Implant dentistry

All-on-4 Dental Implants

All-on-4 replaces all the teeth in one jaw with a fixed bridge held by four dental implants: two placed straight at the front and two tilted at the back to make the most of the bone you have. A temporary fixed bridge is usually attached soon after surgery, and the final bridge follows once the implants have healed.

Published by Vita Smile Dental Clinic Sources (6)

A transparent jaw model with dental implants

Key takeaways

  • All-on-4 gives you a fixed arch of teeth on four implants; the back two are tilted to use the bone that is there and avoid grafts where possible [2].
  • In a 2021 review of 25 studies, 94–98% of implants were still in place after 6 to 11 years, with no difference between tilted and straight implants [3].
  • A review of 93 studies found similar survival with fewer than five implants per jaw as with five or more [4].
  • The most common problem was a fractured acrylic bridge [2][3]; daily cleaning and check-ups help prevent infection around implants [1].

At a glance

Implants per jaw
4
Back implants
Tilted, up to 45°
Teeth
One fixed full-arch bridge
Temporary bridge
Fixed, not removable
Final bridge
After about 4–6 months
Implants at 6–11 years
94–98% still in place
Surgery day
Implants and temporary teeth, in selected cases
Implant systems at Vita Smile
Ires, Medigma

Clinically reviewed by

Dr. Saffet Ekinci

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon · Implant & Surgical Dentistry Specialist

Last reviewed
Sources 6 sources cited

The basics

What is All-on-4?

All-on-4 is a treatment concept for replacing all the teeth in one jaw with a fixed bridge on four implants [2]. The name is associated with the implant manufacturer Nobel Biocare; here it describes the technique, not a brand.

It was developed for people with no teeth, or with jawbone that has shrunk, who would rather avoid bone grafts or a sinus lift [2]. Instead of adding bone, the implants go where bone is already available:

  • Two front implants: placed straight in the front of the jaw.
  • Two back implants: tilted, often by about 30° and up to 45°, in front of the sinus in the upper jaw or the nerve in the lower jaw. This shortens the part of the bridge behind the last implant [2].
  • One fixed bridge: up to 12 teeth [2], fixed to the implants so that only your dentist can remove it.

All-on-4 is one way to get full mouth dental implants, in one jaw or both. When there is enough bone for more implants, All-on-6 follows the same idea with six.

A panoramic dental X-ray on a monitor

Is it right for you?

Who is All-on-4 for?

All-on-4 suits adults who have lost, or are about to lose, all the teeth in one jaw, especially when the bone has shrunk and they would rather avoid bone grafts [2]. Whether four implants are enough depends on your jawbone, which your dentist checks at the examination [1], and on your bite and general health.

All-on-4 may suit you if

  • You have no teeth left in one or both jaws
  • Your remaining teeth are failing and cannot be saved
  • Your full denture has become loose [5] and you want fixed teeth
  • Your jawbone has shrunk and you want to avoid grafts where possible [2]

Ask us about alternatives if

  • Only a few teeth are missing: single dental implants keep your healthy teeth
  • Your teeth are worn but their roots are healthy: full-mouth zirconia crowns may save them
  • Your jaw has bone for more implants: All-on-6 spreads the bridge over six
  • You smoke, grind your teeth or have a condition that affects healing: tell your surgeon, as it shapes the plan

Step by step

How All-on-4 treatment works

All-on-4 has two stages: surgery with a temporary fixed bridge, then the final bridge once the implants have healed, after 4–6 months in most of the studies in a 2017 review [2].

  1. Before you travel

    Online consultation

    Send a recent X-ray or photos of your teeth. A dentist reviews them and sends a personalised plan with a written quote.

  2. First visit

    Examination and planning

    Your mouth and jawbone are examined [1] and X-rays are taken. The four implant positions are planned around the sinus and the nerve [2].

  3. Surgery

    Implants and temporary bridge

    Teeth that cannot be saved are removed and the four implants are placed under local anaesthesia. If they are firmly anchored, a temporary fixed bridge follows, which in the studies was on the day of surgery or up to 48 hours later [2].

  4. About 4–6 months

    Healing

    The implants fuse with the jawbone while you wear the temporary bridge [1]. Follow the eating and cleaning advice you are given.

  5. After healing

    Final bridge

    The final bridge is made from new scans or impressions, often acrylic teeth on a titanium framework, or ceramic [2]. Fit and bite are checked before it is fixed.

  6. At home

    Cleaning and check-ups

    Clean around the implants daily with a toothbrush and interdental brushes, and keep your check-ups [1].

Timelines vary with your bone, your health and the treatment plan; your dentist confirms them after examining you.

Find out whether four implants are enough

Send a recent X-ray or a few photos of your teeth. A dentist reviews them and replies with a personalised plan and a written quote, free of charge.

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Compare your options

All-on-4 vs All-on-6 vs a complete denture

Both implant options give you fixed teeth; a complete denture rests on the gums and comes out. A review of 93 studies found similar implant and bridge survival with fewer than five implants per jaw as with five or more [4], so your surgeon chooses the number from your bone and bite.

