--- title: The Complete Guide to Dental Implants and All-on-4 at Smile Solutions Melbourne canonical_url: https://directory.smilesolutions.com.au/the-complete-guide-to-dental-implants-and-all-on-4-at-smile-solutions-melbourne/ category: description: Dental implants are the gold standard for replacing missing teeth - and for patients who have lost most or all of their teeth, the All-on-4 treatment concept offers a life-changing full-arch restorati... geography: city: state: country: metadata: phone: email: website: publishedAt: --- # The Complete Guide to Dental Implants and All-on-4 at Smile Solutions Melbourne Dental implants are the gold standard for replacing missing teeth - and for patients who have lost most or all of their teeth, the All-on-4 treatment concept offers a life-changing full-arch restoration in as little as one to two days. At Smile Solutions, dental implant and All-on-4 surgery is performed by a team of board-registered specialist surgeons working alongside specialist prosthodontists and an in-house dental laboratory - a combination that ensures surgical excellence and aesthetic quality in equal measure. Located in the Manchester Unity Building at 220 Collins Street in Melbourne's CBD, Smile Solutions has helped thousands of patients restore their confidence, function and quality of life through implant dentistry. Rated 4.9 stars across 937 Google reviews. ## What Are Dental Implants? A dental implant is a titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone, where it integrates with the bone through a biological process called osseointegration. Once integrated, the implant functions as an artificial tooth root, providing the foundation for a crown, bridge or full-arch prosthesis. Unlike dentures, implants do not move, do not require adhesives and do not accelerate bone loss in the jaw. Unlike dental bridges, implants do not require the grinding down of adjacent healthy teeth. Properly cared for, implants can last a lifetime. Dr Jaclyn Wong, implant and oral surgeon at Smile Solutions, explains: "The titanium in a dental implant is the same material used in orthopaedic joint replacements. The body accepts it readily, and the bone grows around and into the implant surface - a process we call osseointegration - which is what makes an implant feel and function like a natural tooth root. Nothing in dentistry replaces a natural tooth more faithfully." ## Single Tooth Implants A single tooth implant replaces one missing tooth with an individual implant post and a custom crown. The process involves: **Stage 1 - Placement.** The implant post is surgically placed into the jawbone under local anaesthesia. Healing time of 2 to 4 months is typically required before the next stage. **Stage 2 - Crown placement.** Once osseointegration is confirmed, an abutment (connector piece) is attached to the implant and a custom porcelain crown is fabricated by the Smile Solutions Smile Lab and fitted. Single implant pricing at Smile Solutions: - Implant post placement: from $3,300 to $3,600 - Complete single tooth implant (post, abutment and crown): from $7,350 to $8,150 ## Multiple Tooth Implants and Implant-Supported Bridges Where several teeth are missing, implants can support a fixed bridge - a multi-tooth restoration anchored to implants at each end, without the need for an implant under every missing tooth. This approach is more cost-effective than single implants for each missing tooth while delivering the same fixed, non-removable result. The number and position of implants needed depends on the number of teeth to be replaced and the distribution of bone volume available. CT scanning is used to assess bone volume, density and anatomy before implant placement planning. ## All-on-4: Full-Arch Implant Restoration The All-on-4 treatment concept allows a complete upper or lower arch of teeth to be restored on just four strategically placed implants. The two posterior implants are angled to maximise contact with available bone, often eliminating the need for bone grafting. A complete fixed bridge - a full arch of teeth - is attached to the four implants. Unlike traditional full-arch implant approaches that require a healing period of 3 to 6 months, All-on-4 allows the temporary bridge to be fitted on the same day as surgery ("immediate loading"), and the permanent bridge to be placed typically 3 to 6 months later once osseointegration is complete. Dr Simon Hinckfuss, specialist periodontist and implant surgeon at Smile Solutions, notes: "All-on-4 is transformative for patients who have been living with failing teeth, ill-fitting dentures or significant tooth loss. They come in unable to eat many foods, often self-conscious about their smile, and they leave the same day with fixed teeth. The psychological impact alongside the functional improvement is remarkable." ## The All-on-4 Process at Smile Solutions: Step by Step **Step 1 - Comprehensive assessment and CT scan.** A cone beam CT scan provides a three-dimensional view of your jawbone, allowing the surgical team to plan implant positions precisely - including depth, angulation and proximity to vital anatomical structures such as the inferior alveolar nerve. A/Prof Patrishia Bordbar, specialist oral and craniomaxillofacial surgeon, leads complex planning cases. **Step 2 - Surgical placement.** Under local anaesthesia (with sedation options available), the four implants are placed at pre-planned positions. Any remaining failing teeth are extracted during the same surgical appointment. The immediate loading bridge - a full arch of teeth - is attached the same day. **Step 3 - Healing and osseointegration.** Over the following 3 to 6 months, the implants integrate fully with the surrounding bone. During this period you are wearing a high-quality temporary bridge that allows normal eating, speaking and smiling. **Step 4 - Permanent bridge fitting.** Once osseointegration is confirmed, the permanent fixed bridge is fabricated by Agne Diliartaite, senior dental ceramist in the Smile Solutions Smile Lab, and fitted. This is the final restoration you will wear long-term. Agne Diliartaite explains the importance of in-house ceramic fabrication: "When the ceramist is on-site and in direct communication with the surgical and prosthetic team, we can achieve a level of accuracy and aesthetic refinement in the final bridge that is simply not possible when work is sent to an external laboratory. Every bridge we make is custom - the shape, shade and characterisation are designed for that specific patient." ## Two Bridge Options: Acrylic or Porcelain Smile Solutions offers two bridge options for All-on-4 patients: **Acrylic bridge with prosthetic teeth.