All-on-4® vs Dental Restoration
If you have missing or troublesome teeth, you’re probably wondering what your dental restoration options are. At Next Smile Australia, we take a truly patient-first approach which means during your consultation, we’ll walk you through every option available, from doing nothing at all, to more advanced solutions for teeth that are no longer healthy or salvageable, such as All-on-4® dental implants.
Choosing the right way to restore your smile is a big decision, and it’s important to feel informed and supported along the way. All-on-4® dental implants offer a fixed, cost-effective, long-term alternative to some traditional restoration methods, helping many patients regain comfort, function, and confidence with a secure, natural-looking smile.
What is Dental Restoration?
Restorative dentistry or dental restoration focuses on repairing or replacing teeth that are decayed, damaged or missing. The most common types of dental restoration include:
Fillings: During the procedure, your dentist removes the decayed portion of your tooth and fills the hole with a tooth-coloured composite material.
Crowns: Dental crowns are used to repair large cavities or restore broken teeth. A crown fits over your entire tooth, and your dentist must remove some of your natural tooth enamel.
Root canal: If a cavity or crack goes deep enough into your tooth that it reaches the pulp, it can cause an infection, and a root canal is needed as a form of dental restoration. During the procedure, your dentist removes the diseased pulp and fills the tooth with a dental material called gutta-percha. In most cases, people who undergo root canal therapy as a form of dental restoration also need a crown to provide additional support.
Bridge: A dental bridge can replace a missing tooth or row of missing teeth. A bridge is a form of dental restoration that consists of artificial teeth with crowns on either side. Your dentist will shave down your natural teeth on both sides of the gap and bond the bridge to them.
Dentures: If you have multiple missing teeth and don’t want to get dental implants, dentures are an alternative. Full dentures replace an entire arch of missing teeth, and partial dentures replace several missing teeth in different areas. Unlike surgically implanted implants into your jawbone, dentures rest on top of your gums and can be easily removed.
Dental implants: Dental implants are a popular form of dental restoration, replacing missing teeth with a solution that looks and functions like natural teeth. A standard implant is inserted into the jawbone, topped with a crown, while All-on-4® uses four strategically placed implants to support a full arch of fixed teeth. For those seeking removable options, implant-supported overdentures offer stability and comfort compared to traditional dentures.
What is All-on-4® and How Is It Different?
All-on-4® is a revolutionary approach to dental implants and full-mouth restoration, designed for people with severely damaged teeth or multiple missing teeth. Rather than replacing teeth one by one, All-on-4® replaces an entire arch of teeth with a fixed, natural-looking bridge supported by just four strategically placed dental implants.
Developed by Dr Paulo Malo in partnership with Nobel Biocare in 1998, this technique has become a trusted alternative to removable dentures. One of the key differences with All-on-4® is that it often avoids the need for more invasive procedures like bone grafting, helping reduce recovery time and making treatment possible for more patients.
Unlike traditional full-arch implant methods that may require six to eight implants per jaw, All-on-4® uses only four implants in the upper jaw and four in the lower jaw to securely support a full set of teeth – with long-term success rates of around 98%.
At Next Smile Australia, we follow the clinically proven* two-stage Malo Protocol. In stage one, you’ll receive a provisional bridge to wear during the healing period (typically three to six months). In stage two, once healing is complete, your final set of custom-designed teeth is crafted and placed for long-term comfort, function, and confidence.
The Benefits of All-on-4® Dental Implants
Before making the decision to book an appointment at your nearest Next Smile Australia clinic, here are just some of the benefits you can expect from the All-on-4® treatment. These benefits are based on our years of experience and clinically researched data* and protocols.
Eat, Speak and Smile with More Confidence
Because your new teeth are securely fixed to dental implants, they won’t slip, move, or click like dentures can, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
Many patients say the stability and natural feel help them feel more comfortable in social situations and everyday life.
Natural-Looking and Long-Lasting
All Next Smile Australia All-on-4® teeth are custom-made in our in-house labs using high-quality materials and genuine Nobel Biocare components to suit your face, smile, and bite. The result is a natural-looking, comfortable smile designed to last for years with proper care.
Teeth Within 24 Hours (Often Same Day)
With Next Smile Australia All-on-4® treatment, you can often leave the clinic with your first set of fixed teeth within 24 hours. These provisional teeth let you eat soft foods, smile, and function normally while your jawbone heals and bonds with the implants.
