A secure, fixed alternative to dentures
If you are struggling with missing teeth, loose dentures or failing teeth, All-on-4 dental implants could provide a secure, fixed alternative.
At Matley Dental in Orton Brimbles, Peterborough, we use advanced dental implant treatment to help suitable patients replace a full arch of missing or failing teeth with a fixed implant-supported solution.
You may have seen this treatment called several different things. All-on-4 is a form of full-arch implant treatment, and is sometimes referred to as teeth in a day or smile in a day. They describe the same approach: a complete arch of fixed teeth carried on a small number of implants.
Unlike traditional dentures, All-on-4 implants are designed to stay securely in place, helping you eat, speak and smile with greater confidence.
Cases treated by Dr Gali, our implant dentist
These are patients of the practice, before and after full-arch implant treatment.
Before
After
Before
After
Before
After
Before
AfterPhotographs of our own patients, published with their consent. Every case is different: these results are examples, not a guide to what your own treatment would achieve.
One of our patients, in his own words
Hearing it from someone who has been through the treatment tends to be more useful than anything we can write.
This is one of our own patients, filmed at the practice after his treatment was completed. He talks about what the problem was beforehand, what having the work done was actually like, and what has changed since.
If you would like to talk to us about whether the same approach could work for you, call 01733 230066 or book an implant consultation online.
What are All-on-4 dental implants?
All-on-4 is a type of full arch dental implant treatment designed for people who have lost, or are likely to lose, most or all of their teeth in the upper or lower jaw.
Rather than placing an individual dental implant for every missing tooth, four strategically positioned dental implants can be used to support a complete arch of fixed replacement teeth. The implants act as secure foundations for your new teeth, helping to restore both the function and appearance of your smile.
For many patients, All-on-4 can provide an alternative to traditional removable dentures and, in suitable cases, may reduce the need for extensive bone grafting.
Why four implants, and why are they angled?
The two implants at the front of the jaw are placed vertically, where the bone is usually densest. The two at the back are tilted forward.
Angling them means they can pass in front of the sinus in the upper jaw and above the nerve canal in the lower jaw — the two structures that limit how far back an implant can be placed. It also allows a longer implant to be used, which can improve initial stability.
This is why All-on-4 can sometimes be offered to patients with reduced bone at the back of the jaw, and why in suitable cases it may reduce the need for extensive bone grafting. Whether it applies to you can only be confirmed after a clinical assessment and appropriate imaging.
All-on-4 may be suitable if you have
Your suitability for treatment can only be confirmed following a comprehensive implant assessment.
- Multiple missing teeth
- Loose or uncomfortable dentures
- Teeth that are badly damaged or failing
- Advanced tooth wear
- Several teeth that require extraction
- Difficulty eating because of missing teeth or unstable dentures
- A desire for fixed teeth rather than removable dentures
Why choose All-on-4 dental implants?
Losing your teeth can affect much more than your smile. It can influence what you eat, how you speak and how confident you feel in everyday situations. All-on-4 treatment is designed to provide a stable, fixed replacement for a complete arch of teeth.
Fixed rather than removable
Your replacement teeth are supported by dental implants and are designed to remain securely in your mouth.
Eat with greater confidence
Implant-supported teeth provide considerably more stability than conventional dentures, helping you enjoy a wider range of foods.
A natural-looking smile
Your replacement teeth are designed and made to complement your facial appearance, smile and bite.
Support for your facial appearance
Replacing missing teeth can help restore lost tooth support and contribute to a fuller, more youthful appearance.
A long-term solution
Dental implants are designed to provide a long-term foundation for replacement teeth. With good oral hygiene and regular professional maintenance, they can provide many years of service.
What is the All-on-4 treatment process?
We believe that successful implant treatment starts with careful planning. Your treatment will be tailored to your individual dental needs, oral health and goals.
1. Implant consultation
Your journey begins with a detailed consultation with our implant dentist. We will assess your teeth, gums, bite and overall oral health, and discuss what you would like to achieve.
We will also explain the different treatment options available to you so that you can make an informed decision.
2. Digital scans and implant planning
Accurate planning is an important part of successful dental implant treatment. Where clinically appropriate, we may use digital scans, photographs and CBCT 3D imaging to assess your jawbone and the position of important anatomical structures.
This allows us to plan the position of your implants carefully before treatment begins.
