The All-on-4 treatment concept is designed for individuals with missing or severely damaged teeth, particularly those who lack teeth, suffer from decayed teeth, or experience jaw bone loss due to gum disease, preventing them from receiving traditional vertical dental implants. Developed and analyzed in the 1990s by Nobel Biocare and Portuguese dentist Paulo Maló, the All-on-4 procedure involves the rehabilitation of the toothless jawbone using fixed prostheses supported by four implants in the anterior maxilla, where bone density is higher. These implants serve as the foundation for a fixed prosthesis with 12-14 teeth, immediately secured on the day of surgery. The All-on-4 treatment is a registered trademark of Nobel Biocare, and the specific implants used by Maló are protected by international patents.
This technique offers a same-day replacement for the entire upper and/or lower set of teeth, either with a bridge or denture, providing a permanent, screw-retained solution. Effective even for patients with significant jaw bone loss, the All-on-4 protocol eliminates the need for lengthy and costly bone rebuilding procedures often required with conventional implants. A thorough evaluation of bone structure, typically conducted through a CBCT scan, is crucial for successful implementation.
Full mouth dental implants with All on 4 system
During the All-on-4 process, the dentist strategically places a minimum of four implants in the jaw, with the back implants angled approximately 30 to 45 degrees. The procedure accommodates patients with jaw bone loss, avoiding complex bone grafting. The head of the implant should emerge in the second premolar position, creating a cantilevered posterior for a denture or bridge with approximately 12 teeth. The concept’s name derives from the dental prosthesis fixed in the jaw based on four titanium implants.
Implant supported dentures and bridges – the price tag
The total cost of the treatment may vary by country or region, typically divided into two phases. In the United States, the first phase, which involves implant placement and an immediate temporary bridge, ranges from $10,000 to $15,000 (£7,000-£10,000) per jaw, depending on factors such as location and materials used. The second phase, completed 3 to 5 months later, entails the creation of a final bridge made of stronger materials, with costs ranging from $5,000 to $7,000 (£3,500-£5,000) per jaw. The total cost for both upper and lower jaws could reach $57,000. Notably, if the treatment is carried out by a single doctor, fees are typically lower compared to a team approach involving two doctors and staff.
Notes
USD prices may be higher than in the UK, where the average full mouth dental implant cost ranges between £22,000-£25,000. Consider implant-retained dentures or bridges in Hungary, where full mouth dental reconstruction starts from £9,000 in Budapest, offering significant savings.