All-on-4 All-on-6 Complete denture
Implants per jaw 4 6 None
Fixed or removable Fixed: only your dentist removes it Fixed: only your dentist removes it Removable: you take it out
Implant layout 2 straight at the front, 2 tilted at the back Spread along the jaw where bone allows No implants
Bone needed Designed for shrunken jaws Enough bone for six implants No implant surgery
Evidence on survival 94–98% of implants at 6–11 years Similar to fewer implants Not comparable
Over time Stays fixed Stays fixed Can loosen as gums and bone shrink
Daily care Clean around the implants Clean around the implants Take out, clean, leave out at night

Survival: All-on-4 from a review of 25 studies [3]; fewer than five vs five or more implants from a review of 93 studies with 1–15 years of follow-up [4]. Dentures: NHS [5]. Implant care: Oral Health Foundation [1].

Before you decide

Risks and complications of All-on-4

The evidence for All-on-4 is encouraging [2][3], but it is surgery, and the bridge has to last for years. What can go wrong, and how often:

  • Implant lossSome implants do not fuse with the bone or are lost later; in long-term studies 94–98% were still in place after 6 to 11 years [3].
  • Bridge fracturesA fractured acrylic bridge was the most common prosthetic complication, and teeth can come loose from the bridge [2][3].
  • Infection around implantsPlaque can cause peri-implantitis, with sore or bleeding gums and, in time, a loose implant [1]. It was the second most common complication in a 2017 review [2].
  • Nerve and sinusThe back implants sit close to the sinus in the upper jaw and the nerve in the lower jaw [2], so careful planning matters.
  • Limited long-term dataBoth reviews note gaps, such as patients lost to follow-up, and call for larger, longer trials [2][3].

Ask your surgeon before surgery what happens if one implant fails and how the bridge would be repaired.

Dr. Saffet Ekinci

From our surgeon

“My plan for a full arch starts with the bone, not with the number four. I check how much bone there is, where the sinus and the nerve lie and how you bite, and only then decide whether four implants will carry the bridge or six would be safer. Tilting the back implants lets us use bone you already have, but it needs precise planning. After surgery, the cleaning you do under the bridge every day matters as much as anything I do.”

Dr. Saffet Ekinci · Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon · Implant & Surgical Dentistry Specialist

Treatment abroad

Getting All-on-4 in Turkey: what to check first

All-on-4 is surgery now and a second stage months later, so your plan has to cover both trips. The General Dental Council suggests questions to ask before treatment abroad [6]; for All-on-4 these matter most:

  • Who will place my implants, and what is their experience with full-arch surgery? [6]
  • Which implant system will be used, and will I get the details in writing?
  • When are the temporary and the final bridge fitted, and how many trips will I need?
  • What aftercare is included, and who do I contact once I am home? [6]
  • If there are complications, is further treatment included, and who pays for extra travel? [6]

At Vita Smile, implant treatment is planned by our oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Saffet Ekinci, who also reviews our implant pages, and we use the Ires and Medigma implant systems. The clinic is licensed by the Turkish Ministry of Health. Your written plan, which follows a free online consultation, answers the rest for your own case.

Questions

All-on-4 dental implants: frequently asked questions

Can't find your answer? Our coordinators are happy to help on WhatsApp.

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How much does an All-on-4 dental implant cost in Turkey?

The cost depends on whether you need one jaw or both, the implant system, the material of the final bridge and any extra steps your plan needs. After a free online assessment you receive a personalised plan with a written, itemised quote, which your dentist confirms after examining you. See full-arch implant prices and packages.

What is the downside of All-on-4 dental implants?

It is surgery, the whole bridge rests on four implants, and the bridge can chip or fracture: a fractured acrylic bridge was the most common prosthetic problem in the research [2][3]. Implants need daily cleaning to prevent infection around them [1], and the final bridge comes months after surgery [2].

How long do All-on-4 implants last?

Long-term studies are encouraging: a 2021 review of 25 studies found that 94–98% of implants were still in place after 6 to 11 years [3]. With good care, implants can last a long time [1], although the bridge on top may need repairs over the years [2].

What is better, All-on-4 or All-on-6?

Neither is better for everyone. A review of 93 studies found similar implant and bridge survival with fewer than five implants per jaw as with five or more [4]. All-on-4 is designed for jaws with less bone [2]; when there is enough bone, six implants spread the load further. Your surgeon recommends one after examining your bone and bite.

How long do you have to stay in Turkey for All-on-4?

All-on-4 has two stages: surgery with a temporary fixed bridge, then the final bridge after the implants have healed, which took 4–6 months in most studies [2]. If you travel for treatment, plan for two trips; your written plan states how long each stay is in your case.

Which country is the cheapest to get All-on-4 dental implants?

Prices differ between countries and clinics, but a lower price only helps if the plan is the same. Compare quotes on the number of implants, the implant system, the temporary and final bridge, the number of trips and the aftercare, and ask what happens if there are complications [6].

What our patients say

Read what our patients say about us on Google and Trustpilot.

