All-on-4® FAQ's
Explore the FAQs below to learn more about All-on-4® treatment concept and Next Smile Australia.
All-on-4® Procedure FAQ's
What does All-on-4® mean?
All-on-4® is the name of the procedure invented by Professor Paulo Malo who established this advanced protocol for the treatment of patients who have dentures that they are unhappy with and want a better solution and for patients that have a terminal dentition from either dental decay or gum disease. The process involves only four implants to support an entire bridge of teeth.
Not all people with periodontal disease or dental decay require All-on-4® treatment. With many patients we can restore the teeth and treat the gum disease for many years. All-on-4® should not be considered a treatment of choice based on shorter treatment times or cost. At Next Smile Australia we believe we should not be removing good restorable teeth.
Are All-on-4® denture alternatives?
Yes, All-on-4® can be an alternative to dentures, but they are not the same thing.
The All-on-4® treatment concept is a full-arch dental implant solution designed to replace an entire upper or lower set of teeth using four strategically placed implants to support a fixed bridge. Unlike traditional dentures, which sit on the gums and can move or require adhesives, All-on-4® teeth are fixed in place and secured to dental implants. How All-on-4® differs from traditional dentures?
Stability
Traditional dentures rest on the gums and may shift when eating or speaking. All-on-4® is anchored to implants, providing significantly greater stability.
Comfort
Dentures can cause sore spots or rubbing over time. Because All-on-4® is supported by implants rather than sitting directly on the gums, many patients find it feels more secure and natural.
Function
With dentures, chewing efficiency can be reduced. All-on-4® is designed to restore stronger biting function, allowing patients to enjoy a wider range of foods.
Bone Preservation
When teeth are missing, jawbone shrinkage can occur. Dental implants used in All-on-4® stimulate the bone, which may help maintain bone structure over time — something dentures do not do.
So, are they a denture alternative? Yes. for patients who want a fixed, non-removable solution, All-on-4® is often considered a long-term alternative to removable dentures. However, suitability depends on individual factors such as bone quality, overall health, and treatment goals. A clinical assessment is always required to determine whether All-on-4® is appropriate.
What happens in your consultation?
Your All-on-4® consultation at Next Smile Australia is the first step toward restoring your smile. During your visit, you’ll meet with a member of our dental team to discuss your dental and medical history in a relaxed, supportive environment.
We’ll take detailed scans, digital impressions, and photographs to assess the condition of your teeth and jawbone. Based on this assessment, we’ll determine whether All-on-4® treatment may be suitable for you and, if so, outline a personalised treatment plan and discuss available payment options.
Are All-on-4® dental prosthetics?
Yes, the teeth used to replace your natural teeth are dental prosthetics. Your new set of teeth is made in Next Smile Australia’s dental labs while you’re undergoing treatment. Other forms of dental prosthetics include crowns, bridges, dentures and veneers.
How many teeth are on All-on-4®?
The All-on-4® protocol allows for four implants and 12 teeth. The basis of All-on-4® is that it makes use of the available bone. It would be very rare to have 14 teeth, because the teeth would cantilever back from the last implant, causing potential fracture of the posterior implant and loosening of the abutment screws.
How long does the All-on-4® procedure take?
Following your initial consultation with our experienced dental teams you will be provided with detailed treatment plans for your surgery and rehabilitation. Once you have made a decision on your treatment options you will be provided with a timeline for your treatment.
How soon will I receive teeth after All-on-4® surgery?
With the Next Smile Australia approach using the Maló Protocol, suitable patients often receive a set of provisional teeth within 24 hours of implant surgery. Whether this applies to you is confirmed following your clinical assessment.
Are All-on-4® dental implants removable?
All-on-4® dental implants are “fixed” and are not meant to be removed. Unlike traditional dentures, which can be taken out, All-on-4® uses four titanium implants to support a full arch of teeth. The implants fuse with the jawbone, holding the bridge securely in place, so you can eat, speak, and smile without removing them. They differ from conventional full-arch implant treatment because fewer implants are used to support an entire arch, which may reduce treatment time in suitable cases. All-on-4® can provide a stable, long-term option for patients considering dentures or traditional implants, although outcomes vary by patient.
How invasive is the All-on-4® treatment?
All-on-4® is a highly complex surgical and prosthetic procedure. It involves placing four titanium implants into the jawbone to support a full arch of teeth. Because it uses fewer implants and, in suitable cases, may avoid the need for bone grafting, it can involve less surgery than some traditional full-arch approaches. The procedure is performed under anaesthetic.
Swelling, bruising and discomfort are common during healing, and recovery varies from patient to patient. Your dental surgeon will explain what to expect in your situation during your consultation.
