All on 4 Dental Implants: Is It Right for You?
For patients facing the loss of all their teeth, or who are already in dentures and have struggled with the fit, All on 4 can be a genuine life changer.
A full arch of fixed teeth, held in place by just four implants, often fitted on the same day. It sounds almost too good to be true, so let's talk honestly about what it is, what it involves, who it suits, and what it costs.
In this guide we'll walk you through every part of the decision, as we would at a consultation at Claris Dental in Newmarket.
What is All on 4?
All on 4 is a dental implant treatment that replaces a full arch of teeth, either upper, lower, or both, using just four implants per arch as the foundation for a fixed set of replacement teeth.
The implants are small titanium posts placed into your jawbone to act as artificial tooth roots.
Once in place, a custom bridge of replacement teeth is fitted on top. In most cases, this bridge stays in place permanently. You brush and floss it like natural teeth, and you don't take it out.
It's often described as a same day treatment because, in many cases, you leave your appointment with a temporary set of teeth already fitted. Your permanent teeth are fitted a few months later, once the implants have fully integrated with the bone.
Who All on 4 is for
All on 4 is typically recommended for patients who:
Have lost all their teeth in one or both arches
Are facing the loss of their remaining teeth due to gum disease or decay
Have struggled with traditional dentures that slip, cause discomfort or affect speech
Want a stable, permanent solution without replacing every missing tooth individually
Have been told they don't have enough bone for traditional implants
That last point matters. Traditional implants typically need good bone volume in specific areas. All on 4 is designed to work around that by placing the two back implants at an angle, taking advantage of the denser bone that most patients still have at the front of the jaw. It means many patients who were told they couldn't have implants can actually be excellent All on 4 candidates.
How All on 4 differs from other implant options
Compared to single implants
A single implant replaces one tooth with one implant. For patients missing all their teeth, this would mean 10 to 14 implants per arch, which is expensive and often not needed. All on 4 achieves a full arch result with just four implants. Read more about our general dental implant treatment.
Compared to traditional dentures
Traditional dentures rest on the gums and can slip. They often need adhesive. Many patients avoid certain foods or feel self conscious smiling. All on 4 teeth are fixed in place, stay put, and function like natural teeth. For patients who've struggled with dentures, the difference is dramatic.
Compared to implant supported dentures
Implant supported dentures (sometimes called snap on dentures) clip onto two to four implants but are still removable. All on 4 teeth are permanently fixed and don't come out. If you'd like to compare these options in more detail, read our full guide on implant supported dentures.
Compared to All on 6 or All on 8
All on 6 and All on 8 use more implants to support the same full arch bridge. More implants mean more stability and often better long term outcomes, but at a higher cost. For some patients, especially where bone volume is excellent and budget is flexible, All on 6 may be the better recommendation. We'll always discuss this honestly at your consultation.
The All on 4 process at Claris Dental
Every All on 4 treatment is tailored to the individual, but here's how the journey usually unfolds.
Consultation - We take a full examination, digital scans and a 3D CT scan of your jaw to understand what's possible and plan the treatment precisely.
Treatment planning - We walk you through your options, the timeline and a clear, itemised written quote. No pressure to proceed.
Preparation - If any remaining teeth need to be removed, this is usually done at the same appointment as the implant placement.
Implant placement - The four implants are placed into your jawbone under local anaesthetic, with the option of additional sedation if you'd prefer. Most patients report the experience is more comfortable than they expected.
Temporary teeth - In most cases, a temporary bridge is fitted on the same day, so you leave the appointment with a complete smile.
Healing - Over the following 3 to 6 months, the implants integrate with the bone, forming a strong, lasting foundation.
Permanent teeth - Once healing is complete, your permanent, custom bridge is fitted. This is the finished smile.
Aftercare - Regular checkups and hygienist visits keep everything healthy for the long term.
Benefits of All on 4
A full arch of fixed teeth with only four implants - fewer surgical sites and a shorter overall treatment time.
