All-on-4® vs. Traditional Dentures: A Cost and Comfort Comparison

For most patients, All-on-4® implants provide significantly better stability, chewing power, and comfort compared to traditional dentures. At Aghbashian Dental, we often recommend full arch implants for those seeking a permanent, worry-free smile. However, traditional dentures can still be an effective solution depending on your budget and specific health needs.

Choosing how to replace missing teeth is a major decision. It affects how you eat, speak, and feel about yourself every single day. Let’s explore the real differences between these two options so you can make the choice that fits your life.

What Is All-on-4® and How Does It Work

Think of All-on-4® as a permanent set of teeth that are anchored securely into your jawbone. Instead of needing an individual implant for every missing tooth, we place just four strategic implants.

Two implants go in the front, and two are angled in the back. This specific placement creates a strong foundation that can support an entire arch of new teeth.

Because these implants fuse with your natural bone, the new teeth do not slip or move. You do not take them out at night. They stay in your mouth just like natural teeth. This option is often ideal for patients who want to forget they have “false” teeth and just live their lives normally.

How Traditional Dentures Work

Traditional removable dentures are likely what you picture when you think of tooth replacement. They are a prosthetic device that sits on top of your gums.

Upper dentures usually cover the roof of your mouth to create suction, which helps hold them in place. Lower dentures rest on the bottom gum ridge and rely heavily on gravity and muscle control to stay put. Many people also use adhesive pastes or strips for extra security.

Dentures are a common choice because they are less invasive to create. There is usually no surgery involved in the fabrication process itself. They also tend to have a lower upfront cost, making them accessible for many budgets.

However, because they rest on soft gum tissue rather than anchoring into bone, they can shift when you speak or chew. This movement can sometimes cause sore spots or make it tricky to eat certain foods.

Comfort and Function in Everyday Life

The biggest difference you will notice is in daily function.

Chewing Power

With a fixed implant bridge, you can eat almost anything. The implants transmit chewing force directly into your jawbone. You can bite into a crisp apple, chew a steak, or enjoy corn on the cob without worry.

With traditional dentures, your chewing power is often reduced significantly. You might need to cut food into smaller pieces or avoid sticky and hard items. Lower dentures, in particular, can sometimes lift or float when you chew, which takes time to get used to.

Speaking and Confidence

All-on-4® teeth are streamlined. They do not cover the roof of your mouth. This makes speaking feel natural, and you can taste food fully. You can laugh loudly or sneeze without fear of your teeth slipping.

Traditional upper dentures cover the palate. This can sometimes affect speech or the taste of food. Some patients worry about their dentures clicking or shifting during social events, which can affect confidence.

Facial Support

Implants help preserve your jawbone. This support helps keep your facial structure fuller and more youthful over time. Without tooth roots or implants, the jawbone tends to shrink. Traditional dentures do not stop this bone loss, which can lead to a sunken facial appearance as the years go by.

Costs Today vs Costs Over a Lifetime

When you look at the price tag, traditional dentures are almost always cheaper on day one. But it is helpful to look at the total value over ten or twenty years.

The Long View on Implants

Full arch dental implants have a higher initial cost due to the surgery and high-quality materials. However, they are designed to be a long-term solution. Once integrated, the implants themselves can last a lifetime with proper care. You are paying for permanence and stability.

The Recurring Costs of Dentures

Dentures require ongoing maintenance. As your jawbone shrinks over time, the fit changes. You will likely need professional relines every year or two to keep them snug. Eventually, the denture itself will need to be replaced entirely. These costs add up over the years.

Here is a simple breakdown of what to expect:

Maintenance, Cleaning, and Longevity

Caring for All-on-4® is very similar to caring for natural teeth. You brush them twice a day and floss daily. You will need special floss or a water flosser to clean underneath the bridge, but you do not take the teeth out.

Traditional dentures must be removed every night. You soak them in a cleanser to keep them fresh and brush your gums separately. This daily removal gives your gums a chance to rest.

With diligent care, full arch implants can last decades. Traditional dentures typically last 5 to 7 years before wear and tear or bone changes require a new set.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Each Option

Not everyone is ready for implants immediately.

All-on-4® Candidates

You need generally good health to undergo minor surgery. We also check your bone density. The angled placement of All-on-4® implants often allows us to treat patients who have some bone loss without needing complex grafting. If you are tired of failing teeth or loose dentures, this is often a great path.

Traditional Denture Candidates

If you have significant health issues that make surgery risky, traditional dentures might be safer. They are also a good option if your budget is tight right now. Some patients start with dentures and upgrade to implants later.

If you are unsure, we can discuss your specific situation during a personalized exam. Learn more about dental implants in Glendale to see if you might be a candidate.

Lifestyle Changes Patients Notice After Treatment

Adapting to new teeth takes time, no matter which option you choose.

With All-on-4®

You will have a healing period after surgery. You will likely need to eat soft foods for a few months while the bone fuses to the implants. Once healed, patients often report a huge boost in confidence. They stop thinking about their teeth and just enjoy life.

With Dentures

The adjustment period involves training your muscles. You learn how to hold the dentures in place with your cheeks and tongue. You might experience some sore spots at first as your gums toughen up. Over time, it becomes second nature, but it does require patience.

At Aghbashian Dental, our team is here to support you through every step of this transition. We focus on gentle care to make your adjustment as smooth as possible.

At a Glance: All-on-4® vs. Traditional Dentures

Frequently Asked Questions

Is All-on-4® worth the extra cost for me?

Most patients who choose implants say yes. The ability to eat what you want and not worry about teeth slipping provides a quality of life that is hard to put a price on.

Can my dentures be upgraded to implants later?

Yes, this is very common. Many patients start with dentures and switch to implant supported solutions later. However, the sooner you place implants, the more bone you preserve.

How painful is the All-on-4® procedure compared to getting dentures?

Patients are often surprised at how manageable the recovery is. We use sedation and advanced techniques to keep you comfortable. Most discomfort is managed with over the counter medication and fades within a few days.

How long does it take to get used to each option?

With implants, the bite feels natural quickly, though soft tissue healing takes time. With dentures, learning to speak and chew effectively can take several weeks or even months of practice.

When to Talk With Aghbashian Dental About Your Options

If you are struggling with a failing smile or loose dentures, you do not have to settle for discomfort. You have options.

At Aghbashian Dental, we believe in honest conversations. We will look at your unique oral health, listen to your goals, and help you find the solution that fits your life and budget. Whether that is a high-quality denture or a fixed implant bridge, we are here to help you smile with confidence again.

The right choice depends entirely on you. Schedule a consultation today, and let’s plan your future smile together.