Do I need to make lifestyle changes before All-on-4® surgery?
Yes. Your dental team may recommend avoiding alcohol, smoking, vaping, and recreational drugs before surgery, as these can affect healing and surgical outcomes.
Can I get fixed teeth in one day?
In suitable cases, yes. At Next Smile Australia, eligible patients can receive a fixed provisional bridge on the day of All-on-4® surgery. Treatment suitability depends on factors including your oral health, bone availability, general health and individual treatment plan. For more information, check out our blog on “what teeth in 24 hours actually means“.
Are you put to sleep for All-on-4®?
You can be. All-on-4® surgery can be performed under general anaesthesia, where you are fully asleep, or IV sedation, where you are deeply relaxed but conscious. For routine cases, the choice is generally yours following clinical assessment. For more complex cases, your dental surgeon may recommend sedation or general anaesthesia.
Sedation and general anaesthesia are administered by a specialist anaesthetist, and the fees are billed separately in your itemised quote. Learn more about sedation and general anaesthesia for All-on-4®.
All-on-4® Eligibility and Risks FAQ's
Am I a good candidate for All-on-4® dental implants?
Many factors may affect your suitability for the All-on-4® dental implant procedure.
To carefully assess your situation and determine your suitability, a Next Smile Australia dental surgeon will carefully examine your medical and dental health and history, carry out a detailed oral examination, including a CT scan of your jaw bones, photographic assessment and in many cases a digital preliminary imprint of your mouth.
Considering the results of your initial assessment, they will then recommend a tailor-made treatment solution for you.
Are dental implants suitable for seniors?
Age alone doesn’t rule out All-on-4® treatment. Suitability depends on your general health, bone availability and how many teeth are missing or failing, and it is confirmed following clinical assessment.
The teeth are fixed to implants and designed to function and look like natural teeth.
How painful are All-on-4® dental implants?
Many people worry about pain, and it’s a fair question. The surgery can be performed under general anaesthetic, so you won’t be aware of the procedure while it happens.
Afterwards, swelling, bruising and discomfort are common, particularly in the first 48 hours, and the level varies from person to person. Your team will give you a pain relief plan and post-operative instructions to help manage this during healing.
Do dental implants hurt?
With all surgery you should expect swelling, bruising and pain. The levels of each vary between patients and can range from mild to severe. To help manage swelling, you will be given medication (such as anti-inflammatories) at the time of the operation and afterwards. You will also be advised to use ice packs and to sleep with your head elevated for the first 48 hours.
Pain is usually most noticeable in the first 48 hours. Pain relief will be discussed with you as part of your treatment plan and care. You will be numb after the procedure from the local anaesthetic given during surgery.
At Next Smile Australia you’ll be in the hands of experienced dental surgeons and a clinical team dedicated to your treatment.
What are the risks of All-on-4® dental implants?
At Next Smile Australia, patient safety is our top priority. The All-on-4® treatment concept is a well-established approach to full-arch tooth replacement, backed by a substantial body of clinical research over the past two decades. We only use TGA-approved dental implants and materials, and every treatment is planned and carried out by experienced dental professionals. As with any surgery, there are risks.
These can include infection, swelling and bruising, nerve injury causing altered sensation, sinus complications and implant failure. Individual outcomes vary depending on factors like bone density, overall health, and lifestyle. That’s why we assess your specific situation before recommending treatment.
Our team will review your medical history, take the necessary scans, and talk you through the benefits and risks, so you can make an informed decision.
For further information on risks associated with All-on-4® or Overdenture treatment please read blog on All-on-4® & Implant-Retained Overdenture Treatment Risks
All-on-4® Cost FAQ's
How much does All-on-4® cost?
Understandably, this is one of our most frequently asked questions.
During an initial All-on-4® consultation at a Next Smile Australia clinic near you, we fully examine your dental health and if we establish that All-on-4® is suitable for you, then we provide you with a detailed treatment plan and corresponding costs. All-on-4® treatment starts from $27,990 for a single arch.
Not included in this costing is the anaesthetic fees which are billed separately by the medical provider. Those fees will be quoted to you prior to your surgery and may be eligible for Medicare rebates.
We also do implant-supported dentures starting from $12,000 for a single row of teeth.
For more details on pricing and payment plans, please visit our All-on-4® pricing page.
What is included in the All-on-4® price at Next Smile?
At Next Smile, the cost covers:
- Comprehensive pre-surgery consultations and planning
- Surgery and post-op review; including x-rays
- Research-backed titanium implants and abutments
- Provisional teeth within 24 hours in suitable cases
- High-quality final teeth with medical-grade reinforcement
- Warranties for implants, reinforcement bars, and teeth.
