Four planned supports
All-on-4 refers to a defined implant configuration, rather than every fixed full-arch treatment. Other implant arrangements or removable options may suit different bone conditions and restorative needs.
Dental Implants / Treatment guide
All-on-4
All-on-4 is a specific full-arch implant concept using four supports for a fixed restoration. Two implants are placed toward the front and two are angled farther back, with suitability determined through individualized planning.
Explore your options with our West Loop team. Ask who would provide your treatment and whether a specialist referral is needed.
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Four supports for a fixed arch
Two front implants and two angled back implants support a fixed arch of replacement teeth.
- 01Fixed arch
- 02Front supports
- 03Angled back supports
The bridge design depends on your anatomy. Four implants do not automatically mean that final teeth can be fitted immediately.
Understanding your care
A specific concept within full-arch care.
Start with the purpose of treatment, then explore what matters for your own care.
Anatomy guides the angles
Tilting the posterior supports can make use of available bone. This does not mean every person can avoid grafting or that four supports are suitable in every jaw.
Temporary and final teeth
Immediate temporary teeth may be considered only when clinical criteria, including stability, are met. A definitive restoration and ongoing maintenance remain part of the wider treatment plan.
From questions to a plan
What care can involve.
The details and sequence depend on your assessment and individual treatment plan.
Assess the concept
Examination and imaging evaluate whether a four-implant arrangement suits the jaw and proposed teeth. Alternatives and the condition of any remaining teeth are discussed.
Plan all four positions
Implant angles, tooth positions and restorative space are considered together. The plan also addresses cleaning access, temporary teeth and the sequence of treatment.
Evaluate initial stability
After placement, the clinician assesses whether the implants meet the conditions for the planned temporary restoration. Immediate loading cannot be assumed in advance.
Complete and maintain
The final arch is developed according to healing and restorative needs. Reviews assess the supporting tissues, bite, connectors and condition of the replacement teeth.
Before you decide
A plan that makes
sense for you.
All-on-4 is not a universal shortcut and does not guarantee immediate fixed teeth or a graft-free procedure. Suitability depends on bone, health, bite and the proposed restoration. Implant or component complications can require further care. Other fixed designs, removable implant dentures or conventional dentures may be considered.
Does “four” mean four teeth?
No. It describes four implant supports for a complete fixed arch of replacement teeth. The number of replacement teeth and the restoration design are determined separately during clinical planning.
Will I definitely have teeth on the day?
No. A same-day temporary restoration depends on patient selection and implant stability. The clinician must assess whether immediate function is appropriate; the final restoration may follow a different sequence.
How is this different from an implant denture?
The illustrated concept uses a fixed restoration. An implant-retained removable denture is designed to detach for daily cleaning and uses a different attachment system and maintenance approach.
A place to begin
Bring your questions.
We’ll start there.
Talk through your priorities, alternatives and who would provide your care. An assessment helps clarify the next step.
Let’s talk about your optionsCall our West Loop team to arrange your visit.
About this guide & educational sources
The treatment images and animations in this guide illustrate examples of care. They are not Dentistrie patient results, personal treatment recommendations or statements about an individual clinician’s scope. Your assessment and care plan determine which options are appropriate for you.