For most Australians, the phrase “false teeth” conjures up a very specific image: those traditional dentures sitting in a glass of water on the bedside table. Yet the landscape of teeth replacement has transformed dramatically over the past two decades. Today, multiple fake teeth options exist to suit different needs, budgets and circumstances.
The statistics tell an important story. More than one-quarter of Australians over 65 live with complete tooth loss, while countless others are missing several teeth due to decay, gum disease or injury. Missing teeth aren’t simply a cosmetic concern – they trigger a cascade of problems including jawbone deterioration, shifting of remaining teeth, difficulty eating and speaking, and even changes to facial structure that age your appearance.
At Next Smile Australia, we’ve helped thousands of patients navigate these choices over our years of practice. We specialise in the All-on-4® treatment, but we recognise that different situations call for different solutions. This comprehensive guide examines every fake teeth option available in Australia, from traditional dentures through to cutting-edge implant technology, so you can make an informed decision about your dental future.
Whether you’ve lost a single tooth or need full mouth dental implants whether budget is your primary concern or you’re focused on long-term value, there’s a solution that fits your circumstances. Let’s explore the complete spectrum of artificial teeth options, their costs, maintenance requirements, and who they suit best.
A dental prosthesis is an artificial appliance designed to restore one or more missing, badly damaged or dysfunctional teeth. The term might sound clinical, but it simply refers to any device that replaces what you’ve lost and helps your mouth function properly again.
Creating an effective dental prosthesis isn’t a simple matter of filling a gap. These devices need to tick multiple boxes: they must be strong enough to handle the forces of chewing (which can reach 90 kilograms of pressure on molars), durable enough to last years or decades, resistant to the constant fatigue and aging that occurs in your mouth’s harsh environment, made from biocompatible materials that your body won’t reject, and comfortable enough that you can wear them without constant irritation or awareness.
Because dental prostheses need to satisfy all these criteria whilst also looking natural, they come in remarkably varied forms. What works brilliantly for someone missing all their teeth won’t be suitable for someone who’s lost just two molars. What fits within one person’s budget might be completely out of reach for another. What one person finds comfortable, another might struggle with.
So when do you actually need a dental prosthesis? The obvious answer is when you’re missing teeth – even a single gap sets off problems. That missing tooth allows neighbouring teeth to drift and tilt into the space, throwing off your bite alignment. The opposing tooth (the one that used to meet the missing tooth when you closed your mouth) can actually grow longer, emerging further from the gum because it’s no longer being worn down by contact. Your jawbone begins to resorb in that area because it’s no longer receiving the stimulation that tooth roots provide.
But missing teeth aren’t the only reason you might need fake teeth options. Severely cracked or damaged teeth that can’t be saved with fillings or root canal treatment are candidates for replacement. Teeth with advanced decay that’s compromised their structural integrity often need to be extracted and replaced. And sometimes teeth are so badly positioned or malformed that prosthetic solutions actually provide better function and appearance than what you were born with.
The key question isn’t whether you need a dental prosthesis – if you’re reading this, you probably already know you do. The real question is which type is right for your specific situation.
The array of teeth replacement options available today would astonish dentists from even 20 years ago. Technology and materials have evolved to the point where artificial teeth can look completely natural, feel comfortable, and in some cases, function almost identically to your original teeth.
Let’s break down every option available, from the most basic to the most advanced.
Removable fake teeth options are designed to come out of your mouth for cleaning and when you sleep. This traditional approach has genuine advantages that make it the right choice for many people.
The adaptability factor matters more than you might initially think. As you age, your mouth changes shape – gums recede, bone reabsorbs, and the contours shift. With removable prostheses, your dentist can adjust them or create new ones to match these changes without requiring surgery. For people with medical conditions that make surgery risky, removable options provide tooth replacement without any surgical intervention.
Cost is another consideration. Removable prostheses generally represent the most affordable entry point into teeth replacement, making them accessible for pensioners and people on limited budgets.
However, the trade-offs are real. Removable dentures lack the stability of implant-supported teeth. They can shift when you’re eating certain foods, which some people find embarrassing in social situations. They don’t stimulate your jawbone the way natural teeth or implants do, so bone resorption continues beneath them – this is why dentures need periodic relining or replacement as your jaw shape changes. And there’s an adjustment period when you first get them, during which speech can be affected and your mouth needs time to adapt.