Additional procedures, like extractions or bone grafting, are discussed individually. We ensure full transparency so you know exactly what’s included.
Can I use my superannuation to pay for All-on-4® at Next Smile?
Next Smile supports patients exploring early release of superannuation for dental implants medical reasons. While we cannot provide financial advice, our team can assist with the required documentation and guide you through the process to your super fund or the Australian Tax Office, making it easier to fund your next smile.
All-on-4® Benefits FAQ's
What are the benefits of All-on-4®?
In suitable cases, the main advantages of the All-on-4® procedure are that a full-arch restoration may be possible without bone grafting, and that temporary teeth can be fitted soon after surgery (immediate loading).
It typically involves one operation, which may be shorter than other full-arch approaches that include bone grafting. Published research on the Maló Protocol reports implant-level success rates of 98.1% at 5 years and 94.8% at 10 years*. Daily hygiene involves a toothbrush, dental floss and a water flosser.
You have input into the look of your teeth, and you wear provisional teeth for around three months during healing (osseointegration) before your final teeth are made. If a tooth on your final prosthesis breaks, it can usually be repaired.
Do All-on-4® dental implants look real?
All-on-4® teeth are custom-designed to suit your face, smile and bite, with the aim of a natural-looking result.
How your teeth look will depend on your individual anatomy and treatment plan, and your dental team will talk you through the design before your final teeth are made.
Do All-on-4® teeth feel natural?
The teeth are designed to look, feel, and function much like natural teeth. Because they are securely fixed to dental implants and custom-made to suit your mouth, many patients find they feel stable and comfortable for everyday eating, speaking, and smiling.
One difference is that, unlike natural teeth, All-on-4® teeth don’t have nerve endings, so they don’t feel temperature or develop tooth decay. While this reduced sensitivity may feel unusual at first, many patients find it a welcome relief, especially if they previously experienced ongoing dental pain.
Overall, All-on-4® teeth are designed to closely replicate the function and appearance of natural teeth, helping you return to normal daily activities.
What does the 98% success rate mean?
Next Smile Australia strictly adheres to the Maló Protocol and uses Nobel Biocare implants. Success rates are not a guarantee of individual outcomes, which vary depending on patient factors such as oral health, general health and lifestyle.
We breakdown the research around the 98% Success rate in our blog 98% Success Rate with the All-on-4® Treatment Concept
All-on-4® Aftercare & Maintenance FAQ's
How can I prepare my home for recovery after All-on-4® surgery?
Before surgery, it’s helpful to stock up on soft foods, organise a comfortable recovery space, and ensure essentials like water, medication, and your phone are easily accessible.
Will I need help after All-on-4® surgery?
Yes. It’s recommended to arrange for a friend or family member to drive you to and from your surgery and assist you during the first stage of recovery.
What should I expect during All-on-4® recovery?
Some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort are normal after surgery, particularly in the first 48 hours. Following your dentist’s post-operative instructions and attending follow-up appointments will help support healing.
Do dental implants last forever?
Dental implants are generally a long-term solution for your dental restoration. They do not last forever and the length of time they last may be affected by a number of circumstances.
Long term results may be dependent on your oral health habits, lifestyle and medications that you are taking now or in the future and your current and future medical health.
Does food get stuck under All-on-4® dental implants?
Yes, food can get stuck under your dental implants. However, your dentist can adjust the gap between your implants and your gums if this is affecting you. You will also be provided with cleaning and maintenance instructions to help you manage any food that may get stuck.
How do you clean All-on-4® dental implants?
The bridge of teeth can be cleaned by you on a daily basis. The regime will include use of a toothbrush, specialised dental floss and a water flosser. You will be given detailed instructions on how to carry out this regime at home and ongoing support to ensure you understand this process. You will need to have your All-on-4® professionally cleaned every 6 months.
Does sugar affect All-on-4® teeth?
Although All-on-4® teeth cannot decay like natural teeth, sugar can still have harmful effects. It promotes the growth of bacteria and plaque, which can lead to gum inflammation, peri-implantitis, and even implant failure if not properly managed. Sugar also creates an acidic environment in the mouth that can gradually compromise the stability of the implants, particularly during the critical healing and recovery period. Additionally, excessive sugar intake can affect overall health, as conditions like diabetes reduce the body’s ability to fight infections, increasing the risk of complications and slowing recovery after All-on-4® treatment.
Do I still need to see a dental hygienist after getting All-on-4®?
Yes, you should still see a dental hygienist after getting All-on-4® treatment. Regular professional cleans and check-ups help remove plaque and bacteria around the implants, monitor gum health, and ensure your prosthetic teeth and implants remain stable and functioning properly. Most patients are recommended to attend maintenance visits every six months.
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