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, durable, long-term solution that preserves jawbone.
How Do All-on-4 Implants Compare to Dentures, Feature by Feature?
All-on-4 implants are fixed, chew close to natural teeth, and preserve jawbone, while conventional dentures are removable, chew far less efficiently, and accelerate bone loss over time (most patients report a marked difference in confidence and comfort). The table below sets out the difference across attachment, stability, lifespan, and cost.
| 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) | Most patients need replacement or relining within a decade |
| Maintenance | Annual check-up + daily brushing | Daily removal, soaking, relines every 2 years |
| Confidence | High | Low (fear of slipping) |
| Cost (AU) | £18,000–£25,000 per arch | £1,500–£2,300 per arch |
| Cost (Stunning Dentistry) | from £1,650 per arch | Not offered (implants preferred) |
Questions about this procedure?
Are Dentures Really Cheaper Than Implants Over Time?
No. Dentures appear cheaper upfront, but relines and replacements accumulate over 20 years until the running total can exceed the cost of All-on-4 implants at Stunning Dentistry, which carry no repeat replacement cost. The table below sets out the year-by-year comparison (figures per clinic records and standard UK denture-care pricing).
Over 20 years, dentures can cost more than All-on-4 implants at Stunning Dentistry - while delivering dramatically inferior function.
| Year 1 | Year 5 | Year 10 | Year 20 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dentures | £2,300 | £3,600 (relines) | £7,200 (replacement + relines) | £14,000+ (multiple replacements) |
| All-on-4 (at SD) | from £3,300 (both arches) | from £3,300 (no additional cost) | from £3,300 (no additional cost) | Possible prosthesis refresh at additional cost |
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Why Do Dentures Cause Jawbone Loss Over Time?
Dentures accelerate jawbone resorption because, without tooth roots or implants stimulating the bone, the jaw shrinks progressively, and most long-term denture wearers see the fit and facial support worsen as a result. After 10–20 years of denture wear:
- The lower jaw can lose a substantial share 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is All-on-4 better than dentures?
For most patients, yes. All-on-4 is fixed rather than removable, chews close to natural teeth, and stimulates the jawbone instead of accelerating its loss. Dentures are removable, chew far less efficiently, and need ongoing relines or replacement.
Do dentures really cause bone loss?
Yes. Without a tooth root or implant to stimulate it, the jawbone under a denture resorbs progressively, which is why long-term denture wearers often see their fit and facial support change over the years.
Are dentures cheaper than All-on-4 implants in the long run?
Not necessarily. Dentures cost less upfront, but relines and replacements add up over 20 years, while All-on-4 implants at Stunning Dentistry carry no repeat replacement cost across the same period.
Can I switch from dentures to All-on-4 implants later?
Often, yes, subject to a clinical assessment of remaining jawbone. The longer dentures are worn, the more bone may have been lost, which is another reason many patients choose implants sooner rather than later. --- All-on-4 Dental Implants → | Cost Comparison →
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