All-on-4 Dental Implants

Living with missing or failing teeth affects more than your appearance. If you've been struggling with loose teeth, difficulty eating or the embarrassment of gaps in your smile, you've probably wondered whether there's a more permanent solution. For many of our patients, the answer has been All-on-4 dental implants.

At South Wilts Implant Centre, we've helped patients across Wiltshire, Hampshire, Dorset and Somerset restore a full arch of teeth using the All-on-4 approach - and the results speak for themselves. You can see real examples on our case studies page.

What Are All-on-4 Dental Implants?

All-on-4 is a technique that uses just four precisely placed implants to support a full set of fixed teeth, either upper, lower, or both. Unlike traditional dentures that sit on the gums and can slip or move, All-on-4 teeth are securely attached to the implants, so they look, feel and function like natural teeth.

This treatment is also known as "Same-day-teeth" or "Teeth-in-a-day".

The "four" refers to the number of implants used per arch. Two are placed at the front of the jaw and two are angled at the back, which makes the most of your available bone. In certain clinical cases, we place six implants, in which case, the treatment becomes "All-on-6". This angled placement often means that bone grafting isn't needed, even for patients who've experienced some bone loss, something that reduces both treatment time and cost.

Who Is All-on-4 Suitable For?

All-on-4 is typically a good option if you're dealing with one or more of the following:

• Most or all of your teeth in one arch are missing, excessively worn or decayed beyond repair
• You're wearing a full denture but finding it uncomfortable, unstable or limiting what you can eat
• Your teeth are affected by periodontitis (gum disease) with severe bone loss and mobile teeth
• You've been told you don't have enough bone for conventional implants
• You want a fixed, permanent solution rather than something removable, mobile

During your consultation, we'll carry out a thorough assessment - including scans of your jawbone - to confirm whether All-on-4 is the right fit for you. If it isn't, we'll talk you through the alternatives honestly.

How All-on-4 Compares to Traditional Dentures

If you're currently wearing a full set of dentures, you'll already know the frustrations: adhesive creams, slipping while eating, food getting trapped underneath, and that plate across the roof of your mouth that can affect taste and comfort.

All-on-4 solves these problems. Here's how the two compare:

• Stability - All-on-4 teeth are fixed to implants in your jawbone which means you can't remove them. They don't move, shift or click. You can eat, talk and laugh without thinking about them.
• No palate coverage - Because the teeth are supported by implants rather than suction, there's no plate covering the roof of your mouth. Food tastes better, and most patients find them far more comfortable.
• Longevity - While dentures typically need replacing every five to ten years, All-on-4 implants are designed to last for decades with proper care. The fixed bridge rarely needs maintenance over time, but the implants themselves can last a lifetime.
• Bone preservation - Dentures sit on the gums and do nothing to prevent bone loss. Implants integrate with your jawbone, helping to maintain its structure and strength over the long term.

That said, it's worth being upfront: All-on-4 does involve a surgical procedure, and the cost is higher than a traditional denture. For many patients, the long-term benefits like comfort, confidence and the ability to eat anything make it a worthwhile investment. But we'll always help you weigh up the options so you can make the right decision for you.

What to Expect From the Procedure

One of the things patients appreciate most about All-on-4 is the speed. In many cases, you can walk in with failing teeth and walk out the same day with a full set of fixed provisional teeth. Here's how it typically works:

• Consultation and planning - We assess your mouth, take detailed scans and plan the precise position of each implant using advanced imaging technology.
• Treatment day - The implants are placed under local anaesthetic (we offer sedation if you prefer). The initial fixed set of teeth is attached immediately on the same day, so you leave the clinic with a full smile.
• Healing period - Over the next few months, the implants fuse with your jawbone in a process called osseointegration. During this time, you'll wear your provisional teeth and come in for check-ups.
• Final teeth - Once fully healed, we construct and fit your permanent, custom-made bridge to match your natural appearance and designed to last.

All-on-4 Dental Implants Cost

We understand that cost is a major consideration. All-on-4 treatment is a significant investment, and we believe you deserve full transparency about pricing before making any decisions.

You can find an indication of our current pricing on our implant costs page. We also offer interest-free, flexible payment plans to help spread the cost into manageable monthly amounts. Our team will walk you through the finance options during your consultation, so you'll know exactly what to expect before committing to anything.

When comparing All-on-4 dental implants cost across different providers, it's worth considering what's included. At South Wilts Implant Centre, our pricing covers the consultation, the full clearance of your remaining teeth, the implants, the surgical procedure, your provisional teeth, follow-up appointments and your final bridge. There are no hidden extras.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the All-on-4 procedure hurt?

The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic, so you won't feel pain during treatment. Sedation is also available if you feel anxious. Afterwards, some swelling and tenderness is normal, but most patients manage comfortably with over-the-counter painkillers and are back to their routine within a few days.

How long do All-on-4 implants last?

The implants themselves are designed to last a long time with proper care. The fixed bridge attached to them will typically last over fifteen years, though it may need occasional adjustments or repairs over time.

Can I eat normally with All-on-4?

Yes, and this is one of the biggest advantages over traditional dentures. Once your permanent teeth are fitted, you can eat steak, apples, crusty bread and foods that many denture wearers have to avoid. During the healing phase with your provisional teeth, we recommend sticking to softer foods.

What if I don't have enough bone?

The angled placement of the back implants is specifically designed to work with less bone than conventional implants require. Many patients who've been told they're not suitable for standard implants are still good candidates for All-on-4. We'll confirm this with a scan at your consultation.

How do I care for All-on-4 teeth?

You care for them much like natural teeth, brushing twice a day, using interdental brushes or a water flosser to clean around the implants, and attending regular check-ups. We'll give you a full care routine and you can find more answers on our FAQs page.