All on 4
PUBLISHED ON 
13/2/25

All on 4 Pros and Cons: Is there truth behind those amazing promises?

Dr Amit has more than 15 years of experience and he is the only dentist in Australia to hold a PG Diploma in Implant Therapy from the prestigious European Association of Osseointegration.

When it comes to restoring a full set of teeth, few options are as revolutionary as All-on-4 dental implants — and with good reason. 

This innovative procedure is an excellent solution for individuals with significant tooth loss, or who are seeking a long term alternative to removable dentures. 

And while the treatment boasts a very high success rate with numerous benefits, at Great Alpine Dental, we believe it is essential to weigh its potential drawbacks before making an informed decision. 

Here, we’ll dive into All on 4 pros and cons to help you determine if this popular dental implant procedure is right for you. 

If you choose to proceed, rest assured that our On-4 procedure is guided by a personalised approach. We’ll partner with you every step of the way to create a new smile that looks and functions just like natural teeth – all in just 3 days.

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Fast refresher: How are All-on-4 dental implants different from dentures?

All-on-4 implants are a lasting, natural-looking alternative to dentures. Unlike dentures all on-4 are a full set of teeth fixed in place, preventing slippage, allowing a wider variety of foods, and providing superior stability and comfort. Designed to last, All-on-4 offers a long-term solution that is the closest thing to real teeth.

Okay, let’s get to it! What are the cons of all-on-4…

No medical procedure, no matter how successful, is completely drawback-free. 

If you’re considering getting a full arch of prosthetic teeth, it’s crucial to remember that All on 4 is more expensive than removable dentures and, as with any surgery, there is a slight risk of implants failing, or post-procedure infection. 

However, All on 4 offers many clear benefits—superior comfort, easy maintenance, the ability to eat just like with natural teeth—without typical downsides. With good oral health, you can expect that your All-on-4 implants will be lasting, highly durable, and won’t interfere with clear speech.

All on 4 dental implants pros and cons—at a glance.

PROS CONS
Restore your teeth in just days More expensive than removable dentures
Look and feel just like real teeth—eat the foods you love, regain full function Surgical procedure, with minor risks of implant failure or post-surgery infection
Teeth are securely fixed — no need for glue or adhesives Recovery times and a healing period required
Long lasting Suitable candidacy required
High success rate Non-reversable
Easy to maintain with good oral hygiene

Ready to dive deeper into the pros and cons of all-on-4 dental implants?

Let’s go!

The Pros

Restore your teeth in just days

One of the most appealing aspects of the All-on-4 procedure is its efficiency. In many cases, patients can leave the dental office with a new set of teeth within 1-3 days as the implant surgery, significantly reducing the waiting period and allowing for a quicker return to normal life.

Look and feel just like real teeth

All-on-4 implants are custom-designed to resemble natural teeth, ensuring a seamless and attractive appearance

One of the biggest advantages in weighing up All on 4 pros and cons is the ability to restore nearly all the functionality of natural teeth. You can eat, speak, and smile with confidence without worrying about dentures slipping or falling out. 

Securely fixed

Unlike traditional dentures, which need frequent adjustments and eventual replacement, All-on-4 implants are a lasting fixture. The implants integrate with your jawbone through a process called osseointegration, which provides a secure and durable foundation for the prosthetic teeth. 

Long lasting 

While the initial cost of All-on-4 implants may seem high, they’re often more cost-effective over time, because they are a long term solution. Traditional dentures and individual implants can require ongoing maintenance, adjustments, and replacements, adding to the overall expense. 

At Great Alpine Dental, we offer a range of flexible payment options and some patients may be eligible for early access to Super in order to pay for their procedure. Have questions? Call us, and we’d be happy to help! 

High success rate 

With a success rate of over 95%, this procedure is a reliable solution for restoring your smile. Properly placed implants integrate seamlessly with the jawbone, ensuring durability, stability, and years of confident smiles.

Easy to maintain

Just keep up your regular oral hygiene. Brush and floss as you would with natural teeth, and schedule routine dental check-ups to keep them in top shape. No need for adhesives or special cleaning solutions. 

The Cons 

While All-on-4 implants offer significant advantages, it’s important to consider their potential downsides:

Higher initial cost

The upfront cost of All-on-4 implants can be a barrier for some. At Great Alpine Dental, All on 4 dental implants start at $18,850 for surgery and temporary teeth. 

We offer flexible payment plans to help you get the treatment you need, without the stress. 

Requires surgery

As with any surgical procedure, All-on-4 implants carry inherent risks, including infection, swelling, and discomfort. 

Although rare, implant failure can happen due to factors like improper placement, insufficient jawbone density, or poor oral hygiene. Fortunately, most patients experience a smooth recovery.

Recovery times and healing period 

Although you’ll likely walk away with a new set of teeth on the same day as surgery, the implants still require time to fully integrate with the jawbone. During this healing period, you must follow dietary restrictions and avoid placing excessive pressure on the implants.

Suitable candidacy required 

If you have severe bone loss, advanced gum disease, or certain health conditions (such as uncontrolled diabetes) may not be good candidates. A thorough evaluation by our team is required to determine candidacy. 

Fixed Solution (non-reversible)

While their fixed nature is pro for many, some patients might consider this one of the disadvantages of all on 4 dental implants. 

Our team will conduct a thorough assessment and talk you through all your tooth replacement options. 

With All-on-4, your teeth are securely attached to the implants and cannot be removed at home.  It’s important to be prepared for the long-term responsibility of maintaining your implants and attending regular check-ups.

Zirconia or acrylic—does material matter?

When weighing the pros and cons of zirconia All on 4 versus acrylic, it’s clear why zirconia has become a popular choice for full-arch dental implants. Renowned for its durability, natural appearance, and long-lasting results, zirconia offers premium benefits. 

However, high-strength milled acrylic is still a good choice for many, although it is important to note that acrylic stains over time and attracts plaque as it degrades. Understanding the advantages and potential drawbacks of both materials is essential to deciding which option best suits your needs.

What is the *actual* likelihood of implant failure? 

A strong foundation of bone density is essential for the long-term success of All-on-4 implants.

Patients with bone loss caused by gum disease or prolonged tooth loss may require additional support, such as a bone graft. While this can add time and cost to the process, it often ensures better outcomes.

Although implant failure is rare, it can occur if the jawbone doesn’t bond well with the titanium posts, particularly in cases of weakened bone or improper implant placement. Risks such as nerve damage or peri-implantitis (inflammation around the implant) can also arise, but these are typically preventable with thorough pre-surgical imaging and by choosing a skilled, experienced dentist.

The good news is that All-on-4 implants boast a consistently high success rate, with complications being very rare when performed by qualified professionals.

Dr. Amit, with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery and a Postgraduate Diploma in Implant Therapy from the European Association of Osseointegration, is a trusted expert in All-on-4 procedures. Currently advancing his expertise at the prestigious Kois Center in the U.S., Dr. Amit is committed to delivering exceptional, lasting results for his patients, ensuring smiles that stand the test of time. 

Ultimately, the decision to pursue All-on-4 implants should be based on a thorough evaluation of your dental health, budget, and lifestyle. With the right care and maintenance, they can provide a lasting, life-changing smile that’s truly worth the investment.

Download our guide below for more information on all on 4 options, our full price ranges and payment options. 

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Ready to Transform Your Smile with All-on-4?

Learn more about All-on-4 at Great Alpine Dental, and other teeth replacement options, with our Dental Implant Price Guide.

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