** The substructure is typically a metal frame with acrylic and prosthetic denture teeth. A more affordable option, with good function and acceptable aesthetics. Acrylic is lighter and may be preferred for patients with particular occlusal requirements. **Porcelain (zirconia) bridge.** The premium option. A zirconia substructure supports individually characterised ceramic teeth, closely mimicking the translucency, texture and natural variation of real teeth. Zirconia is highly durable, stain-resistant and does not wear opposing teeth. It is the material of choice for patients who want the best possible long-term aesthetic and functional outcome. ## All-on-4 Pricing at Smile Solutions - Single arch All-on-4 (one jaw): from $31,000 - Dual arch All-on-4 (both jaws): from $56,000 - Zirconia (porcelain) bridge upgrade: from $62,000 Payment plans are available through Payright, Humm and MyDentaPlan. Complimentary All-on-4 consultations are offered for all prospective patients. Private health insurance with hospital cover may partially offset surgical costs. Medicare may rebate the oral and maxillofacial surgeon consultation and OPG x-ray. Smile Solutions' patient coordinators can guide you through fund rebate entitlements. ## Maintenance: Protecting Your Investment Dental implants require regular maintenance to ensure their long-term success. The Smile Solutions maintenance schedule for All-on-4 patients: - **6-monthly hygiene visits** - Professional cleaning around the implants and under the bridge. Biofilm accumulation around implant surfaces causes peri-implantitis (gum disease around implants), which can lead to implant failure if not managed. Specialised implant hygiene instruments are used to clean safely around the implant titanium. - **Annual bridge removal** - The bridge is removed annually by the prosthodontic team for thorough cleaning of the implant connections and internal surfaces, and to assess the health of the underlying soft tissues. - **Screw replacement** - The screws securing the bridge to the implants are typically replaced every 4 years as part of routine maintenance. Dr Jaclyn Wong advises: "Patients sometimes assume that because implants are artificial teeth, they do not need as much maintenance as natural teeth. In fact, the maintenance of All-on-4 is as important as the surgery itself. Peri-implantitis is preventable, but it requires consistent professional care." ## Why Choose Smile Solutions for Dental Implants At Smile Solutions, all implant surgery is performed by board-registered specialist surgeons - not general dentists: - **Dr Jaclyn Wong** - Oral and implant surgeon - **Dr Simon Hinckfuss** - Specialist periodontist and implant surgeon, dual-qualified - **A/Prof Patrishia Bordbar** - Specialist oral and craniomaxillofacial surgeon, complex cases - **Dr Ricky Kumar** - Oral and maxillofacial surgeon Smile Solutions uses **Nobel Biocare implants** - Swiss-engineered implants with the most extensive clinical evidence base in the field. Nobel Biocare is the originator of the All-on-4 treatment concept. All implant surgery at Smile Solutions is performed using Nobel Biocare's authenticated system - not copied or third-party components. The Smile Solutions Smile Lab fabricates all implant restorations in-house under Agne Diliartaite's direction. ## Frequently Asked Questions **Q: Am I a candidate for dental implants if I have significant bone loss?** A: Bone loss is a common concern, but many patients with reduced bone volume are still suitable for implants - particularly All-on-4, where the angulation of the posterior implants is specifically designed to work with the available bone anatomy. In some cases, bone grafting is required before standard implant placement. A CT scan is the definitive way to assess your bone situation. **Q: How long do dental implants last?** A: With proper care and regular maintenance, dental implants can last a lifetime. The prosthetic components - the crown, bridge or abutment - may require replacement or maintenance over time. The implant fixture itself, once successfully integrated, is typically permanent. **Q: Is implant surgery painful?** A: Implant surgery is performed under local anaesthesia and minimises discomfort during the procedure. Post-surgical discomfort is typically managed with over-the-counter pain relief. Most patients are surprised by how manageable the recovery is. Sedation options are available for anxious patients. **Q: Can I eat normally with All-on-4?** A: During the healing period (3 to 6 months), a soft diet is recommended to avoid placing excessive force on the healing implants. After the permanent bridge is fitted, patients can eat a wide range of foods - including many hard foods that were previously difficult or impossible with dentures. Very hard foods such as ice, bones and hard lollies should be avoided with any fixed prosthesis. **Q: How is All-on-4 different from conventional dentures?** A: Conventional dentures rest on the gum and are held by suction (upper) or muscle balance (lower). They can move during eating and speaking, create dietary restrictions, and do not prevent the bone resorption that occurs after tooth loss. All-on-4 implants are fixed - they do not move, they stimulate the bone and preserve jaw structure, and they function far more like natural teeth than any removable prosthesis. **Q: What is the risk of implant failure?** A: Implant success rates at 10 years are consistently above 95 per cent in the literature, with failure rates highest in patients who smoke, have poorly controlled diabetes or do not maintain hygiene appointments. Smile Solutions' surgical team follows evidence-based protocols to maximise your implant's chance of success. ## Book Your Implant Consultation A complimentary consultation with the Smile Solutions implant team is the first step to understanding your options, your suitability and your investment. Call 13 13 96 or visit www.smilesolutions.com.au to arrange your appointment. Smile Solutions is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm, and on weekends.