A partial denture fills in gaps where you’re missing some teeth but still have healthy natural teeth remaining. Think of it as a puzzle piece that slots into your mouth, completing the picture of a full set of teeth.
The partial denture consists of replacement teeth attached to a gum-coloured plastic base, which is connected to a metal or plastic framework. This framework includes clasps that hook onto your remaining natural teeth, keeping the partial denture securely in position.
Modern partial dentures are far more sophisticated than their predecessors. The clasps can be made from tooth-coloured materials that blend with your natural teeth, making them less visible when you smile or talk. The base can be custom-tinted to match your gum tissue precisely.
Partial dentures work best when you’ve lost several teeth in one area but still have strong, healthy teeth on either side of the gap. They prevent your remaining teeth from shifting position, which is crucial for maintaining proper bite alignment.
Complete dentures replace an entire arch of teeth – either upper, lower, or both. They’re what most people picture when they hear “false teeth,” though today’s dentures bear little resemblance to the uncomfortable, obviously fake-looking dentures of decades past.
Modern complete dentures are typically made from acrylic resin for the base (which mimics gum tissue) with acrylic or porcelain teeth. The teeth can be shaped, sized and shaded to look remarkably natural. In fact, a well-made set of dentures should be virtually undetectable in normal social situations.
There are two timing options for complete dentures:
Conventional dentures are fitted 8-12 weeks after your remaining teeth are extracted. This waiting period allows your gums to heal and shrink to their final shape. The advantage is a better initial fit. The disadvantage is that you’re without teeth for those months, which can be socially difficult and affects your nutrition since you’re limited to soft foods.
Immediate dentures are prepared in advance and placed in your mouth immediately after tooth extraction, so you’re never without teeth. However, gums and bone shrink considerably during healing, which means immediate dentures require several adjustment appointments and often need to be relined or remade after a few months once healing is complete.
Complete dentures rely on suction and proper fit to stay in place. Upper dentures typically have better suction because they can cover the roof of your mouth. Lower dentures are more challenging because the tongue takes up space and creates movement, which can affect stability.
Most people adapt to dentures within 2-4 weeks, though eating certain foods (especially hard, sticky or chewy items) remains more challenging than with natural teeth. Your chewing efficiency with dentures is roughly 25-50% of what you had with natural teeth – this is simply the reality of removable prosthetics.
Dentures typically last 5-7 years before needing replacement, though they’ll need relining every few years as your jaw shape changes.
Non-removable dental prosthetics are anchored permanently in your mouth. You can’t take them out yourself – only your dentist can remove them using special techniques.
The advantages are significant. Fixed prosthetics feel more like natural teeth because they don’t move around. You can eat with greater confidence, knowing nothing will shift or slip. You clean them the same way you would natural teeth, without the nightly removal and soaking routine. And many people find the psychological benefit substantial – these fixed solutions feel like “real teeth” rather than a removable appliance.
The downsides? They’re more expensive than removable options. They require healthy adjacent teeth (in the case of bridges) or sufficient jawbone (for implants). And if something goes wrong, repairs can be more complex and costly than with removable prosthetics.
A dental bridge literally bridges the gap created by one or more missing teeth. It consists of two crowns on the teeth adjacent to the gap (called abutment teeth) with one or more artificial teeth (called pontics) suspended between them.
Here’s how the process works: Your dentist shapes the abutment teeth by removing some enamel to make room for the crowns that will cover them. Impressions are taken and sent to a laboratory where technicians create your custom bridge. You wear a temporary bridge whilst the permanent one is being made. At your next appointment, the permanent bridge is cemented into place.
Dental bridges work brilliantly for certain situations – specifically when you’re missing 1-3 adjacent teeth and have healthy, strong teeth on both sides of the gap. The bridge restores your ability to chew properly in that area and prevents the remaining teeth from shifting.
However, there’s a significant trade-off: your dentist must file down two healthy teeth to support the bridge. Those teeth are permanently altered and will always need crowns, even if the bridge eventually fails. This is why some dentists prefer implants, which don’t require modification of adjacent teeth.
Bridges typically last 5-15 years, depending on your oral hygiene, the forces placed on them, and the quality of the initial construction. The most common failure points are decay developing under the crowns on the abutment teeth (which is why meticulous cleaning around bridges is essential) or fracture of the pontic.
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that completely covers a damaged tooth. While not technically a replacement for a missing tooth, crowns are worth mentioning here because they often work in conjunction with other fake teeth options (as part of bridges or implant restorations).
