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All-on-4®

What Is All-on-4®?


All-on-Four is a revolutionary implant denture treatment option that combines dental implants with a prosthesis replacing all of the teeth missing in a dental arch. At Designer Smiles, Dr. Ann and Dr. Lauren don’t like it when people use the term “All-on-4 dentures” because that may give the wrong impression. All-on-4 prosthetics are not removable. Your dentist is the one responsible for attaching them to the dental implants and removing them once a year for cleaning and evaluation.

The phrase “All-on-4” denotes all of the teeth in a dental arch supported on four dental implants in the jawbone. The “all” does not mean both upper and lower teeth at the same time; it means either all of the upper teeth or all of the lower teeth, but not both.

What Are the Benefits of All-on-4® Dental Implants?

All-on-Four prosthetics provide many advantages over other teeth replacement options. These advantages result from both the implants strong attachment to the jawbone, and the prosthetic teeth’s screw-retained connection to the dental implants. By transmitting chewing forces into the jawbone instead of onto outer gum tissues, All-on-4 produces more natural chewing than other “dentures.” Being affixed by screws into the dental implants means there is never any looseness. These characteristics combine to make a teeth replacement option that provides:

All-on-Four also provides the option for some patients to receive their “teeth” the same day of the dental implant surgery. This requires planning, imaging, measurements, and work with a certified dental lab prior to the surgery.

All-on-4® vs All-on-6

You may come across a similar term in your research called “all-on-6” and wonder what the difference is. The difference is simply in the number of dental implants used to support the prosthetic teeth. At Designer Smiles, we do not want our patients to choose fewer implants to save money when placing more would give a better long-term result. For that reason, we do not charge by the number of implants, but instead by the overall treatment plan. Our doctors determine the optimal number of dental implants based on the quality and quantity of bone available.

Complementary Procedures to All-on-4® Dental Implants

All-on-4 treatment is often part of a broader restorative or cosmetic dental plan, especially for patients seeking full-mouth transformation. Additional procedures may be recommended before implant placement to provide the best possible outcome. For example, if there are areas of inadequate bone density, your dentist might discuss bone grafting as a preparatory step to enhance support for the implants.

For those interested in improving the appearance of their entire smile, All-on-4 can also be combined with teeth whitening for remaining natural teeth, facial aesthetic services (such as BOTOX®), or gum recontouring to create a more harmonious appearance around the new restoration.

At Designer Smiles, Dr. Ann and Dr. Lauren can work closely with you to develop a comprehensive plan that satisfies your functional needs and cosmetic goals!

What Should I Expect During the All-on-4® Procedure?

The All-on-4 process begins with advanced diagnostic imaging using the PreXion® Cone Beam CT scanner. This technology captures highly detailed 3D views of your jawbone, nerves, and surrounding oral structures. These images enable our team to map out the precise placement of each dental implant and determine the ideal angle and depth for long-term stability and success.

Once all necessary planning has been completed and your custom prosthesis has been fabricated, your doctor will schedule your All-on-4 procedure. The treatment is performed in multiple phases, and you may elect to sleep through them all. At Designer Smiles, we offer several sedation dentistry options, including IV sedation, to keep you relaxed, comfortable, and unaware throughout the entire process.

The surgical procedure itself includes the removal (extraction) of any remaining teeth in the arch, the precise placement of four (or more) dental implants, and the secure attachment of your prosthetic teeth. If you choose not to undergo sedation, your doctor will thoroughly numb the surgical site to ensure a painless experience throughout the treatment.

Upper Arch Replacement vs. Lower Arch Replacement

There is a slight variation in the positioning and angulation of the dental implants depending on whether you’re replacing the upper arch (maxilla) or lower arch (mandible). That said, as the patient, you can expect a similar experience in terms of comfort, healing, and results for both arches.

Full Mouth Restoration

Our dentists can often restore an entire mouth full of missing teeth with All-on-4 implants. A full mouth restoration typically involves at least eight implants (four per arch) – and, when possible, even more to optimize function and durability.

What Is Recovery Like After All-on-4® Dental Implants?

Following your All-on-4 procedure, you can expect a recovery process that involves both physical healing and functional adjustment. It’s normal to experience moderate discomfort in the days after surgery, but this can typically be managed with prescription or over-the-counter medications recommended by Dr. Ann or Dr. Lauren. Swelling and minor bruising around the mouth or jawline are also common and should improve gradually over the first several days.

One of the most important aspects of post-surgical care is allowing your dental implants time to integrate with the jawbone, a process known as osseointegration. This step is essential to the long-term success of your All-on-4 treatment, as it provides the stability needed for your final restoration. Although this process takes place over several months, most patients are able to resume work and non-strenuous activities within a few days.

During this period, you’ll be advised to follow a soft food diet to avoid placing excessive pressure on the newly placed implants. Your dentist will give you specific dietary guidelines and oral hygiene instructions to protect the healing tissues and support proper integration.

If you receive a provisional prosthesis at the time of surgery, you’ll wear this temporary set of teeth while the implants heal. Once integration is confirmed and healing is complete, your final, custom-fitted prosthetic will be placed.

How Do I Care for My All-on-4® Dental Implants?

Just as with single-tooth dental implants, caring for your All-on-4 implants is generally straightforward. Daily brushing, flossing with implant-safe tools, and using certain mouthwashes (if recommended) can keep the area around your implants clean and free of buildup. Although your new teeth are not susceptible to cavities, plaque and bacteria can still affect the surrounding soft tissues.

In addition to home care, routine visits to our office play a vital role in protecting your investment. We recommend scheduling professional cleanings and checkups as advised, including a dedicated recare appointment roughly four months after your procedure. During this visit, we will assess the healing process, check implant integration, and make sure your oral health is on track.

How Much Do All-on-4® Dental Implants Cost?

In general, All-on-4 will range from $15,000 to $25,000 per dental arch. The total cost of All-on-4 treatment varies based on several factors: the number of teeth needing extraction, various sedation options, the planning with imaging and measurements, and the prosthetic teeth themselves.

Contact Designer Smiles

Contact Designer Smiles to schedule your All-on-4 consultation with one of our experienced dentists!

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