHIP-14 questionnaire. J Oral Implantol. 2012 Jun;38(3):251-60. doi: 10.1563/AAID-JOI-D-12-00001. Epub 2012 Jan 17. PMID: 22250619.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.