Crowns serve multiple purposes. They protect teeth that have had root canal treatment, which leaves them brittle and prone to fracture. They restore teeth that are badly cracked or have large fillings that compromise their strength. They improve the appearance of severely discoloured or misshapen teeth. And they anchor bridges, as discussed above.
Modern crowns come in several material options:
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns have been the workhorse of restorative dentistry for decades. They offer a good balance of strength (from the metal substructure) and aesthetics (from the porcelain exterior). They’re cost-effective and durable. The downside is that sometimes a dark line becomes visible at the gumline as gums recede over time.
All-ceramic or all-porcelain crowns provide the best natural appearance. They’re the top choice for front teeth where aesthetics are paramount. Modern ceramics are quite strong, though not quite as durable as PFM for back teeth that experience heavy chewing forces.
Zirconia crowns represent the latest advancement – they’re extremely strong (even stronger than PFM) and can be made to look quite natural. They’re becoming increasingly popular, though they’re typically more expensive than other options.
Gold alloy crowns are the most durable option and cause minimal wear to opposing teeth. However, their appearance makes them unsuitable for visible teeth unless you’re making a fashion statement.
Crowns typically last 10-15 years with proper care.
Implant-supported prostheses represent the gold standard in teeth replacement technology. These solutions integrate with your jawbone, providing stability, bone preservation, and function that approaches natural teeth.
The key difference between implant-supported options and everything discussed above is bone stimulation. When you chew with implant-supported dentures, the forces are transmitted through the implant into your jawbone, just as they would be with natural tooth roots. This stimulation tells your body to maintain the bone in that area. With removable dentures or bridges, that stimulation is absent, and bone resorption continues.
Implant-supported options are more expensive and require surgery, but for many people, the long-term benefits justify both the cost and the procedural requirements.
A traditional dental implant involves surgically placing a titanium screw into your jawbone where a tooth is missing. This screw essentially replaces the root of your missing tooth. After a healing period of 3-6 months (called osseointegration), during which the bone grows around and fuses with the implant, an abutment is attached to the implant. Finally, a crown is placed on top of the abutment, completing the restoration.
The result looks, feels and functions remarkably like a natural tooth. You brush and floss it normally. It doesn’t affect adjacent teeth. And the success rate is impressive – 95-98% of dental implants are still functioning properly 10 years after placement.
Traditional dental implants are ideal when you’re missing one, two, or several non-adjacent teeth. They’re the most conservative option because they don’t require modification of healthy teeth (unlike bridges). And they’re the only option besides All-on-4® that actually preserves jawbone density.
However, not everyone is a candidate for traditional implants. You need adequate bone density to support the implant – if you’ve been missing teeth for years and significant bone resorption has occurred, you might need bone grafting before implants can be placed, which adds months to the treatment timeline and considerable cost. Certain medical conditions (uncontrolled diabetes, active cancer treatment, some autoimmune disorders) can interfere with healing. And smoking significantly increases the risk of implant failure.
The procedure itself is less daunting than many people imagine. It’s typically done under local anaesthetic, and most people report that the discomfort is similar to or less than having a tooth extracted. The lengthy timeline is often the bigger challenge – from initial surgery to final crown placement, you’re looking at 6-9 months.
The All-on-4® treatment concept revolutionised full-arch restoration when Dr Paulo Malo pioneered it in 1998. Rather than placing 6-8 implants to support a full arch of teeth (the traditional approach), All-on-4® uses just four strategically positioned implants per arch.
Here’s what makes it different: Two implants are placed vertically at the front of your jaw, where bone is typically denser. Two implants are placed at angles up to 45 degrees at the back, which allows them to anchor in available bone and avoid anatomical structures like sinus cavities. This intelligent positioning means that even patients with moderate bone loss can often receive All-on-4® without bone grafting.
The other game-changing aspect is the timeline. With traditional implants, you wait 3-6 months for osseointegration before the permanent teeth are attached. With All-on-4®, you receive a full arch of provisional teeth the same day as your surgery – within 24 hours, you walk out with a complete, functional smile.
Those provisional teeth are replaced with your permanent prosthesis after the healing period (typically 3-4 months), but you’re never without teeth. This is transformative for people who have been living with failing teeth or uncomfortable dentures – the social and psychological impact of immediately having an attractive, functional smile cannot be overstated.
