Choosing how to replace a full set of missing or failing teeth can feel overwhelming. There are three main full mouth restoration options:
Each option comes with its own cost, look, feel, and chewing ability. In this blog, we’ll break down what makes each one different so you can figure out which full mouth restoration fits your life.
What Is All-on-4?
All-on-4 goes by several names: All-on-X, All-on-6, hybrid restorations, or full mouth dental implants. They all describe the same basic idea: A set of implants is placed in the jaw, either on top, on the bottom, or both, and a full arch of teeth is permanently attached to them. The teeth are secured to implants rather than resting loosely on the gums, so they do not shift, slip, or come out. Patients can eat, smile, talk, and laugh without worrying about their teeth moving.
A big part of the process is making the result look natural. Photos, scans, and detailed planning happen before surgery so the final teeth match each patient’s face. Shape, size, and shade are all customized rather than pulled from a standard mold.
“One thing we really strive for is a natural look. We take photos and scans before we even do the surgery so we can pick teeth that match your face and fit you specifically.” — Dr. Blake Vidrine
The material used, zirconia, is far stronger than the acrylic used in dentures. It resists breaking and can handle hard foods like nuts without issue. Care is simple. Patients brush like normal and use a water flosser to clean the area where the restoration meets the gums, which keeps the implants healthy long term.
Who Is a Good Candidate for All-on-4?
Most people are candidates for All-on-4. We rarely have to turn patients away due to not being a candidate. If you have been told you are not a candidate elsewhere, we highly recommend getting a second opinion.
You may be a good candidate for full mouth dental implants if you’re dealing with:
- Missing or broken teeth
- Ongoing tooth pain
- Periodontal disease
- Teeth failing due to decay or infection
- A lot of cavities
- Difficulty chewing or eating certain foods
- Partial or full dentures and wanting something more secure
- A desire for a permanent, non removable solution
What Is the Difference Between All-on-4 and Dentures?
| All-on-4 | Traditional dentures | |
| Attachment | Fixed permanently to implants | Removable, taken out at night |
| Palate coverage | Roof of mouth left open | Covers roof of mouth, can affect taste and comfort |
| Chewing ability | 95-100% chewing ability | Typically only 10 to 20 percent of chewing ability |
| Stability | Stays fully in place while eating and talking | Can shift or slip |
| Material | Zirconia, resists breaking and staining | Acrylic, more prone to breaking and staining over time |
How Long Does the Process Take to Get All-on-4 Dental Implants?
The process is typically three to four months long in total. That is because we want to give the implants at least ninety days to fully integrate into the bone.
You have probably seen marketing around same day teeth, and this is true. You receive your new set of teeth within 24 hours of your procedure. However, these will be your temporary teeth. Wearing temporaries not only allows us to make aesthetic and fit changes, but it also allows your gums to heal and recede so we can make sure your final teeth fit perfectly.
“You really want to avoid trying to get final teeth too fast. A lot of things happen and change while those implants are healing, and I’d rather do however many trials it takes to make sure you get a result you love.” — Dr. Blake Vidrine
Be wary of places that rush straight to final zirconia teeth. That process can lock in a result that does not fit well and does not set you up for the best long term success.
What if I Do Not Have Enough Bone for All-on-4?
We see patients all the time who have been told by another provider that they do not have enough bone for implants, but we are often able to help. At Louisiana Implants and Dentures, this is all we do, and that is why we believe it is important to see a provider who focuses on dental implants and performs these procedures day in and day out. Techniques like bone grafting or pterygoid implants can often make treatment possible even in more difficult cases.
A second opinion is always worth pursuing if you have been told you are not a candidate before.
What Are Snap In Dentures?
Snap-in dentures, also known as overdentures, attach to two to four implants and snap in and out. They can still be removed at night like a regular denture. They are a real improvement over a standard lower denture, offering roughly 30 to 50 percent of normal chewing ability compared to 10 to 25 percent with dentures alone.
We recommend snap-in dentures only for the lower arch. Bone quality tends to be lower on the top, and the repeated in and out motion of snapping the denture in place can put extra strain on the implants over time. Our priority is always recommending what will give our patients the best long term outcome, and for the upper arch that typically means All-on-4 or a traditional denture rather than a snap-in denture.
What Are Traditional Dentures?
While dentures remain the most affordable full mouth option, they do come with some limitations. They cover the roof of the mouth, rely on suction, and can shift while eating or talking. This can leave many patients less than fully satisfied with how dentures fit and feel day to day. Chewing ability is typically limited to 10 to 20 percent of normal function. Dentures can still be a great option for the right patient, and our team will help you decide if this is the right fit for your goals and budget.
How Do I Choose the Right Full Mouth Restoration?
Cost, bone structure, and lifestyle all play a role in choosing the right path. All-on-4 offers the strongest, most natural, and most stable result, but snap-in dentures and traditional dentures remain valid options depending on a patient’s needs and budget.
The best way to know which option is right for you is to come in for a free consultation. We always encourage patients to do their research and understand their options, and to consult with a doctor who focuses on full mouth restorations and performs them day in and day out.
Frequently Asked Questions about All-on-4
How Much Do Full Mouth Dental Implants Cost?
While pricing varies practice to practice, we believe in transparent pricing, so our costs are listed right on our website and you can see them before you even come in for a visit. We do everything from start to finish in one location, so there is no seeing different offices for different steps.
We also offer a long term temporary option for patients who are not ready for the cost of zirconia right away. It includes a titanium bar for extra strength and can last several years before an upgrade to zirconia becomes necessary.
Will I Be Asleep During the Procedure?
We offer a range of sedation options to fit each patient’s comfort level, from nitrous to oral sedation to IV sedation. Most patients do well with oral sedation, which keeps you relaxed and comfortable while remaining conscious. For patients who feel more anxious about the procedure, IV sedation is also available and administered by a CRNA.
Ready to Restore Your Smile?
The first step to restoring your smile would be to come in for a complimentary consultation! You’ll sit down with our team and go over your treatment options and discuss any questions or concerns you have. To schedule, either give us a call or click here to book your appointment online. If you’d like to watch the full video, click here!
