All-On-4 Dental Implants vs Traditional Dentures

If you’re considering All-On-4 implants vs traditional dentures, it’s useful to know how these dental solutions differ when it comes to replacing missing teeth.

Any type of dentistry can feel daunting, especially if you’re unfamiliar with a certain dental treatment so we’re here to explain all there is to know about these two approaches using insights from our team of London dental experts.

From understanding what All-on-4 dental implants are, to how they’re fitted, to the pros and cons of each dentistry solution, we’re helping you make an informed decision about your new smile.

At Sensu, we’ve transformed more than 20,000 smiles across a range of treatments so we know how to help you find the right treatment. Our London-based clinics are home to specialist-led orthodontics and world-class cosmetic and restorative dentistry, so every treatment option will be carefully explained by our multidisciplinary clinical team.

Let’s start by discussing All-On-4 dental implants.

What Are All-On-4 Dental Implants?

All-On-4 dental implants replace a full arch of missing teeth using our strategically positioned titanium implants. As the implants are secured into your jaw bone, they offer a long-lasting, durable solution to missing teeth, helping improve the look and function of your smile. They are also fixed in place so they look and function like your natural teeth.

Furthermore, as they use 4 fixed screws, they are less invasive than single dental implants which would require an implant for every tooth. This means less time spent in the dental chair, and more time enjoying your new smile.

What Are the Benefits of All-On-4 Dental Implants?

There are various benefits of All-On-4 implants over traditional dentures, which can help those considering this solution to make an informed choice.

• Fixed in place – As the 4 titanium implants are secured into your jaw bone, they don’t move. This means you don’t need to worry about removing them for cleaning or sleeping as they are fixed in place and can be treated the same way you would your natural teeth.
• Long-lasting solution – All-On-4 dental implants are designed to be durable and long-lasting so they serve you for years to come. Despite the initial procedure to have them fitted into your jaw bone, once they’re in place, you can enjoy a smile that feels truly your own.
• Less pain and discomfort – Compared to single dental implants, which would require multiple implant placements and procedures, All-On-4 uses just four strategically placed implants so less time is spent in the dental chair.
• Better aesthetics – All-On-4 dental implants give you a more uniform smile, as the full arch is custom-designed to create a natural, balanced appearance with teeth that are consistent in shape, size and colour.
• Increased biting force – As the full arch is securely anchored to four dental implants, All-On-4 restores far more biting strength than traditional dentures. This allows you to eat different foods with greater comfort and confidence, without worrying about your teeth moving.

How Much Do All-On-4 Dental Implants Cost?

The price of All-On-4 dental implants varies depending on the clinic you choose. At Sensu, we’re a leading cosmetic and orthodontic dentist in London.

The cost of single dental implants start from £2,900, and All-On-4 implants start from £14,500 for a full arch. To give you a clear understanding of whether this approach is right for you, we offer complimentary consultations with Dr Bhavnish Waghela. Here you’ll receive a personalised quote, including a full breakdown of everything we include and your monthly payment options. We want to make dentistry accessible for everyone so having flexible financing options makes this feel within reach.

Furthermore the added value of All-On-4 dentures comes from the peace of mind patients get as they have a long-lasting solution that feels, functions, and looks like their natural teeth.

Do All-On-4 Dental Implants Hurt?

Most patients are surprised by how little pain and discomfort they feel when getting All-On-4 dental implants.

At Sensu, when we insert your implant, we’ll numb the area with a local anaesthetic, so you won’t feel any discomfort.

Most patients are also surprised by how easy their recovery is and report minimal pain or swelling as their gums heal. If you’re feeling anxious about the procedure, we can discuss conscious sedation, which will help you to relax.

What Are Traditional Dentures?

Traditional dentures are something you’re probably more familiar with. They are removable prosthetic teeth designed to replace multiple or all missing teeth and are made to fit your gums.

They are usually held in place using suction or a denture adhesive and should be removed each day for cleaning and before sleeping. While traditional dentures can restore the appearance of your smile, they can become loose over time as the jawbone changes shape so they might need some adjustments to make sure they’re still comfortable.

What Are the Benefits of Traditional Dentures?

The benefits of traditional dentures are below:

• Full or partial removal options – You have the option of full dentures, which replace an entire arch of teeth, or partial dentures, which fill the gaps left by one or more missing teeth whilst being supported by the remaining natural teeth.
• Economic considerations – Traditional dentures might be more accessible to more people due their lower upfront cost.
• More cost-effective – Compared to All-On-4 implants, dentures are a cost-effective alternative. However, the differences compared to dental implants makes the long-term cost savings questionable.

Some people might start with dentures to restore their smile and improve their ability to eat and speak whilst saving up for All-On-4 dental implants. This means they can move towards a more permanent solution when they are ready.

What Are the Disadvantages of Traditional Dentures?

As traditional dentures are removable, they are not a permanent solution. Some other disadvantages of traditional dentures are:

• Can be fragile in structure – Dentures are made from acrylic resin and other materials which can feel fragile compared to dental implants. Damaged dentures can also affect their fit so you might need to get them repaired or replaced.
• Can be an improper fit – Over time, your mouth changes shape so your dentures can become loose or less stable. This can also affect your confidence when speaking.
• Can cause discomfort, pain, and ulcers – Poorly fitting dentures can rub against your gums, leaving them to feel irritated and sore. They can also become uncomfortable, particularly if you’re wearing them for long periods of time.
• Bone loss and changes in facial shape – As dentures don’t replace the root of your tooth, they don’t stimulate the jawbone in the same way as dental implants. This can contribute to bone loss, which can affect the structure of your face and a more sunken appearance.
• Daily removal for cleaning and sleeping – Not only is removing the dentures daily an extra thing on your to-do list, you’ll also need a special denture cleanser and potentially a daily adhesive for extra grip.
• Can lead to changes in both face shape and speech – As they’re bulky and sit on top of the gum tissue, traditional dentures can feel unnatural and may affect the way you pronounce certain words until you get used to wearing them.
• Reduced chewing strength – It can be challenging to eat tough or sticky foods which might cause some people to avoid these foods altogether.

Due to these reasons, the multiple disadvantages of traditional dentures can outweigh the initial cost-savings as there is a greater chance of denture replacement and/ or repair.

Flexible Financing at Sensu

To make affording your dental implants simple, we offer flexible financing so you can spread the cost of payments over a longer period of time. This means your monthly repayments are more manageable instead of an upfront payment.

You can view all of our prices below to give you a clear understanding of how we make your new smile feel within reach.

All-on-4 vs Traditional Dental Implants Explained

Choosing between All-On-4 dental implants and traditional dentures comes down to your budget and long-term goals. While dentures are initially more cost-effective, All-On-4 implants offer a fixed, natural-looking replacement that last for years to come.

If you’re unsure which option is right for you, book your free consultation (worth £350) with the team at Sensu. Our expert restorative dentists and specialists in London will assess your smile, explain all of your treatment options, and create a treatment plan with transparent pricing and flexible finance options.

Alongside dental implants, we also provide general dentistry, dental hygiene, veneers, and Invisalign treatment, ensuring all your dental care is delivered under one roof.