3. Treatment and implant placement
If you are suitable for All-on-4 treatment, the implants are placed strategically within the jaw. Any teeth that are no longer suitable for treatment may need to be removed as part of the planned procedure.
The exact treatment required will depend on your individual circumstances.
4. Your temporary fixed teeth
In suitable cases, a temporary set of fixed teeth may be attached to the implants during the initial healing period. This is sometimes referred to as same-day teeth or immediate loading.
However, this is not appropriate for every patient. Implant stability and your individual clinical circumstances will determine whether temporary fixed teeth can be provided immediately.
5. Healing and integration
Following implant placement, the implants need time to integrate with the surrounding bone. This process, known as osseointegration, is an important part of implant treatment.
During this period we will monitor your progress and provide you with detailed instructions about caring for your implants and temporary teeth.
6. Your final fixed teeth
Once your implants have healed and your mouth is ready for the final restoration, your definitive implant-supported bridge will be carefully designed and fitted.
Your final teeth will be created with consideration for your smile, facial appearance, bite and functional needs.
Step 1The implants are placed
Four implants are positioned strategically in the jaw, where they act as the foundations for your new teeth.
Step 2Healing and integration
The implants are given time to integrate with the surrounding bone. This process is known as osseointegration.
Step 3Your fixed teeth are attached
In suitable cases a temporary fixed set of teeth may be attached during healing, so you are not left without teeth.
Step 4Your final bridge
Once your implants have healed, your definitive bridge is designed and fitted to suit your bite, smile and face.
Can I have All-on-4 if I have been told I do not have enough bone?
Possibly. One of the reasons the All-on-4 treatment concept can be suitable for some patients with reduced bone volume is that implants can be positioned strategically to make the best use of the available bone. This means that some patients who have previously been told they cannot have conventional dental implants may still have implant treatment options.
However, not everyone with bone loss will be suitable for All-on-4. Your jawbone, gums, medical history, bite and overall oral health will need to be assessed before a treatment recommendation can be made.
Where necessary, alternative treatments such as bone grafting or other implant techniques may be considered.
All-on-4 or All-on-6 — which is right for me?
All-on-4 is not the only option for replacing a complete arch of teeth. Depending on your bone availability, bite, oral health and individual treatment requirements, you may also be suitable for All-on-6 dental implants or another full-arch implant solution.
The number of implants required is not simply a matter of choosing the option with the most implants. Our implant dentist will assess your individual needs and recommend the treatment that is most appropriate for you.
The aim is not simply to place implants — it is to create a stable, functional and natural-looking result that can be maintained for the long term.
How long does All-on-4 treatment take?
Treatment times vary from patient to patient. Factors that can affect your treatment timeline include:
- The condition of your remaining teeth
- Whether extractions are required
- The amount and quality of available bone
- Your gum health
- Implant stability
- Your healing response
- The type of temporary and final teeth required
When you will have teeth
In suitable cases, temporary fixed teeth can sometimes be provided on the day of implant surgery. Your final implant-supported teeth are normally provided once the implants have had sufficient time to heal.
We will provide you with a personalised treatment plan and estimated timescale following your assessment.
Is All-on-4 dental implant treatment painful?
The implant procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic, so you should not feel pain during the surgery.
After treatment, it is normal to experience some swelling, bruising, tenderness or discomfort. We will provide detailed post-operative instructions and advice to help you through the recovery period, and arrange appropriate follow-up appointments to monitor your healing and implant health.
How long do All-on-4 implants last?
Dental implants are intended to be a long-term solution, but no dental treatment can be guaranteed to last forever. The longevity of your implants and replacement teeth can be influenced by factors including:
- Oral hygiene
- Smoking
- Gum health
- Your bite and chewing forces
- General health
- The quality and maintenance of your restoration
- Attendance at regular implant reviews
- Following your recommended maintenance programme
Caring for your All-on-4 dental implants
Although your replacement teeth cannot develop tooth decay in the same way as natural teeth, the tissues surrounding your implants still need careful attention. Good implant maintenance includes:
- Brushing your teeth thoroughly twice a day
- Cleaning underneath and around your implant-supported bridge
- Using interdental brushes or other cleaning aids recommended by your dental team
- Attending regular dental hygiene appointments
- Attending your implant review appointments
- Avoiding smoking
- Contacting us if you notice bleeding, swelling, discomfort or movement around your implants
We will show you how
Looking after your implant-supported teeth and attending regular maintenance appointments is essential for protecting your investment. We will demonstrate how to clean your new teeth properly and provide an individual maintenance programme.