The success rate for All-on-4® is remarkable – studies show a 98% success rate, with patients still using their All-on-4® restorations 10 years after placement. The prosthesis is removable only by your dentist (for maintenance cleaning), but you treat it like natural teeth day-to-day, brushing and flossing normally.
All-on-4® works best for people who have lost most or all of their teeth, have failing teeth that need extraction, suffer from advanced gum disease, or have been wearing dentures and want a permanent upgrade. You need to be in reasonable general health, as it is a surgical procedure, but the medical requirements are less stringent than for traditional implants because healing times are shorter.
At Next Smile Australia, All-on-4® is our speciality. We’ve completed thousands of these procedures across our network of Super Clinics, using Nobel Biocare materials (the company that developed All-on-4® alongside Dr Malo) and our own in-house technicians who craft your prosthesis with meticulous attention to detail and aesthetics.
Understanding the financial commitment for different fake teeth options is crucial for planning your treatment. Costs vary considerably based on the type of prosthesis, materials used, complexity of your case, and geographic location.
Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of what you can expect to pay in Australia:
Type of Fake Teeth | Cost Range (AUD) | Lifespan | Best For |
Partial Dentures | $1,000 – $3,000 | 5-7 years | Missing several teeth in one area; budget-conscious patients |
Full Dentures | $2,500 – $8,000 per arch | 5-7 years | Complete tooth loss; patients unable to have surgery |
Dental Bridges | $1,500 – $5,000 | 5-15 years | 1-3 missing adjacent teeth; healthy surrounding teeth |
Single Dental Implant | $3,000 – $6,000 | 15-25+ years | Missing single tooth; adequate bone density |
Multiple Implants | $8,000 – $20,000 | 15-25+ years | Several missing teeth; good oral health |
Implant-Supported Dentures | $15,000 – $28,000 per arch | 15-20 years | Full arch replacement; moderate bone loss acceptable |
All-on-4® Full Arch | $20,000 – $30,000 per arch | 20+ years | Complete arch replacement; want permanent solution |
Note: Costs are approximate and vary based on materials selected, treatment complexity, practitioner expertise, and location. A consultation is required for an accurate quote specific to your situation.
Several factors influence where your treatment falls within these ranges:
Materials selection significantly impacts cost. Economy dentures with basic acrylic teeth might cost $2,500, whilst premium dentures with high-quality porcelain teeth and precision-fitted bases can reach $8,000. Similarly, all-ceramic crowns cost more than porcelain-fused-to-metal, and zirconia implants cost more than standard titanium.
Treatment complexity affects pricing substantially. Straightforward cases with healthy gums, good bone structure, and no complications cost less than complex dental cases requiring extractions, bone grafting, sinus lifts, or treatment of gum disease before the prosthetic work can begin.
Practitioner expertise matters, particularly for surgical procedures like implants. Specialists with advanced training and years of experience typically charge more than general dentists, but their expertise can mean better outcomes and fewer complications. For something as significant as All-on-4®, this isn’t an area where you want to prioritise cost over quality.
Geographic location creates price variations. Major metropolitan areas typically have higher costs than regional centres, though this isn’t a universal rule. At Next Smile Australia, we maintain consistent high standards across all our locations, from capital cities to regional areas.
Follow-up care should factor into your cost considerations. Dentures require periodic relining and eventual replacement. Bridges might need repair or replacement after 10-15 years. Implants need professional cleaning and monitoring. All-on-4® requires check-ups and professional cleanings, though the prosthesis itself is remarkably durable.
When evaluating costs, consider the lifespan and quality of life factors. A $3,000 set of dentures that lasts 5 years and gives you 25-50% chewing efficiency costs $600 per year. A $25,000 All-on-4® restoration that lasts 20 years and gives you 80-90% chewing efficiency costs $1,250 per year whilst providing dramatically better function, comfort and confidence. The higher upfront cost delivers better long-term value for many patients.
It’s also worth investigating payment options. Many dental practices offer payment plans that spread the cost over 12-24 months. Some private health insurance policies provide partial coverage for certain procedures (though waiting periods often apply). And in some circumstances, you may be eligible to access your superannuation early for dental treatment that substantially improves your quality of life.
Choosing the right fake teeth option isn’t simply about cost – it’s about matching the treatment to your specific circumstances. What works brilliantly for your neighbour might be completely unsuitable for you.