Patient reviews from Google and Trustpilot

Rated 5 out of 5 Trustpilot — Trustpilot review

I visited Vita Smile Dental Clinic for implants and a smile makeover, and I couldn’t be happier with the outcome. Dr. Vildan and her team were warm, knowledgeable, and extremely detail-oriented. The clinic itself is spotless and modern, and they made sure I was comfortable every step of the way. They even helped with transportation and accommodation, which made the whole experience stress-free. My new smile looks amazing — I feel more confident than ever. If you're thinking about dental treatment in Turkey, Vita Smile is a fantastic choice. Thank you for everything!

Fuat D. August 2025
Rated 5 out of 5 Google — Google review

First of all, the dentist is very reliable and professional. The clinic has a very friendly atmosphere, and both the service and approach to patients are of the highest standard – everything is handled professionally. The dentist is extremely professional and gentle in her work. She always asks if anything hurts and makes sure the patient feels comfortable during every visit. Special recognition also goes to the consultant Rafia, who always responds quickly to any questions or concerns. She is very helpful, kind, and always tries to find a solution and speak with patients with care and understanding. The clinic is very clean, and every patient is treated individually and with full attention. I wholeheartedly recommend this dental clinic.

Elwira K.
Rated 5 out of 5 Trustpilot — Trustpilot review

We were in a medical trip to Turkey, headed to Vita Smile. Everything went smooth -from airport to clinic and back home-. The procedure was seamless, as for me I regained trusts in myself now that I can smile again. Also lots of thanks to ms.Oana for everything.

Stephen Romania · April 2025
Rated 5 out of 5 Google — Google review

The team and doctors are very professional, I am very pleased to have had my teeth whitened and cleaned, I recommend it to everyone. Thank you

Rumeysa Y.
Rated 5 out of 5 Trustpilot — Trustpilot review

I visited Vita smile for my tooth pain. Dr Vildan and all team was so helpfull. They gave me teeth cleaning for free as a present. I suggest it to all my friends. Thanks for all.

Mehmet F. August 2025
Rated 5 out of 5 Trustpilot — Trustpilot review

Diş için geldim. Diş ile ilgili bütün sorunlarimi hallettiler ve çok güzel oldu çok ilgililer.

Oğuzhan F. August 2025
Rated 5 out of 5 Trustpilot — Trustpilot review

yeni zirkonyum yaptırdım çok memnun kaldım, hekimin eli çok hafifti gerçekten. gülümsemek 🤩

June 2025
Rated 5 out of 5 Trustpilot — Trustpilot review

Temiz ve rahat bir ortamda operasyon um yapildi.Doktorlara ilgilerinden dolayı teşekkür ederim. Yapılan işlemler beni çok mutlu ve özgüvenli hissettirdi. Tüm ekibe TESEKKUR ederim.

Ulas K. March 2025
Rated 5 out of 5 Trustpilot — Trustpilot review

Almanya'daki bir tanıdığımız vaasitasi ile alakalı geldim 1 hafta içerisinde full ağız implant ve lamine tedavilerini yaptirdim doktor ekip tamamı ile kusursuz kesinlikle tavsiye ediyorum

Volkan S. March 2025
Rated 5 out of 5 Google — Google review

Daha önce olan diş kaplamalarım inanınlmaz rahatsız ediyordu zirkonyum kaplama için arkadaşımın tavsiyesiyle gittim 3-4 gün gibi bir sürede eski kaplamalar sökülüp yeni ölçüler alındı provalar yapıldı ve yeni kaplamalar yapıldı çok doğal ve çok kullanımı rahat hiçbir sıkıntı yaşamadım tüm ekibe teşekür ederim.

Mine A.
Rated 5 out of 5 Google — Google review

"Gülüşümü tamamen değiştirdiler! Zirkonyum kaplamalarım o kadar doğal duruyor ki, kimse kaplama olduğunu anlamıyor. Renk uyumu ve diş etleriyle olan uyumu tek kelimeyle mükemmel. Estetik kaygısı olan herkese gözü kapalı öneririm."

Ali A.
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Sources

Studies and patient guides this page is based on.

  1. [1] Implants — Oral Health Foundation · dentalhealth.org
  2. [2] Soto-Penaloza D, Zaragozí-Alonso R, Penarrocha-Diago M, Penarrocha-Diago M. The all-on-four treatment concept: Systematic review. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Dentistry, 2017 · pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. [3] Gaonkar SH, Aras MA, Chitre V, Mascarenhas K, Amin B, Rajagopal P. Survival rates of axial and tilted implants in the rehabilitation of edentulous jaws using the All-on-four concept: A systematic review. Journal of Indian Prosthodontic Society, 2021 · pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. [4] Daudt Polido W, Aghaloo T, Emmett TW, Taylor TD, Morton D. Number of implants placed for complete-arch fixed prostheses: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Oral Implants Research, 2018 · doi.org
  5. [5] Dentures (false teeth) — NHS · nhs.uk
  6. [6] Going abroad for your dental care: what you need to know before you go — General Dental Council · gdc-uk.org