Denture repairs add up over time (and not always predictably)
Dentures sit on gums and underlying bone, and those tissues change. When the fit loosens, the denture can rub and create irritation. Clinical advice for denture wearers commonly stresses seeing a dentist if dentures are loose because poor fit can lead to sore spots and infection, and relining may be needed to restore comfort.
That’s where the “drip-feed” costs start:
- Relines and adjustments as your mouth changes
- Repairs after drops, cracks, or worn teeth
- Remakes when the base no longer matches the ridge
Even careful daily cleaning won’t stop fit changes, although it can prevent other problems. Experts recommend brushing dentures morning and night, avoiding abrasive toothpaste, and handling them over water or a towel to reduce breakage risk.
What All-on-4 is designed to solve
All-on-4 is a full-arch concept using four implants to support a fixed bridge, often with immediate function when conditions allow. Reviews found high survival rates in the follow-up periods studied.
From a day-to-day perspective, the point is stability. A fixed bridge anchored to implants doesn’t rely on suction or adhesives, and it doesn’t rock on the gums like a removable denture can. That can mean clearer speech, more relaxed socialising, and less worry about a denture shifting during meals.
All-on-4 Cost Vs Dentures: Looking at Value, Not Just the Quote
If you compare only the starting figure, dentures often look simpler. The problem is that dentures can come with recurring appointments and replacements as the mouth changes. Immediate dentures may need adjustment or replacement as healing alters the shape of the mouth.
A better comparison is to weigh:
- likely maintenance over five to ten years
- how often you expect to be “back in the chair”
- the impact of looseness on diet, speech, and comfort
Implant treatment has a larger up-front component because planning, surgery, and laboratory work are bundled into a single pathway. Many patients value the steadier day-to-day experience and the more predictable follow-up pattern, even though implants still require check-ups and professional care.
Treatment pathways and alternatives
Many people hear “teeth in a day” and assume the final bridge is placed once and done. In practice, immediate loading often means a temporary fixed bridge is attached soon after surgery, with the final bridge made later once healing has progressed.
Suitability depends on bone, gum health, medical history, and habits like smoking. Research report strong outcomes in many cohorts, while also flagging that results differ across studies and follow-up lengths.
There’s also a middle ground. Implant-supported dentures (overdentures) can improve retention by clipping onto implants while staying removable for cleaning, and patient resources describe them as more stable than traditional dentures because they attach to implants in the jaw.
Also Read: Zirconia vs Titanium: Weighing Up the Materials Behind a Confident Smile
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Is All-on-4 worth it if my dentures are “fine most of the time”?
If you only need occasional adjustments and you’re eating well, you may not gain enough to justify a major procedure. All-on-4 tends to suit people whose “fine” periods are shrinking: more sore spots, more repairs, and more limits around food or speech. - How long does the All-on-4 process take?
Many people receive temporary fixed teeth on the day of surgery, then move to a final bridge after a healing period that varies by case. Clinics commonly plan a staged pathway so the final prosthesis is made once the implants and gums have stabilised. - Does All-on-4 hurt?
Discomfort is normal after any surgery, and people vary in how they feel it. Most practices manage pain with local anaesthetic, possible sedation, and a clear aftercare plan. The bigger issue is often swelling and diet changes in the first week rather than sharp pain for most patients. - Can I get All-on-4 if I’ve lost a lot of bone?
Sometimes, yes. Reviews describe the All-on-4 concept as a predictable option for some patients with atrophic jaws who want to avoid more extensive regenerative procedures, though your clinician still needs to assess anatomy and risk. - What if I’m worried about cleaning a fixed bridge?
That’s a fair concern. A fixed bridge still needs daily cleaning, just with different tools and techniques. Your dentist should show you how to clean under the bridge and set a review schedule. If you prefer to remove your teeth for cleaning, an implant-retained removable option may suit you better.
A worthwhile consultation doesn’t just provide a quote. It maps out likely maintenance, the stages of treatment, and what you can realistically expect your teeth to handle over the next decade.