implant types guide

All-on-4 dental implants: a full arch on just four posts

All-on-4 dental implants replace an entire upper or lower arch of missing or failing teeth. A fixed bridge anchors to just four implants, and many patients leave surgery the same day with a functional temporary set of teeth. This guide walks through the procedure and the cost in Ontario, and it shows how All-on-4 compares with traditional dentures. That way, you know what to expect before you book a consultation.

4 implants, full arch

Fixed, never removed

Teeth, often same day

The basics

What is All-on-4?

A quick, plain-language answer before the details below.

All-on-4 dental implants replace a full arch of missing or badly failing teeth. Instead of one implant per tooth, the technique relies on just four. Your dentist places two implants straight up at the front of the jaw, then angles the other two toward the back. That angled placement reaches denser bone. As a result, it often avoids the need for a bone graft, even in patients who have worn dentures for years.

A fixed bridge of a full arch of replacement teeth then attaches to those four implants. Because the bridge stays screwed in place, it never slips, clicks, or needs adhesive the way a denture does. As a result, All-on-4 gives you a permanent, non-removable set of teeth from a single surgical visit.

The four implants

Two straight, two angled toward the back

The fixed bridge

One full arch, screwed onto the implants

Same-day teeth

A temporary bridge often attaches the day of surgery

Candidacy

Are you a candidate for All-on-4 dental implants?

Most adults missing most or all of their teeth in one arch qualify. Here is the short version, plus where to go for the full picture.

All-on-4 suits most adults who are missing most or all of their upper or lower teeth, including long-time denture wearers. Because the back implants angle into denser bone, All-on-4 works well for many patients who have already lost bone volume. Otherwise, those patients would likely need a bone graft first. Smokers, diabetics, and patients with gum disease can still qualify once the underlying condition is under control. Candidacy still comes down to your specific bone structure and health history, so the most reliable next step is a free consultation. There, we review a 3D scan of your jaw and confirm your options in person.

Want the full candidacy breakdown?

Our complete guide covers age, bone loss, smoking, dental anxiety, and every other factor patients ask about before booking.

Am I a candidate for dental implants? →

The procedure

The All-on-4 procedure, step by step

Five stages, from your first scan to your final bridge. Timelines vary by case, but this is the typical path.

1. Consultation

A 3D CBCT scan maps the full arch, including the denser bone near the back of the jaw where the angled implants will anchor. From there, your dentist plans the exact position of all four implants and designs your new bridge.

2. Extraction

If failing or decayed teeth remain in the arch, your dentist removes them during the same appointment as implant placement. This single-visit approach is one of the main reasons patients pick All-on-4.

3. Placement

Under sedation or local anesthetic, your dentist places two straight implants at the front and two angled implants toward the back of the arch. The angle spreads chewing force across stronger, denser bone.

4. Same-day teeth

In most cases, your dentist attaches a lightweight temporary bridge to the implants before you leave that day. You walk out with a full, functional set of teeth while healing continues underneath.

5. Final bridge

After 4 to 6 months of healing, once the implants have fully fused with the bone, your dentist replaces the temporary bridge with a custom, longer-lasting final one.

Comparing your options

All-on-4 vs. traditional dentures

Both replace a full arch of teeth, but they work in very different ways. Here is what separates them.

Traditional dentures rest on the gums and rely on suction, clips, or adhesive to stay in place. Because of that, they can shift while you eat or speak, and most people need a fresh adhesive application every day. All-on-4, in contrast, screws directly into four implants in the jawbone. The bridge stays fixed in your mouth around the clock, so there is no soaking, no adhesive, and no slipping to plan around.

Still deciding? Our dental implants vs dentures guide compares them in full. Missing only one or two teeth? Compare dental implants vs bridges instead.

All-on-4 implants

Traditional dentures

Cost

How much do All-on-4 dental implants cost in Ontario?

All-on-4 dental implants in Ontario typically cost between $20,000 and $28,000 per arch, including the implants, the surgery, and the final fixed bridge. Replacing both the upper and lower arch usually falls between $40,000 and $55,000. Every treatment plan differs, and OHIP does not cover implants. For that reason, the best way to get an accurate number is a personalized, itemized quote at your free consultation.

Typical Ontario range, per arch

$20,000 – $28,000

Full Ontario cost guide →

Long-term outcomes

How long do All-on-4 dental implants last?

All-on-4 has one of the longest clinical track records of any full-arch implant technique. A systematic review pooling multiple long-term studies found implant survival rates between 94.8% and 100% over follow-up periods of six to eleven years. Most individual studies clustered around 94% to 98%. The fixed bridge itself performed even better in the short term, with 99% to 100% of prostheses still functioning at the one-year mark. With regular checkups and good oral hygiene, most All-on-4 implants remain stable for decades. That said, the bridge on top may eventually need adjustment or replacement.

Source: Systematic review of the All-on-4 treatment concept, PMC

FAQ

All-on-4 dental implant questions, answered

The questions patients ask most often before booking a consultation.

Why does All-on-4 only use four implants for a whole arch?

The two back implants angle into denser bone toward the rear of the jaw. That angled placement spreads chewing force evenly across all four implants, so the arch does not need one implant per missing tooth.

Can I really leave with teeth the same day?

In most cases, yes. Your dentist attaches a temporary fixed bridge to the implants right after placement, so you leave the office with a full set of functional teeth while the implants heal underneath.

Is All-on-4 the same as All-on-6?

Both are fixed, full-arch solutions, but All-on-6 adds two extra implants for additional support. Your dentist typically recommends All-on-6 when bone density is lower or when extra long-term stability matters most to you.

Will insurance cover All-on-4 dental implants?

OHIP does not cover dental implants. Many private plans, however, cover parts of the treatment, such as extractions or the bridge itself. We check your benefits for you at your free consultation.

What happens if I wait to replace a failing arch of teeth?

The jawbone continues to shrink without the stimulation that tooth roots normally provide. That ongoing bone loss can eventually reduce your candidacy for a fixed solution and push you toward a bone graft first.

How long do All-on-4 implants actually last?

With good oral hygiene, the implants themselves can last decades. Long-term research has followed successful All-on-4 cases for up to eleven years with survival rates as high as 98%. The bridge on top may need adjustment or replacement sooner, typically after 10 to 15 years.

All-on-4 Dental Implants