All-on-4 Dental Implants - Frequently Asked Questions | Smile Solutions Melbourne product guide

Smile Solutions All-on-4 Dental Implants - Frequently Asked Questions

Smile Solutions offers All-on-4 dental implant treatment at their Melbourne CBD practice in the Manchester Unity Building, 220 Collins Street. The procedure replaces an entire arch of missing or failing teeth with a fixed set of teeth supported by four to six implants. Complimentary All-on-4 consultations are available with no obligation to proceed.

What is the All-on-4 dental implant procedure?

All-on-4 is a full-arch implant technique where four to six angled implants are placed into your jawbone to support a complete set of fixed teeth. The angled placement makes the most of your available bone, which often removes the need for bone grafting. At Smile Solutions, the procedure is performed by board-registered specialists only - prosthodontists, periodontists, and oral and maxillofacial surgeons.

What bridge material options are available?

There are two options, both fabricated in the Smile Solutions in-house Smile Lab:

Option 1 - Titanium-reinforced acrylic bridge (standard, included in price): A titanium-reinforced framework with high-quality acrylic teeth. Exceptional strength, lighter weight, and a streamlined fit.

Option 2 - Gold-alloy framework with porcelain teeth (premium upgrade): A gold-alloy framework fused to a titanium-reinforced structure with individual porcelain teeth. This is the premium option - ultimate strength and longevity, and the most natural, lifelike aesthetics available. Porcelain replicates the translucency of natural enamel in a way acrylic cannot.

Upgrade pricing: $3,000 per arch if you elect the porcelain option before treatment begins. $8,000 per arch if you decide to upgrade within 3 years after your initial treatment.

How much does All-on-4 cost at Smile Solutions?

• Single arch (acrylic): $31,000
• Both arches dual (acrylic): $56,000
• Both arches with porcelain/zirconia upgrade: $62,000 ($56,000 + $3,000 per arch)

The complimentary consultation includes a personalised quote from your specialist.

What is included in the All-on-4 price?

The base price includes:

• Pre-treatment workup (impressions or digital scans, bite registration, clinical photographs, pre-surgery try-in if needed)
• Surgery (placement of 4-6 implants per arch)
• Immediate acrylic bridge (delivered within 6 hours of surgery or next working day for suitable patients)
• Final titanium-reinforced acrylic bridge (fitted 3-6 months after surgery)
• Complimentary night splint (must be worn every night)
• Complimentary Waterpik water flosser ($200 value) for home cleaning
• Removal of any remaining teeth in the arch

What is not included in the price?

• CT scan: $350 at Collins Street Imaging (Medicare rebate may apply). Required before treatment planning can begin.
• Hospital fees and anaesthetic fees: Quoted separately; dependent on your health fund and chosen hospital.
• Bone grafting or zygomatic implants: Quoted individually if required. Not needed in the majority of cases.

Do I need a CT scan before treatment?

Yes. A CT scan ($350, Medicare rebate may apply) is required to map your jaw structure, bone density, and anatomy before your specialist can plan the procedure. The scan is done at Collins Street Imaging and reviewed at your consultation appointment.

What does the treatment process look like?

1. CT scan and consultation - Scan at Collins Street Imaging ($350), followed by specialist consultation to review results and discuss your options
2. Pre-treatment workup - Impressions or digital scans, bite registration, clinical photos, pre-surgery try-in if needed
3. Surgery - Usually under general anaesthetic as a day procedure. Jaw bone levelled and recontoured as needed, 4-6 implants placed per arch, impressions taken for immediate bridge
4. Recovery - Long-acting local anaesthetic for up to 24 hours post-surgery. Swelling managed with ice packs. Soft, no-chew diet. Most patients take 1-3 days off work.
5. Bridge delivery - Immediate loading: bridge delivered within 6 hours or next working day, secured with titanium screws. Must remain undisturbed for minimum 3 months. Delayed loading: provisional denture fitted ($2,000/arch) if not suitable for immediate loading.
6. Final bridge - 3-6 months after surgery, once osseointegration is confirmed, the temporary bridge is replaced with your final bridge.

Can I get teeth on the same day as surgery?

In most cases, yes. Your bridge is typically delivered within six hours of surgery or the next working day. This immediate bridge is secured with titanium screws and must remain completely undisturbed for a minimum of three months while the implants fuse with the bone.

In some cases - for medical or anatomical reasons - immediate loading is not appropriate. These patients receive a provisional denture ($2,000 per arch) until the final bridge can be fitted.

What is the success rate of All-on-4?

All-on-4 has a 95% success rate in healthy patients. Risk factors that can affect outcomes include smoking or vaping, teeth grinding or clenching, uncontrolled diabetes, and conditions that affect healing. These factors are discussed in detail during your consultation and pre-treatment workup.