Proven 98% success rate*
All-on-4® offers a proven 98% success rate* and predictable, long-term results compared to older, more invasive dental restorations. At Next Smile Australia, we follow the Malo Protocol, a clinically proven two-stage treatment developed by Dr Paulo Malo, the inventor of All-on-4®.
Faster Healing, Often No Bone Grafting
All-on-4® uses just four strategically placed implants to maximise existing bone, often avoiding bone grafts, shortening treatment time, and making recovery more comfortable. For those with significant bone loss, zygomatic implants anchor into the cheekbone and can provide a solution when standard implants aren’t suitable.
No Adhesives Or Slipping
Because All-on-4® teeth are fixed in place, there’s no need for adhesives, nightly removal, or worrying about dentures slipping while eating or speaking.
Your teeth stay in place day and night and are cared for much like natural teeth with regular brushing, flossing, and professional maintenance.
All-on-4® vs Dental Restoration Comparison Table
| Traditional Restorations (Bridges/Dentures) | Next Smile All-on-4® | |
| Best For | Single tooth repair or minor decay | Full-arch replacement & failing teeth |
| Technology | Often uses physical putty moulds & manual lab work | 100% Digital Workflow: 3D scanning & CAD/CAM |
| Treatment Speed | 6–12+ months; requires multiple surgical stages | Teeth in 24 Hours: Completed in a single session |
| Bone Health | Often requires invasive bone grafting if density is low | Graft-less Solution: Strategically angled to use bone |
| Maintenance | Requires replacement or relining every 5–10 years | Designed for Life: High 98% long-term success rate |
| Oral Health | Can lead to further jawbone recession | Preserves the jawbone through direct stimulation |
| Total Value | Lower entry price; high recurring maintenance costs | One-Off Investment: Minimal long-term expense |
Real Patients. Real Transformations.
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Dental Restoration FAQs
What exactly is included in a dental restoration?
Dental restorations include any procedure that repairs or replaces damaged or missing teeth. This ranges from minor fillings and adhesive bonding to complex bridges and All-on-4® implants.
Is it better to repair a tooth or have it extracted?
Preserving your natural tooth structure is almost always the best long-term option for your oral health and facial structure. Extraction is typically a last resort when the tooth cannot be safely restored.
How long do different dental restorations last?
Lifespans vary: composite fillings typically last up to 10 years, crowns and bridges can last over a decade, and dental implants are designed to be a lifetime solution with proper care.
Does insurance cover the cost of dental restorations?
Most restorative procedures are considered “medically necessary” and are partially covered by private health funds. We provide a full quote during your consultation so you can check your specific level of cover.
Are restorative dental procedures painful?
Modern restorative dentistry uses advanced local anesthetics and sedation options to ensure a pain-free experience. Most patients report only minor pressure during treatment and manageable soreness during recovery.
Want to know more read our blog on Dental Surgery And Anaesthesia: What Are Your Options?
Can I still get traditional bridges if my jawbone is thin?
Traditional bridges don’t stop bone loss; in fact, the bone beneath them can continue to recede. All-on-4® is often the better choice for thin jawbones because the implants stimulate the bone to prevent further recession.
What happens if my dental bridge or crown fails?
If a bridge fails, it often damages the healthy “anchor” teeth next to it. Switching to All-on-4® provides a self-supporting, permanent solution that doesn’t rely on – or damage – your remaining natural teeth.
How many appointments does a full-mouth restoration take?
Traditional restoration can take 10+ appointments over 12 months, especially if bone grafts are needed. All-on-4® is designed for speed, giving you a functional, beautiful new smile in as little as 24 hours.
Why choose All-on-4® over multiple individual implants?
Replacing every tooth with an individual implant is highly invasive and significantly more expensive. All-on-4® uses just four strategically placed implants to support a full arch, making it faster, more affordable, and less surgical.
Treatment You Can Trust.
Wherever You Live.
With 7 Super Clinics across Australia and a network of accredited regional partners, reliable dental implant care is always within reach. From your first consultation to lifelong aftercare, our coordinated network delivers complete implant solutions – all under one roof.
Take the first step toward your Next Smile
Our highly experienced consultation teams offer a warm, caring and non-judgemental approach to assessing your suitability for All-on-4® Dental Implants.
If you’d like to schedule a personal consultation, please get in touch