Let’s break down who makes an ideal candidate for each type of prosthesis:
You’re an ideal candidate if:
You might not be suitable if:
You’re an ideal candidate if:
You might not be suitable if:
You’re an ideal candidate if:
You might not be suitable if:
You’re an ideal candidate if:
You might not be suitable if:
The reality is that many people fall into multiple categories, which is where professional assessment becomes crucial. You might be physically suitable for several options, at which point the decision comes down to your priorities: Is upfront cost the driving factor? Is maximum function most important? Do you prioritise avoiding surgery? How important is treatment speed?
A thorough consultation involves not just examining your mouth, but understanding your medical history, lifestyle, expectations and concerns. X-rays or CT scans reveal your bone structure. Your dentist assesses your gum health, remaining teeth, bite alignment, and jaw joint function. Only with this complete picture can they recommend the options that genuinely suit your situation.
At Next Smile Australia, every patient begins with a comprehensive consultation where we evaluate all these factors. Whilst we specialise in All-on-4®, we’re upfront when a patient might be better served by a different option. Our goal is the right solution for your circumstances, not simply promoting our specialty when it doesn’t fit.
It’s worth being realistic about what fake teeth can and cannot do compared to your original teeth.
Chewing efficiency: Natural teeth: 100% (obviously) Dental implants: 80-90% All-on-4®: 80-90% Bridges: 70-80% Dentures: 25-50%
These numbers explain why people with implant-supported solutions report far greater satisfaction than denture wearers. The ability to bite into an apple, chew steak, or eat corn on the cob isn’t just about nutrition – it’s about quality of life and dignity.
Bone preservation: Natural teeth stimulate jawbone through the forces of chewing transmitted via tooth roots. This stimulation tells your body to maintain bone density in that area.
Dental implants and All-on-4® provide similar bone stimulation because they integrate with bone. This is why they’re the only options that actually prevent ongoing bone loss.
Dentures and bridges do not provide this stimulation. Bone resorption continues beneath dentures and in the gap under bridges. This is why dentures need relining and why, after many years, some people’s facial appearance changes – the jawbone shrinking creates that “collapsed” look associated with long-term denture wear.
Maintenance: Natural teeth require brushing, flossing, and six-monthly professional cleanings.
Implants and All-on-4® require… brushing, flossing, and six-monthly professional cleanings. The maintenance is essentially identical.
Bridges require more careful cleaning around and under the prosthesis, but it’s manageable with the right tools.
Dentures require removal and cleaning after eating, overnight soaking, and care for the underlying gum tissues. The maintenance routine is more involved.
Longevity: Natural teeth can last a lifetime with proper care.
Dental implants and All-on-4® can last 20+ years, often decades, with proper care. The titanium implants themselves frequently last a lifetime; the crowns or prostheses on top might eventually need replacement.
Bridges last 5-15 years on average.
Dentures last 5-7 years before needing replacement.
Cost over lifetime: This is where the analysis becomes interesting. A $25,000 All-on-4® restoration lasting 20 years costs $1,250 per year. A $5,000 denture replaced every 6 years costs $833 per year. However, factor in the relining appointments, adjustment appointments, denture adhesive costs, and the significantly reduced function, and the lifetime value proposition shifts considerably in favour of implant solutions for those who can afford the initial investment.
Aesthetics and confidence: Modern fake teeth options all look remarkably natural when done well. High-quality dentures, bridges, and implant restorations are virtually undetectable in normal social situations. The psychological benefit of having a complete, attractive smile is profound for people who have been hiding their smile for years due to missing or failing teeth.
The reality is that whilst natural teeth are irreplaceable, modern prosthetic options provide function and aesthetics that restore quality of life. All-on-4® in particular comes remarkably close to natural teeth in terms of both function and feel, which explains its growing popularity despite the significant investment required.
Understanding the materials used in different fake teeth options helps you appreciate why costs vary and what you’re actually paying for.
Acrylic resin (most common base material): The pink base that mimics gum tissue is typically made from polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), a type of acrylic plastic. This material has been used for decades because it’s lightweight, can be tinted to match natural gum colour precisely, can be easily adjusted and relined, and is relatively affordable.
The downside is that acrylic can stain over time (particularly from tea, coffee, red wine, and smoking) and is somewhat porous, which means bacteria can colonise it if cleaning is inadequate. Lower-quality acrylics are more prone to both staining and breakage.
Acrylic teeth (budget to mid-range dentures): The teeth themselves are often made from acrylic as well. These are perfectly functional and can be shaped to look natural. They’re lightweight and won’t wear down opposing natural teeth aggressively.
