If you’re missing most (or all) of your teeth, these are two common implant options. Here’s a simple breakdown:
All-on-4® (Fixed Teeth)
Pros
- Fixed (non-removable): stays in your mouth—no taking it out at night
- More “natural” feel: often closer to real teeth for chewing and speaking
- No denture movement: no rocking or snapping on/off
- Great for confidence: feels secure in social situations
- Closest option to natural teeth
Cons
- More involved treatment: typically more planning and precision
- Higher investment: usually costs more than a snap-on option
- Cleaning is different: you’ll clean around it carefully (not removed daily)
Implant Snap-On Overdentures (Removable)
Pros
- Removable: easy to take out and clean
- More stable than regular dentures: implants help reduce slipping
- Often lower cost: compared with fixed full-arch options
- Good “step up” from dentures: especially if you like removing your teeth at night
- May need to have bone grafts for dental implant placement
Cons
- Still a denture: bulkier feel than fixed teeth for some people
- Can wear down attachments: parts may need maintenance/replacement over time
- Some movement can still happen: usually less than traditional dentures, but not always “rock solid”
- This is a denture, wear and tear will happen
- For the top jaw, denture will cover the roof of the mouth