Procedure
All-on-4 Dental Implants - UK Guide 2026
All-on-4 is a full-arch dental implant technique that replaces an entire upper or lower row of teeth using just four titanium implants as anchors. A fixed bridge is attached to the implants, often on the same day as surgery.
Who is this treatment for?
Ideal for patients with multiple missing teeth, failing teeth across an entire arch, or those currently wearing full dentures who want a fixed, non-removable solution.
How the treatment works, step by step
- 01
Full mouth assessment and 3D planning
A specialist implantologist reviews a full mouth examination, CBCT scan, and digital impressions to plan the position of each implant. Failing teeth in the arch are usually extracted on the day of surgery.
- 02
Implant placement and immediate bridge
Four implants are placed in the arch under local anaesthetic with optional sedation. A fixed temporary bridge is typically attached the same day, so the patient leaves the clinic with a full set of fixed teeth.
- 03
Healing (3-6 months)
The bone integrates with the implants over several months. Patients wear the temporary bridge during this time and attend routine reviews to monitor healing.
- 04
Final fixed bridge
Once healing is complete, a permanent bridge made of zirconia, acrylic, or a hybrid material is fitted. This final restoration is custom-made to match the patient's face, smile line, and bite.
What's included in a typical private quote
- Full mouth clinical examination and CBCT scan
- Digital smile design and treatment planning
- Surgical placement of four titanium implants per arch
- Necessary extractions of failing teeth on the day
- Same-day fixed temporary bridge
- Final fixed bridge (zirconia or hybrid acrylic)
- Sedation where clinically appropriate
- Review appointments and warranty
Common add-ons that affect the price
These are the most common items that may raise the final quote. A good consultation will tell you which of these apply to your case before you commit.
- Bone graft (per site) £300 - £1,200
- Sinus lift (upper arch) £1,000 - £2,500
- IV sedation £350 - £800
- Upgraded zirconia bridge £1,500 - £4,000
Are you a good candidate?
Most UK patients can have this treatment, but the following factors make a difference to clinical planning and long-term success:
- Multiple missing or failing teeth across an arch
- Sufficient bone volume for four angled implants (often achievable without grafting)
- Non-smoker or willing to stop during healing
- Good general health
- Realistic expectations about a final fixed bridge, not individual teeth
UK pricing at a glance
| Treatment | Unit | Typical range | Average | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Tooth Dental Implant | per tooth | £1,800 - £3,500 | £2,500 | 3-6 months |
| All-on-4 Dental Implants | per arch | £9,000 - £15,000 | £12,000 | 4-8 months |
| Full Mouth Dental Implants | both arches | £18,000 - £30,000 | £23,000 | 6-12 months |
Ranges are typical UK private-practice prices. Actual quotes depend on case complexity, bone condition, and materials used.
Why All-on-4 beats individual implants for a full arch
Replacing every tooth in an arch one by one with individual implants requires between 8 and 12 fixtures per arch, a lot of bone grafting, and a long treatment timeline. All-on-4 was developed precisely to avoid that: by placing four implants at strategic angles, the full arch is supported without the need for bone grafting in most cases, and the patient walks out with a set of fixed temporary teeth the same day.
For the right patient, All-on-4 is a significantly faster and more affordable route to a full fixed arch than the alternative. The key word is fixed - the bridge is screwed into the implants and does not come out except by a dentist.
Same-day teeth: how realistic is the marketing?
The "teeth in a day" promise of All-on-4 is real, but it needs context. You walk out of surgery with a functional, aesthetically pleasing temporary fixed bridge. The final permanent bridge is fitted 3-6 months later, once the implants have fully integrated with the jawbone. In the meantime, you can eat softer foods and return to work within a few days.
This is a very different experience from wearing dentures during healing, which is what individual-implant protocols usually require. For many patients, it is the single most important clinical benefit of All-on-4.
All-on-4 vs All-on-6 vs All-on-8
You will see clinics offer variations of the technique - All-on-6 and All-on-8 - which use 6 or 8 implants per arch instead of 4. These variants can be recommended for patients with lower bone density, specific bite patterns, or who want additional mechanical safety margins. Prices rise accordingly: All-on-6 typically costs 15-25% more than All-on-4, and All-on-8 can be 30-50% more.
A good specialist consultation will tell you which variant is right for your case, not just the clinic's standard offer.