All-on-4 dental implants is a treatment option that has successfully restored thousands of people’s ability to enjoy a fully functioning smile. Unlike conventional removable dentures, this technique provides a permanent solution for life.
This implant technique is capable of replacing an entire set of teeth. Each All-on-4 denture typically contains fourteen teeth, including 4 incisors, 4 premolars, 2 canines, and 4 molars. These implants are designed to allow a whole set of 14 teeth to rest on only 4 dental implants. Four titanium posts are implanted to support a fixed dental prosthesis containing 10 to 14 teeth.
What Does All-on-4 Mean?
All-on-4 is a full-arch dental implant technique where an entire set of teeth is supported by just four titanium implants. The name refers to this concept directly: all of your teeth (on that arch), on 4 implants.
Dentists are trained to use the All on 4 trademark technique of placing posterior Nobel BioCare dental implants at a 45-degree angle to support each denture. You may also see the term “All-on-X” used, this is the generic equivalent, used to describe the same four-implant full-arch concept across all brands and systems. The two terms refer to the same treatment approach.
All-on-4 dentures can replace missing teeth with an instant process, bypassing the need for lengthy procedures usually associated with conventional implants. These prosthetic teeth look, feel, and function like regular teeth.
How Do All-on-4 Implants Differ From Other Dental Implants?
All-on-4 implants are permanently fixed, unlike removable dentures, they don’t shift, require adhesives, or need to be removed at night. For a full comparison of All-on-4 against dentures and conventional implants. See our All-on-4 Implants page.
Single Arch vs Full Mouth: What’s the Difference?
All-on-4 treatment can be performed on one arch or both, depending on your situation.
A single arch treats either the upper jaw or the lower jaw. Four implants are placed into that arch and a fixed prosthetic of 10 to 14 teeth is attached. This is the most common scenario for patients who have significant tooth loss concentrated in one jaw.
Full mouth treatment means both arches are replaced, upper and lower. This uses eight implants in total (four per arch) and can restore up to 28 teeth. Both arches can be treated at the same time or staged across separate appointments, depending on your dentist’s recommendation and your individual circumstances.
The right approach depends on the condition of your teeth, your jawbone density, and your treatment goals. Your dentist will assess this during your initial consultation.
All-on-4 is one of the most effective ways to permanently replace a full arch of missing teeth, but the right treatment plan depends on your individual situation. For information on costs, the procedure, and whether you’re a suitable candidate, visit our All-on-4 dental implants page or call Rockingham Dental Centre on 08 9527 1093 to book your consultation.
