East Vic Park

Suite 2, Victoria House, 734 Albany
Highway East Victoria Park, WA 6101

1300 108 133 [email protected]

Kelmscott

2915 Albany Highway, Kelmscott, WA 6111

1300 108 133 [email protected]

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 Dr David Norcross. Dr Norcross has been placing dental implants since 2008 and as an experienced and trusted All-On-4® provider, we can make sure you have all the information you need to decide whether a treatment is right for you.

* 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 placing genuine Nobel Biocare implants using the All-On-4® treatment protocol. Book a consultation at our local clinics in Kelmscott and East Victoria Park to find out more.

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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 dentist Dr Norcross 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. Fitting your replacement teeth

While your bridge is being manufactured in a dental laboratory, your dentist will call you back after 1–2 days to try a wax-up model. They’ll check how it looks and fits and any adjustments needed are made by your dental technician. Within 3–5 days of your implants being placed, your final bridge will be ready and can be fixed in place.

Most dentists use a temporary acrylic bridge that’s designed to last 3–6 months and will need to be replaced with a more permanent bridge after your mouth has healed. At Perth Dental Implant Centre, we use stronger titanium-reinforced bridge that may last 2–5 years.

This type of bridge offers a more passive fit than a temporary bridge and will aid better healing during those crucial months after surgery. You will also avoid the cost and hassle of replacing your bridge within the first year.

4. Care and recovery

Post-operative care is an important part of the treatment process as you adjust to your new teeth, and your mouth and jaw begin the healing process.

If you have All-On-4® implants with Perth Dental Implant Centre, we’ll arrange follow-up appointments after 4 weeks and 3 months so Dr Norcross can check your implants and bridge. We’ll also explain how to take care of your new teeth and provide a Waterpik® water flosser to make cleaning under your bridge easier.

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 good 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 $21,000 per arch or $40,000 for both arches.

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 Nobel Biocare dental implants placed using the All-On-4® trademark protocol
  • Four titanium abutments
  • Fixed titanium-reinforced high-impact acrylic bridge
  • Clinical radiographs (excluding 3D CBCT scan)
  • 6 months of follow-up appointments
  • 5-year warranty on implants*
  • 5-year warranty on titanium bar*
  • 2-year warranty on acrylic teeth*

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

What’s not included

  • Initial consultation: $70
  • CBCT bone scan to confirm whether the bone volume in your jaw can support the implants: $217
  • Hospital and anaesthetist fees, subject to individual circumstances and private health cover

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 as needed, which can range from $5,500 – $10,000

Bridge replacements

Like all teeth replacement solutions, prosthetic teeth do not last forever and will eventually need to be replaced. A replacement bridge may last anywhere from 2 to 15 years or longer, depending on the materials it is made from and how well it is cared for:

  • Remodel of existing bridge $5,500 (Lasts 2 to 5 years on average)
  • Replacement titanium-acrylic bridge $8,500 (Lasts 2 to 5 years on average)
  • Titanium-reinforced zirconia bridge (Lasts 10 to 15 years on average)
  • Porcelain-layered zirconia bridge can (Lasts 10 to 15 years on average)

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 if you prefer to break down your treatment cost into more manageable instalments. Zip Money offers interest-free 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 SuperCare 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 with Dr Norcross

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 with Dr Norcross today.

We have two dental implant centres in Perth. Call our Kelmscott clinic on (08) 9495 7999 or our East Victoria Park clinic on (08) 9470 3944. You can also feel free to contact Dr Norcross directly.

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.

The total cost for All-On-4® dental implants includes the cost of the implants themselves, initial and subsequent bridges, implant surgery, diagnostics and other services that may be involved, such as dental sedation. There are also ongoing maintenance costs to consider, such as professional bridge cleaning and repairs as needed. How frequently an All-On-4® implant bridge should be replaced depends on the bridge materials as well as your oral hygiene, biting forces and lifestyle factors.

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

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Your implant bridge will be designed by an experienced technician to perfectly fit your mouth and closely resemble natural teeth. Even up close, no one should be able to tell the difference.

Most people who have a healthy and suitable-sized jaw and good oral health are candidates for All-On-4® treatment, but our dentist will need to examine your mouth to determine whether you’re suitable. Some medical conditions and lifestyle factors such as smoking can impact the All-On-4® success rate.

All surgical procedures carry risk. Complications of All-On-4® implant surgery are rare when the procedure is performed by a qualified and experienced dentist, but they can include implant failure and infection around the implant site. We’ll make sure you understand the possible risks before you consent to treatment.

All-On-4® implants have stronger biting forces than dentures, so you can continue to eat your favourite foods after getting implants. We recommend a soft diet while your mouth is healing from surgery.

Dentists need to complete additional training before they can place dental implants using the All-On-4® treatment protocol. It’s recommended to choose a more experienced and accredited dentist for the best results and to minimise risks. Read more on How to choose the right dentist for dental implants.

All-On-4® implants are made from strong and biocompatible titanium, and can last a lifetime with good care. The replacement teeth attached to the implants may need to be replaced after a number of years due to normal wear, damage or staining. How long a bridge lasts depends on the material it’s made from and how well it’s cared for, but you can generally expect a titanium-reinforced acrylic bridge to last between 2–5 years or a titanium-reinforced zirconia bridge to last 10–15 years or more.

The cost of All-On-4® dental implants at Perth Dental Implant Centre starts from $21,000 per arch or $40,000 for both arches, which includes the cost of the implants and abutments, bridges and surgery, as well as radiographs and follow-up appointments. Other costs may include the initial consultation, 3D bone scans, and anaesthetist and hospital fees.

It’s not recommended to have complex procedures such as All-On-4® dental implants overseas, as the risks involved are higher and the quality of materials may be lower. At Perth Dental Implant Centre, we offer flexible, interest-free payment plans that could help to make the cost of implants easier to manage.

Yes. At Perth Dental Implant Centre, All-On-4® dental implants and titanium bars are covered by a 5-year warranty, while acrylic bridges are covered by a 2-year warranty. This is subject to keeping up with your scheduled review appointments and routine oral health check-ups.

Alternatives to All-On-4® dental implants for full arch replacement include other full mouth implant systems, implant-retained dentures and conventional dentures. We’ll discuss your options so you can make a fully informed decision about teeth replacement.