Often fitted the same day - you leave the appointment with teeth, not a gap.
Stable, secure teeth that stay in place - no slipping, no adhesive, no coming out at night.
Looks and feels natural - a finished smile that most patients say feels like their own teeth within weeks.
Preserves the jawbone - implants stimulate the bone and slow the natural shrinkage that happens after tooth loss.
Lasting results - with good care, All on 4 can last for decades.
What All on 4 costs in Newmarket
All on 4 is a significant investment, but it's often the most cost effective way to replace a full arch of teeth when compared to replacing every tooth with an individual implant.
Typical UK guide prices:
All on 4 per arch: from around £12,000 to £20,000
All on 4 for both arches (upper and lower): from around £22,000 to £36,000
The variation reflects the complexity of each case, the quality of the materials used for the permanent bridge, and whether any preparatory work (such as tooth extractions or bone grafting) is needed.
We provide a clear, itemised written quote at your consultation, so you know exactly what's included. We also offer flexible dental finance to help spread the cost over manageable monthly payments.
Life after All on 4
Most patients adapt to All on 4 teeth very quickly. Within a few weeks, you forget they're there.
Day to day, caring for them is straightforward. Brush twice a day, use interdental brushes or a water flosser to clean around the implants, and attend regular hygienist appointments. We'll show you exactly how at your fitting.
You can eat normally. Harder foods are fine. Many patients describe the ability to eat an apple or a steak comfortably as one of the biggest changes All on 4 brings.
And the smile stays with you. Not something to put in a glass at night. Not something you worry about slipping. Just teeth that work, look natural, and feel like your own.
Book an All on 4 consultation at Claris Dental
If you're considering All on 4 or want to understand whether it's right for you, book a consultation with our team at Claris Dental in Newmarket. Read more about our dental implants in Newmarket, or call 01638 438505 to book.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does All on 4 cost in Newmarket?
All on 4 typically costs from around £12,000 to £20,000 per arch. For both arches (full mouth) the typical range is £22,000 to £36,000. The exact cost depends on your specific case, including the quality of the final bridge and any preparatory work needed. We provide a clear, itemised written quote at your consultation and offer flexible dental finance to spread the cost.
Can I really get All on 4 teeth in a day?
In most cases, yes. The four implants are placed, and a temporary bridge of teeth is fitted on the same day. You leave the appointment with a complete smile. Your permanent bridge is fitted a few months later, once the implants have fully integrated with the bone.
How long do All on 4 implants last?
The implants themselves can last for decades, often a lifetime, with good care. The bridge of teeth on top typically lasts 10 to 20 years before needing replacement or refurbishment. Regular checkups and hygienist visits are key to making them last.
Is All on 4 painful?
The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, with additional sedation available if you'd prefer. Most patients report that the experience is more comfortable than they expected. Mild discomfort for a few days afterwards is normal and easily managed with over the counter pain relief.
Can I have All on 4 if I've been told I don't have enough bone?
Often, yes. All on 4 is specifically designed for patients with reduced bone volume. By angling the two back implants, we take advantage of the denser bone that most patients still have at the front of the jaw. Many patients told they couldn't have traditional implants are excellent All on 4 candidates. A 3D scan at consultation will tell us exactly what's possible.
What's the difference between All on 4 and All on 6?
The number of implants. All on 4 uses four implants per arch, All on 6 uses six. More implants mean more stability and often better long term outcomes, but at a higher cost. For many patients, All on 4 is more than sufficient. For others, especially those with excellent bone volume or wanting the most stable option possible, All on 6 may be the better recommendation. We'll discuss which is right for you at your consultation.
Related reading
For more on dental implants generally, read about our dental implant treatment in Newmarket. For a comparison of implant and denture options, see our implant supported dentures guide and our implants vs dentures vs bridges guide.
For what to expect during implant recovery, read our dental implant aftercare guide.
