All-on-4 / All-on-6 Implants
All-on-4 / All-on-6 Implants — Cost Breakdown
Quick answer
All-on-4 implants in the UK cost £12,000–£18,000 per jaw with an acrylic bridge and £18,000–£28,000 per jaw with a premium zirconia bridge. All-on-6 costs £16,000–£25,000 per jaw. A full mouth (both jaws) ranges from £24,000 at the low end to £65,000 in central London for zirconia. Not available on the NHS for routine cases.
Key facts
- All-on-4 per jaw (acrylic): £12,000–£18,000
- All-on-4 per jaw (zirconia): £18,000–£28,000
- All-on-6 per jaw: £16,000–£25,000
- Full mouth (both jaws): £24,000–£65,000
- Implant survival rate: 95%+ at 10 years
- Teeth in a day: temporary bridge same-day, final 3–6 months later
- NHS coverage: none for routine cases
All-on-4 (or All-on-6) replaces a complete upper or lower set of teeth with a fixed bridge anchored to 4 or 6 implants. It is the modern alternative to full dentures for patients missing most or all of their teeth in one jaw.
What is all-on-4 / all-on-6 implants?
All-on-4 (developed by Paulo Maló in the 1990s) and the related All-on-6 are the standard solutions for patients who have lost or are losing most of their teeth in one or both jaws. UK pricing ranges from £12,000 for a basic acrylic bridge per jaw to over £35,000 for a full-mouth zirconia case in central London. Dental tourism aggressively targets this segment — see the risks below.
Who needs this treatment?
- Patients with no teeth or most teeth missing in one jaw
- Long-term denture wearers wanting a fixed solution
- Patients with advanced gum disease losing most of their teeth
- Anyone needing full-mouth rehabilitation
What does the procedure involve?
A typical case spans 4–8 months. Day 1: any remaining teeth are extracted, 4 or 6 implants are placed at strategic angles to maximise bone contact, and a temporary acrylic bridge is screwed in (“teeth in a day”). Healing: 4–6 months of soft-food diet while implants integrate. Final visit: the permanent bridge (acrylic, composite, or zirconia) is fitted. Some cases are done in two stages with a transitional denture.
Recovery time
Significant swelling and soreness for 5–10 days after surgery. Soft foods for 3–4 months while implants integrate. Most patients return to work within 5–7 days. Final bridge fitting is straightforward.
How long does it last?
Implant fixtures last 20+ years in most cases. The bridge on top may need replacement every 10–15 years for acrylic, 15–20+ for zirconia. Maintenance is critical — hygienist visits every 3–6 months.
Private Cost Range
Final bridge material is the biggest cost driver — zirconia bridges look better and last longer than acrylic but cost roughly £6,000 more per jaw.
| Option | UK average | Central London |
|---|---|---|
| All-on-4 per jaw (acrylic bridge) | £12,000–£18,000 | £15,000–£22,000 |
| All-on-4 per jaw (zirconia bridge) | £18,000–£28,000 | £22,000–£35,000 |
| All-on-6 per jaw | £16,000–£25,000 | £20,000–£32,000 |
| Full mouth (both jaws) | £24,000–£50,000 | £30,000–£65,000 |
Private fees compiled from UK clinic price lists and 2026 market surveys.
What Affects the Cost
- Implant brand
- Final bridge material (acrylic, composite, zirconia)
- Need for bone grafting
- Whether teeth are extracted and implants placed in the same visit
When is this treatment available on the NHS?
Not available on the NHS for routine cases. Hospital-based implant retention for severe medical conditions only.
How to save money on this treatment
- Acrylic bridge over zirconia saves £6,000–£8,000 per jaw
- All-on-4 vs All-on-6 saves £4,000–£7,000 — discuss with the surgeon whether 4 is structurally adequate
- Consider Hungary or Portugal for premium-brand implants at lower cost — see our dental tourism guide
- Look for 0% finance over 60 months at major implant chains
- Plan ahead — having teeth extracted at the same surgery saves separate extraction fees
Does dental insurance cover this?
Comprehensive dental insurance rarely covers All-on-4 in full. Reimbursement is typically capped at annual implant limits of £1,000–£2,500 — usually one implant per year covered. Specialist health plans (BUPA Standard+, WPA Comprehensive) offer higher limits.
Risks and side effects
- 1–3% implant failure rate per fixture
- Initial bridge fracture or chipping over time
- Peri-implantitis (gum disease around implants) if hygiene lapses
- Bone loss around implants if cleaning is poor
- Speech changes and saliva pooling in the first weeks
- High cost of replacement bridge after 10–15 years
Red flags to watch for
- Promises of “same day teeth” without realistic discussion of failures and remakes
- Unrealistic warranty promises (10-year zero-cost replacement) often have terms that void easily
- Pressure to commit on the consultation day
- No CBCT 3D planning or single-tooth implant experience by the surgeon
Alternatives to consider
- Dentures — Conventional dentures — much cheaper but far less stable.
- Dental Implant (Single Tooth) — Single implants if you only have isolated gaps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have All-on-4 in one day?
Yes — many clinics offer "teeth in a day" with temporary teeth fitted at the surgery appointment. The final bridge is fitted 3–6 months later.
All-on-4 or All-on-6?
4 implants is enough for most well-bone cases; 6 distributes forces better in patients with bruxism or limited bone. The surgeon decides based on your CBCT scan.
How long does the temporary bridge last?
4–6 months — until the implants are integrated and the final bridge is ready.
What is the difference between acrylic and zirconia bridges?
Acrylic is cheaper and easier to repair but wears faster. Zirconia is harder, more natural-looking and longer-lasting but costs £6,000+ more per jaw.
Do I need to clean differently?
Yes — water flossers, interdental brushes and 3–6 month hygienist visits are essential. Peri-implantitis is the main cause of failure.
Can I get All-on-4 in Turkey?
Yes, at 60–70% off UK prices, but the risks include lower regulatory oversight, difficulty getting follow-up, and aggressive over-treatment. See our dental tourism guide for a full risk assessment.