Difference Between All-on-4 Implants & Dentures


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There is a lot of jargon in the dental world that can quickly become confusing, particularly around complex dental procedures like implant and denture placement. In this article we look at the differences between all-on-4 implants and dentures.

How are they different?

All-on-4 implants and dentures are two different but not entirely separate dental applications. An all-on-4 is essentially a class of dental implants which involves placing an entire arch of teeth on just 4 implants. This is distinctive when compared to other types of implants which often use many more insertions to support a full arch. All-on-4 implants act as artificial roots to which dentures can be affixed, providing a firm and stable structure that is more comfortable and long lasting.


Dentures on the other hand are basically fake or artificial teeth, and in the classical sense of partial and full fixed dentures, are removable prosthetics that need to be taken out regularly for cleaning and maintenance. Conversely all-on-4 implants are always left in as they fuse with the jawbone for stability and safety, and perhaps more importantly, any dentures fixed to all-on-4 implants don’t need to be removed as they are part of a much more stable overall structure.

All-on-4 implants offer distinct benefits over classic dentures in that any artificial teeth fixed to the implants don’t slip or fall out, and can be used in much broader range of chewing motions closer to natural teeth than any other replacement technology. While dentures dig into the gums beneath them, the support provided by all-on-4 implants means that this is no longer an issue.

All-on-4s also offer a number of distinctive benefits over other types of implant, namely that they can be used by people who have lost some jawbone through injury or disease. These implants can also be applied much more quickly and effectively than other implants which often require extended recovery periods.

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