Why choose Matley Dental for dental implants?
Choosing an implant dentist is an important decision. At Matley Dental we focus on providing carefully planned, personalised implant treatment, from your initial consultation through to the fitting and ongoing maintenance of your replacement teeth.
Comprehensive implant assessment
We take the time to understand your dental concerns and treatment goals.
Detailed treatment planning
Your proposed implant treatment is carefully planned around your individual anatomy and clinical requirements.
Digital dentistry
Where appropriate, digital scans and 3D imaging can be used to assist with diagnosis and treatment planning.
Personalised treatment options
We will explain the options available to you rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution.
Ongoing support
Implant treatment does not end when your new teeth are fitted. Regular maintenance and professional care are an important part of protecting your implants for the future.
What happens at your All-on-4 consultation
We understand that deciding to have dental implants is a significant investment, both financially and personally. That is why your first consultation is about more than simply determining whether you can have implants. We want you to understand:
- What is causing your dental problems
- What treatment options are available
- Whether All-on-4 is suitable for you
- What the treatment involves
- How long your treatment may take
- What your temporary and final teeth will involve
- The expected costs
- The risks and limitations of treatment
- How your implants will need to be maintained
Ready to replace your dentures with fixed teeth?
If you are tired of loose dentures, missing teeth or failing teeth, All-on-4 dental implants could give you a more secure, fixed alternative.
Book an implant consultation at Matley Dental to discuss your options with our implant dentist, and take the first step towards a fixed, confident smile.
Replacing one tooth or a few rather than a whole arch? Start with single and multiple tooth implants.
This is one of three implant options. Read the full guide to dental implants in Peterborough to compare them.
Frequently asked questions
How much do All-on-4 dental implants cost?
The cost of All-on-4 treatment varies depending on the complexity of your case, whether extractions or additional procedures are required, and the type of temporary and final teeth provided. Following your consultation we will provide you with a personalised treatment plan and a clear breakdown of the proposed costs.
Can I have All-on-4 if I currently wear dentures?
Yes. Many people considering All-on-4 dental implants currently wear full or partial dentures. We will assess your jawbone, gums, bite and overall oral health to determine whether implant treatment is suitable for you.
Can I have All-on-4 if I still have some teeth?
Potentially. If your remaining teeth are failing and cannot be predictably restored, removing them and replacing the complete arch with an implant-supported solution may be considered. Your implant dentist will discuss whether this approach is appropriate for you.
Is All-on-4 the same as teeth in a day?
They describe the same kind of treatment. All-on-4 is a full-arch implant technique, and teeth in a day (or smile in a day) refers to fitting a temporary fixed set of teeth soon after the implants are placed. That is possible in suitable cases, but it depends on implant stability and your individual circumstances, so it is not something that can be promised before your assessment.
Can I get fixed teeth on the same day as my implants?
In suitable cases, temporary fixed teeth may be attached to the implants on the day of surgery. However, same-day fixed teeth are not suitable for everyone and depend on factors such as implant stability and your individual clinical circumstances.
Are All-on-4 implants permanent?
Dental implants are designed to be a long-term solution, but they are not considered indestructible or guaranteed to last for life. Good oral hygiene, regular implant maintenance and professional reviews are essential for maintaining your implants and replacement teeth.
What happens if an All-on-4 implant fails?
Although dental implants have high success rates, implant failure can occur. If there is a problem with an implant, we will assess the cause and discuss the appropriate treatment options with you.
Is All-on-4 suitable for everyone?
No. All-on-4 is not suitable for every patient. Your oral health, bone availability, gum health, bite, general health and other factors need to be considered before treatment is recommended.
What is the difference between All-on-4 and individual dental implants?
Individual dental implants are generally used to replace individual missing teeth, whereas All-on-4 is a full-arch solution where multiple replacement teeth are supported by strategically positioned implants. Your dentist will explain which approach is most appropriate for your needs.
All-on-4 dental implant treatment is not suitable for everyone. Treatment recommendations are made following a comprehensive clinical assessment. Individual results, treatment times and costs vary.