However, acrylic teeth wear down faster than porcelain alternatives, particularly if you’re a heavy chewer. They can also stain more readily.
Porcelain teeth (premium dentures): High-end dentures often feature porcelain teeth, which look more translucent and natural than acrylic. They’re harder and more stain-resistant. They maintain their appearance better over time.
The trade-offs are weight (porcelain is heavier) and fragility (they can chip or fracture if the denture is dropped). They’re also more expensive.
Flexible nylon (partial dentures): Some partial dentures are made from thermoplastic nylon materials rather than acrylic with metal frameworks. These flexible partials are lightweight, comfortable (no metal clasps pressing on gums), and the pink material can be virtually invisible.
However, they’re more difficult to adjust or reline, can stain more readily than acrylic, and aren’t suitable for all situations (particularly if you need substantial support).
Titanium (standard implant posts): The vast majority of dental implants are made from commercially pure titanium or titanium alloy. Titanium has been used for decades because it’s biocompatible (extremely low risk of rejection or allergic reaction), strong enough to withstand chewing forces, and uniquely capable of osseointegration (bone actually fuses to the titanium surface).
The grey colour doesn’t matter since implants are buried in bone – you never see them once the crown is placed.
Zirconia (metal-free alternative): Zirconia implants are a newer option, usually chosen by patients who prefer metal-free restorations or have (extremely rare) titanium sensitivities. Zirconia is a white ceramic that’s very strong and biocompatible.
The downsides are higher cost and slightly less long-term data compared to titanium (though studies are increasingly positive). Zirconia implants are also one-piece designs in many cases, which offers less flexibility if complications arise.
Porcelain or ceramic crowns (what you see): The crown that attaches to your implant is typically made from porcelain or ceramic. These materials can be layered and shaded to replicate natural teeth with remarkable precision, including translucency and subtle colour variations.
All-ceramic crowns (no metal substructure) provide the most aesthetic result. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are stronger but have a metal core that can sometimes show as a dark line at the gumline if gums recede.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM): This has been the workhorse material for bridges for decades. A metal framework provides strength, whilst porcelain fused to the exterior provides a natural appearance. PFM bridges are durable and cost-effective.
The metal framework is typically a gold alloy (for back teeth where strength is paramount) or a non-precious metal alloy (for front teeth, though this can occasionally show through as a grey colour).
All-ceramic or all-porcelain: Modern ceramics are strong enough for bridges in most situations. All-ceramic bridges look the most natural because there’s no metal to block light transmission. They’re the premium aesthetic choice, particularly for front teeth.
They cost more than PFM and aren’t quite as strong for bridges spanning multiple teeth or in areas of heavy chewing force.
Zirconia: Zirconia bridges represent the latest technology – extremely strong ceramic that can handle significant forces whilst still looking quite natural. Zirconia is strong enough that it can be used for back teeth bridges without a metal substructure.
Cost is higher than PFM but increasingly competitive with all-porcelain options.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM): This has been the workhorse material for bridges for decades. A metal framework provides strength, whilst porcelain fused to the exterior provides a natural appearance. PFM bridges are durable and cost-effective.
The metal framework is typically a gold alloy (for back teeth where strength is paramount) or a non-precious metal alloy (for front teeth, though this can occasionally show through as a grey colour).
All-ceramic or all-porcelain: Modern ceramics are strong enough for bridges in most situations. All-ceramic bridges look the most natural because there’s no metal to block light transmission. They’re the premium aesthetic choice, particularly for front teeth.
They cost more than PFM and aren’t quite as strong for bridges spanning multiple teeth or in areas of heavy chewing force.
Zirconia: Zirconia bridges represent the latest technology – extremely strong ceramic that can handle significant forces whilst still looking quite natural. Zirconia is strong enough that it can be used for back teeth bridges without a metal substructure.
Cost is higher than PFM but increasingly competitive with all-porcelain options.
If you believe that All-on-4® could be the right treatment option for you, Next Smile Australia can help you on the journey to regaining a smile you can be happy with.
Starting with a personal consultation, we’ll assess your goals and dental history and construct a natural-looking new set of teeth perfect for you. Our prostheses are constructed by our in-house technicians using the best Nobel Biocare materials, and we carry out all of our surgeries in our safe, hygienic, and award-winning in-house Super Clinics.
If you’d like to find out more about the All-on-4® treatment or arrange a personal consultation, contact Next Smile Australia.
Reference
Blog last updated 05.06.2026
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