All-on-4 replaces a full arch of missing or failing teeth with a fixed bridge held by four dental implants, done in a single surgical visit. It’s for patients missing most or all of their teeth in one jaw. Recovery and the number of trips depend on your case.
Implant-supported dentures are widely known as All-on-4 and All-on-6, referring to whether all the teeth are held on four implants or six, depending on the case.
The typical recommendation is six implants on the upper arch (maxilla) and four on the lower arch (mandible) to hold the denture in place. The denture itself can be Hybrid or Full Zirconia.
Hybrid Denture
The Hybrid Denture combines two materials that work together: a metal core (gold and palladium) that absorbs the forces of chewing, topped with an acrylic layer that forms the gums and teeth. That metal core is what keeps the acrylic from cracking or breaking — even on something as tough as a steak.
Full Zirconium Denture
The Full Zirconium Denture is a single solid piece, milled to fit your mouth precisely. It’s designed digitally with 3D software, then milled on a precision milling machine. The result is a great-looking, metal-free denture with more than enough strength to handle the pressure of chewing.
Frequently asked questions
What is All-on-4?
A full arch of missing or failing teeth replaced with a fixed bridge held by four dental implants, usually placed in a single surgical visit.
How long do All-on-4 implants last?
The largest recent meta-analysis found a 98.14% survival rate at five years or more, pooling 55 studies of All-on-4 and the six-implant variant All-on-6. A separate review found 94–98% cumulative survival over 6 to 11 years. Source: Shao WH et al., Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2026;55(9):1098-1112, PMID 42031576; and J Indian Prosthodont Soc. 2021;21(1):3-10, PMID 33835063.
Do I need bone grafting first?
Often not. All-on-4 uses angled (“tilted”) implant placement specifically to work with the bone that’s already present, which is why it’s commonly offered to patients who were told they lacked enough bone for a conventional implant bridge. Whether it applies to your case is decided from a scan.
Is All-on-4 or All-on-6 better?
A 2026 meta-analysis found both perform similarly overall: All-on-6 showed slightly less bone loss at five years, All-on-4 slightly fewer mechanical complications. Neither was clearly superior across all measures. Source: Shao WH et al., Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2026;55(9):1098-1112, PMID 42031576.
How much does All-on-4 cost?
Every case is different, so we don’t publish one-size-fits-all pricing. Send us your X-rays or a few photos and our International Patients Coordinator will get back to you with a personalized quote — most patients traveling from the U.S. and Canada save a significant amount versus prices back home.
Can the implants be placed under sedation?
Absolutely. Any patient who wants the implants placed under I.V. sedation can do so — just ask for details when we prepare your personalized plan.
Is there any information I should give the doctor beforehand?
Yes. The doctor needs to know about any medical condition and all the medications you take — blood thinners are the most important to mention. And let us know about any allergies too; that’s just as important.
How do I keep the denture clean?
Brush it like you would natural teeth, and floss between the denture and the gum. A water flosser also helps clear out food debris in that area.
Who will actually do my surgery?
Our implant team, led by Dr. Alex Wong and Dr. Adrián Wong, at our clinic in Curridabat, with our own dental lab on site.