All-on-4 Dental Implants: What They Are and Who They’re For

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If you are missing most or all of your teeth in one or both arches, you have more options today than ever before. All-on-4 dental implants let you replace a full arch of teeth with just four strategically placed implants, giving you a fixed, natural-looking smile that does not come out at night. Here at the Center for Advanced Dentistry in Loveland, Colorado, Dr. Andrew Howard and our team help patients understand whether All-on-4 is the right fit for their smile and their budget.

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What Are All-on-4 Dental Implants?

All-on-4 is an implant-supported tooth replacement method that uses four dental implants to anchor a full arch of replacement teeth. 

Two implants are placed toward the front of the jaw, where bone is typically denser, and two are angled toward the back of the jaw to maximize contact with the available bone. Once the implants are placed, a custom fixed bridge is attached, restoring a full set of teeth that functions and looks like natural teeth.

Unlike a traditional denture, an All-on-4 bridge is secured directly to the implants, offering stability and a natural feel that can boost your confidence in your smile.

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All-on-4 vs. Traditional Dentures and Full Mouth Implants

Traditional dentures rest on the gums and can shift, slip, or cause sore spots, especially with lower dentures. An implant-retained overdenture improves stability while remaining removable for cleaning.

Traditional full mouth implant treatment often uses six or more implants per arch and may require bone grafting if you do not have enough jawbone to support that many implants in their ideal positions.

All-on-4 was developed specifically to work around bone loss. By angling the back two implants, the treatment uses the bone you already have more efficiently, which means many patients who have been told they need extensive grafting can still be candidates for a fixed, full-arch solution.

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Who Is a Good Candidate for All-on-4?

You may be a good candidate for All-on-4 dental implants if:

• You are missing most or all of your teeth in the upper arch, lower arch, or both
• You currently wear a removable denture that shifts, clicks, or feels unstable
• You have experienced some bone loss but want to avoid extensive bone grafting
• You are in good general health, and any gum disease has been treated
• You want a fixed, non-removable option rather than a removable denture

The best way to determine if you're a good candidate is through a free consultation with our team, including a CT scan, which helps create a personalized treatment plan and makes you feel prioritized and cared for.

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What to Expect During Treatment

Treatment begins with a consultation and a 3D CT scan to plan implant placement. If needed, remaining teeth can often be removed on the same day, making the process straightforward and less stressful.

The four implants are placed under sedation, and in many cases, a temporary fixed bridge is attached the same day, so you do not leave without teeth. Over the next three to six months, the implants fuse with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration. Once healing is complete, your final custom bridge is placed.

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Benefits of All-on-4 Dental Implants

• A fixed bridge that does not come out, click, or shift
• Function and bite force closer to natural teeth than a removable denture
• Often avoids the need for extensive bone grafting
• A full new smile, frequently completed with a temporary bridge the same day as surgery
• Long-term durability with proper home care and regular checkups

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

Cost depends on how many arches are being treated, whether any teeth need to be removed first, the materials used for your final bridge, and your specific needs. 

Because All-on-4 is a full treatment plan rather than a single procedure, the most accurate way to get a cost estimate is through a free consultation, where we can review your imaging and walk you through a personalized quote and financing options. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long do All-on-4 dental implants last? The implants themselves can last 20 years or longer with good oral hygiene and regular dental visits. The fixed bridge attached to the implants typically lasts 10 to 15 years before it may need to be remade or relined.

Is the All-on-4 procedure painful? The procedure is performed under sedation, and most patients describe the recovery as similar to or easier than a tooth extraction. Any discomfort is typically managed with prescribed medication for the first few days.

Can I get All-on-4 implants if I have worn dentures for years? Yes. Many All-on-4 patients have worn removable dentures for years and are looking for a fixed alternative. Long-term denture wear can lead to bone loss, which is exactly the situation that All-on-4 was designed to address.

What is the difference between All-on-4 and All-on-6? All-on-6 uses six implants per arch instead of four, which can provide additional support for patients with higher bite-force needs or specific bone conditions. Dr. Howard will recommend the option that best matches your bone structure and goals. If gum recession or bone loss has you unsure whether you qualify for either option, see our related article on dental implants with gum recession and bone loss.

Ready to Find Out If All-on-4 Is Right for You?

Schedule a free consultation with Dr. Andrew Howard at Center for Advanced Dentistry conveniently located in Loveland, CO. We will review your imaging, answer your questions, and build a plan around the smile you want.

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