When it comes to dental care, cost is one of the biggest issues that patients face. After all, none of the procedures are cheap. If you do find a dental provider that is cheap, chances are their treatments and service may not be very high quality.
All-on-4 dental implants are much higher than traditional dentures or many other treatment options. On the other hand, it’s a lot less expensive than replacing each individual tooth with a dental implant.
In Miami, the average cost of All-on-4 dental implants is around $49,000 per arch. You can find them as low as $18,000 and as high as $80,000. This just includes the placement of the implants and the prosthetic- not any additional procedures such as extractions, bone grafting, or gum disease treatments.
At Mount Zion Dental in Miami, we are proud to offer All-on-4 dental implants as a solution for your tooth loss. If you are missing most or all of your teeth in one or both arches, All-on-4 may be a good alternative for you.
Here is what you need to know about All-on-4 dental implants.
What are All-on-4 Dental Implants?
All-on-4 dental implants is a restorative dental procedure designed to replace an entire arch of teeth with only 4 implants. It can be used on both the upper and lower arches to restore appearance and functionality for patients missing all or most of their teeth.
This process starts with a consultation appointment. At this time, we will determine if you qualify for dental implants, which will include a discussion about your oral and overall health.
If it is determined that you can undergo dental implant surgery, we will move forward. Two of the implants will be placed in the front of the jaw, at 0° (straight up and down). The other two will be placed in the back at a 45° angle. This provides a stable base for the overdenture to be placed. You will be given a temporary denture to wear while waiting for your permanent one to come back from the lab.
Once we receive your denture, we will check to make sure it fits properly before securing it in place. This is a permanent solution; you will not be able to remove the prosthetic on your own. Only the dentist will be able to during your 6-month exam and cleaning.
You will care for your prosthetic like you would your natural teeth by brushing twice daily and flossing once. You can use mouthwash, but make sure it is alcohol-free.
Types of All-on-4
When it comes to All-on-4 dental implants, there are a few options to choose from.
Implants
There are two types of implants used in All-on-4:
- Titanium
- Zirconia
Each material has advantages and disadvantages.
Titanium
Titanium dental implants have been used since the 1960s. Due to their longevity, efficacy, and ease of care, titanium dental implants remain the most popular option for dental implants.
Some of the advantages include:
- Durability
- Long-term success
- Biocompatibility
However, it is important to note that there are some disadvantages as well:
- Possible allergic reaction
- Unappealing aesthetics
Zirconia
Zirconia is quickly becoming a popular option for dental implants. This is a ceramic-like material with a tooth-colored tint. There are advantages and disadvantages of zirconia as well. The most common advantages are:
- Aesthetics
- Reduced plaque buildup
- Less corrosion
- Hypoallergenic
On the other hand, the disadvantages include:
- Less practical
- Less durable
- Not as many options
Titanium is still the standard for dental implants, as it has been around longer, and more research has been done. However, zirconia is gaining popularity and may surpass titanium in the future.
Artificial Teeth
You can also choose the material for your artificial teeth:
- Acrylic
- Porcelain
- Zirconia
Acrylic is the least expensive, while zirconia is the most expensive (and the most natural-looking).
What Determines the Cost of All-on-4 Dental Implants?
There are several factors involved in determining the cost of All-on-4 dental implants, including:
- The implant and tooth material used
- Additional procedures required prior to the procedure
- Sedation options
- Insurance coverage
- Expertise of dentist
Most dental insurance providers will cover a portion of this procedure. Our friendly office staff will contact your provider to determine your coverage. You will be given a quote outlining your portion at the end of your consultation appointment.
If you do not have insurance or your coverage is not adequate, we’ll be happy to explain our financing options. After all, finances should not stop you from getting the dental treatment that you need.
Is All-on-4 Dental Implants Worth the Cost?
Yes, we believe that All-on-4 dental implants are well worth the cost. After all, there are several advantages offered by this method of restoration over other options. Some of the advantages of All-on-4 include:
- Permanent/fixed, doesn’t move around
- Feels, looks, and functions more like natural teeth
- Easier to take care of- simply brush as usual
All-on-4 Dental Implants vs. Traditional Dentures
| Traditional Dentures | All-on-4 |
| False upper palate prevent you from tasting and enjoying food | No false upper palate, which means you can enjoy eating again |
| Slip and slide around in the mouth, making it difficult to eat and speak | Teeth are fixed in place, so they won’t slip around |
| Unnatural looking, bulky | Teeth are natural-looking and beautiful |
| Need adhesive to hold them in place | No adhesive, less bad breath |
| Weak/poor bite and chewing ability | Close-to-natural chewing power |
All-on-4 FAQs
The team at Mount Zion Dental in Miami understands that you may have some questions about All-on-4 treatment. We have had several common questions come up, including:
How many teeth do you get on All-on-4?
All-on-4 is designed to support a full arch of teeth, which is 14 teeth. This is 4 incisors, 2 canines, 4 premolars, and 4 molars.
How long do All-on-4 teeth last?
Research has shown that, with proper care and maintenance, All-on-4 should last for 20 years or more. The implant screws themselves are in your jaw and should never require replacement or removal unless the implants have failed. However, the artificial teeth will be exposed and may need to be adjusted- but it should last 10+ years without problems.
You can improve the life expectancy of your procedure by maintaining proper oral hygiene habits as well as visiting the dentist twice a year for cleanings and exams. Finally, you want to make healthy lifestyle choices and avoid things that may cause complications such as smoking or using your teeth as tools.
Who is a good candidate for All-on-4 dental implants?
The All-on-4 dental implant procedure is recommended for patients who are missing all or most of their natural teeth. However, there are certain qualification criteria to be a good candidate for this procedure.
First, your bone density must be adequate. If you don’t have a healthy jawbone, the implant will be more likely to fail. If you do not already have good bone density, we will consider bone grafting or sinus augmentation.
Next, you must not have gum disease. Typically, gum disease is due to poor oral hygiene habits, but may also be due to other issues. If you have gum disease, it is possible to treat it. You may still be eligible for dental implants if we can get it under control.
You must be in good oral and overall health. You must be willing to practice proper oral hygiene habits. Also, if you have undergone chemotherapy in the past or are currently undergoing cancer treatments, your risk of complications is increased.
Dr. Maria Cook and the team will work with you to determine if you qualify for dental implants and if not, will help you decide which treatment is right for you.
Can you go from snap-on dentures to All-on-4?
Yes, if you already have snap-on dentures, you can transition to All-on-4 without any issues.
Is All-on-4 better than dentures?
All-on-4 offers several benefits over traditional dentures. This option is more natural-looking because it is fixed in place, and you don’t have to use messy adhesives to secure it. Since it is secured by the implants, care and maintenance is easier- simply brush and floss as usual.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you are interested in exploring All-on-4 dental implants, schedule your consultation with Dr. Cook and the team at Mount Zion today. We can explain more about this procedure as well as your other options.