All-on-4 vs DenturesWhich Is Better for You?
- All-on-4 dental implants and conventional dentures both replace missing teeth - but they are fundamentally different in performance, comfort, longevity, and impact on oral health.
All-on-4 is a fixed, permanent solution that preserves jawbone.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | All-on-4 Implants | Conventional Dentures |
|---|---|---|
| Attachment | Fixed (screwed to implants) | Removable (sits on gums) |
| Chewing efficiency | 85–95% of natural teeth | 10–20% of natural teeth |
| Jawbone preservation | ✅ Yes (stimulates bone) | ❌ No (accelerates bone loss) |
| Adjacent tooth damage | None | N/A (no remaining teeth) |
| Stability | Excellent (cannot move) | Poor (slips, rocks, lifts) |
| Adhesive needed | No | Often yes |
| Speech impact | None | Lisp, whistling, slurring |
| Taste impact | None | Palate coverage reduces taste |
| Lifespan | 20+ years (implant); 15–25 years (prosthesis) | 5–10 years |
| Maintenance | Annual check-up + daily brushing | Daily removal, soaking, relines every 2 years |
| Confidence | High | Low (fear of slipping) |
| Cost (AU) | £25,000–£35,000 per arch | £2,500–£4,000 per arch |
| Cost (Stunning Dentistry) | £5,500–£8,000 per arch | Not offered (implants preferred) |
Questions about this procedure?
Ready to discuss your options?

The Bone Loss Problem
This is the most important difference: dentures accelerate jawbone resorption. Without tooth roots (or implants) stimulating the bone, the jaw shrinks progressively. After 10–20 years of denture wear:
- The lower jaw can lose 60% of its height
- Dentures become increasingly ill-fitting
- Facial appearance changes dramatically ("sunken face")
- Eventually, there may not be enough bone to support any prosthesis
Dental implants prevent this. They stimulate the bone just like natural tooth roots, maintaining jaw volume and facial structure.
Curious about costs and timelines?
Specialist-only treatment planning
- Remote file review before travel
- Evidence-led treatment checkpoints
No waiting list for eligible cases
- Remote file review before travel
- Evidence-led treatment checkpoints
Trip coordinated with care timeline
- Remote file review before travel
- Evidence-led treatment checkpoints
Our Partners






















Why Us
See your new smile instantly!
This tool will help you understand potential structural and aesthetic changes before finalizing treatment decisions.