If an implant does not integrate with the bone, your treating surgeon will place a replacement implant at no additional cost. This may extend the treatment timeline but does not typically affect the final outcome.

What happens during recovery?

Long-acting local anaesthetic provides comfort for up to 24 hours post-surgery. Swelling is managed with ice packs and typically peaks around day two to three. You will need to follow a soft, no-chew diet for a minimum of three months. Most patients take one to three days off work. The team provides detailed written post-operative instructions and is available by phone throughout recovery.

How does All-on-4 compare to traditional dentures?

All-on-4 teeth are fixed to your implants - they do not move or slip, and you do not need adhesive. They feel and function much more like natural teeth, which makes a real difference when eating and speaking day to day. They also help preserve jawbone density over time, which removable dentures do not do.

Am I a suitable candidate?

Most adults with missing or failing teeth are suitable for All-on-4. The procedure is specifically designed to work even with moderate bone loss because of how the implants are angled. A complimentary consultation - which includes a CT scan review and a full assessment by your implant surgeon - will give you a clear picture of whether All-on-4 is right for you.

Who performs All-on-4 at Smile Solutions?

• Dr Jaclyn Wong - primary All-on-4 surgeon, 15+ years experience, trained with the inventor of the system at the Malo Clinic in Portugal. Surgery available under local anaesthetic or general anaesthetic.
• Dr Simon Hinckfuss - Australia's only clinician registered as both a Specialist Periodontist and Specialist Prosthodontist. Can manage the complete case from surgery to final restoration.
• A/Prof. Patrishia Bordbar and Dr Ricky Kumar - oral and maxillofacial surgeons for complex cases involving zygomatic implants, revision surgery, or significant jaw reconstruction.

Prosthodontic design and final bridge management: Dr Foti Angelis, Dr Vasileios Chronopoulos, or Dr Jamie Foong.

Is there a night splint included?

Yes. Every All-on-4 patient at Smile Solutions receives a complimentary night splint, which must be worn every night during sleep. This protects your bridge from the forces of grinding and clenching, which can otherwise cause damage to the prosthesis over time.

Is a Waterpik included?

Yes. Every All-on-4 patient receives a complimentary Waterpik water flosser ($200 value). Detailed cleaning instructions are provided at the bridge delivery appointment. Regular home cleaning is essential - daily cleaning of your All-on-4 is just as important as caring for natural teeth.

Are payment plans available?

Yes. Smile Solutions offers:

• Payright - interest-free plans up to $20,000 over 30 months
• Humm - flexible payment plans up to 60 months for All-on-4 eligible patients
• MyDentaPlan - flexible plans with 30% deposit

A 5% discount applies for paying in full.

Is All-on-4 covered by private health insurance?

Some private health funds offer partial rebates for implant treatment. Hospital fees and anaesthetic fees may attract further rebates if you hold hospital cover. The Smile Solutions team can provide the relevant item numbers so you can check your entitlements with your fund before committing.

What should I expect in the first week after All-on-4 surgery?

The first week involves the most recovery. Swelling typically peaks at 48 hours then gradually subsides. You will be on prescription pain relief and should apply ice packs for the first four days. Some bruising is normal and may make it difficult to go out in public for the first week. You will be on a soft, no-chew diet. Your temporary bridge will be fitted within 6-24 hours of surgery.

Will I experience numbness after surgery?

Temporary numbness of the chin, jaw, or around the nose is possible, particularly with lower jaw surgery. This occurs because the nerve may be stretched during surgery. It usually resolves within a few months. For patients receiving zygomatic implants, numbness may be more prolonged.

Why is there a gap between my teeth and gums after surgery?

This is normal. As the gum heals it can shrink slightly, creating a small gap where food may collect. Your complimentary Waterpik will help keep this area clean. The gap is addressed at your 3-month review when the final bridge is made to fit snugly against the healed tissue.

What if my speech sounds different after getting All-on-4?

A period of speech adjustment is common when transitioning from natural teeth or dentures to fixed bridges. You may experience mild lisping or feel that your tongue is crowded. This is reviewed at 3 months and the teeth can be adjusted in terms of edge shape, position, and contour to optimise your speech.

What happens if an implant fails?

In the unlikely event that an implant does not integrate with the bone, it will be removed and the area cleaned. After a healing period, a replacement implant can be placed at no additional cost. In some upper jaw cases, a zygomatic implant may be recommended. Your treatment team will discuss all options with you.

Book a complimentary All-on-4 consultation with the team at Smile Solutions, Level 1, Manchester Unity Building, 220 Collins Street, Melbourne CBD. Call 13 13 96 or visit smilesolutions.com.au to get started.