All-on-4 for Travelling Patients: Each Stage in Melbourne
The stages of All-on-4 at Smile Solutions for patients who travel to Melbourne: assessment, surgery, next-day fit check, healing, final bridge and care.
In short: All-on-4 treatment for a patient who travels to Melbourne runs through the same clinical stages as for a local patient: assessment, implant surgery under general anaesthetic, a fit check the next day, three to six months of healing, the final fixed bridge, then maintenance. We plan the timing of your Melbourne visits with you at consultation.
What is All-on-4?
All-on-4 replaces a full arch of teeth with a fixed bridge of 12 to 14 teeth secured to implants. Smile Solutions is a certified All-on-4 clinic. We use Swiss-made Nobel implants and a ceramic bridge on a titanium bar, follow a PF1 approach where possible, and design the bridge so it does not cover the palate. The bridge is made at the Smile Laboratory at 230 Collins Street, which sends no work offshore and uses TGA-approved products.
Stage 1: Assessment
A medical and dental assessment confirms whether All-on-4 suits you. Your first appointment is a complimentary implant consultation in person with an experienced registered dentist, and 3D imaging is taken at Collins Street Imaging on Level 9 when needed. Bring copies of recent x-rays, scans and treatment notes from your own dentist. Bone grafting is sometimes required, which can add time and cost.
Stage 2: Implant surgery under general anaesthetic
All-on-4 surgery is performed under general anaesthetic by specialist anaesthetists. With private hospital cover, it can be performed in a private hospital. Impressions for your bridge are part of this stage of treatment.
Stage 3: Fit check the day after surgery
Your specialist prosthodontist and dental prosthetist see you the day after surgery to check how your new teeth fit and to make any adjustments. Plan to stay in Melbourne at least until this appointment. Your surgeon advises when it is suitable to travel home, including by air.
Stage 4: Healing over three to six months
The implants need a healing period of three to six months before the final bridge is fitted. Follow the care instructions you are given, and contact us if anything concerns you. If you need urgent attention while at home, a local dentist can help.
Stage 5: Your final fixed bridge
After healing, your final fixed bridge is secured to the implants. This visit, like the others, takes place in Melbourne.
Stage 6: Maintenance and home care
A dental hygienist removes the bridge and cleans the implants twice a year. Some patients need the bridge realigned every five to seven years, and the porcelain may need repair or replacement over time. For daily cleaning at home, we suggest a soft toothbrush together with interdental brushes and a water flosser. Our guide to aftercare when you live far away covers this in more depth.
Who carries out the treatment?
Specialists who work on All-on-4 cases include prosthodontists Prof Vasileios Chronopoulos (Specialist Registration in Prosthodontics, DEN0001856272) and Dr Jamie Foong (DEN0001022492), and oral and maxillofacial surgeons A/Prof Patrishia Bordbar (DEN0001010517) and Dr Ricky Kumar (DEN0001411504). A/Prof Bordbar is a Past President of ANZAOMS, and Dr Kumar is qualified in both medicine and dentistry.
What does All-on-4 cost?
Our published guide starts from $29,000 per arch, or from $54,000 when both arches are treated. Hospital fees are included in the initial quote, and some Medicare rebates apply for people who are eligible for Medicare. Your specialist talks through the cost of your plan at consultation, since complexity changes the fee.
Results, recovery times and risks vary for each individual.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I need to stay in Melbourne after surgery?
You stay at least until the fit check the day after surgery. Your surgeon then advises when it is suitable for you to travel home, including by air.
Do I get teeth straight after surgery?
Your specialist prosthodontist and dental prosthetist check the fit of your new teeth the day after surgery and adjust them as needed. The final fixed bridge follows after three to six months of healing.
Is All-on-4 done under general anaesthetic?
Yes. All-on-4 surgery is performed under general anaesthetic, and with private hospital cover it can take place in a private hospital.
Is All-on-4 suitable for everyone?
No. Suitability is confirmed at a medical and dental assessment, and some people need bone grafting first.
How many visits will I need?
That depends on your plan. We map out the timing of each stage with you at consultation so you can arrange travel around confirmed dates.