All-on-4 is a modern, streamlined method for rebuilding an entire dental arch using just four implants placed in carefully planned positions. This concept reduces the complexity of surgery, shortens the overall treatment timeline, and supports quicker healing. Introduced in 1998 by Dr. Paulo Malo, it has since enabled thousands of patients around the world to enjoy a stable, aesthetic, and fully functional set of teeth again.
How Does the All-on-4 Procedure Work?
During the procedure, four implants are inserted into the jawbone at specific angles and locations to achieve maximum support and stability. Once the implants are in place, a fixed bridge — usually shaped like a horseshoe — is attached to them. In most cases it carries around 10 artificial teeth to mimic a natural smile, but depending on the patient’s bone anatomy and functional needs, this can be extended to 12 or even 14 teeth for better chewing efficiency and comfort.
Key Benefits of All on 4 Implants
- Complete restoration of a full arch with only four implants
- Often avoids the need for bone grafting, even when bone volume is reduced
- Shorter treatment duration and faster recovery than conventional implant protocols
- Significantly better chewing function and clearer speech compared to removable dentures
- Fixed, non-removable bridge firmly anchored to the implants
- High success rates thanks to biocompatible materials and reliable osseointegration
- Supports the jawbone and helps slow or prevent further bone loss
- Durable, long-term solution when combined with good oral hygiene and regular dental visits
- Natural-looking result that restores facial support and enhances self-confidence
- Generally more economical than replacing each missing tooth with an individual implant
Who Is a Good Candidate for All-on-4?
All-on-4 is particularly suitable for patients who have lost all their teeth in one or both jaws or who have very few remaining teeth and do not wish to use conventional removable dentures. It is also an attractive option for people with limited bone volume, as the specific implant positions often make additional bone augmentation procedures unnecessary.
How to Begin Your All-on-4 Treatment?
The starting point is a consultation with an experienced implant dentist. Only a qualified specialist can assess whether All-on-4 is the optimal solution for your situation or whether another treatment would be more appropriate. Before any surgery, a complete diagnostic workup is carried out, including an evaluation of bone quality and quantity and detailed treatment planning. This approach increases predictability, clarifies each stage of the procedure, and provides a transparent overview of the expected costs.
