All-on-4 and full-arch implants in Cheltenham

What full-arch implant treatment is

Full-arch treatment replaces every tooth in the upper or lower jaw with one complete set of teeth carried by implants. Instead of one implant per tooth, a carefully placed group of implants supports the whole arch. You will often see it called All-on-4, because many arches can be carried on four implants, or All-on-X (AOX), because some people need five or six. The right number depends on your bone, your bite and the shape of your jaw, which is exactly what your scan shows us.

Fixed teeth or a clip-on overdenture

There are two main ways to replace a full arch with implants, and we explain both at your consultation.

• Fixed full arch (All-on-4 / AOX). A bridge is secured to the implants and only your dentist removes it. It feels and is cared for most like natural teeth.
• Implant-retained overdenture. A denture clicks firmly onto two or more implants and you take it out each night to clean. It usually needs fewer implants and suits people who want much better grip than a standard denture.

If you already wear a loose denture, an overdenture is often the simplest upgrade. If you want teeth that never come out, a fixed arch is usually the goal. See our dentures page for non-implant options.

Planned in 3D before anything happens

Your consultation includes a 3D CBCT scan, a digital scan of your mouth and clinical photos, all taken here in Cheltenham. From these we map the bone, nerves and sinuses, choose where each implant goes, and design the shape of your new teeth before treatment starts. That planning is what lets us tell you, in writing, how many implants you need, whether any extra steps such as bone grafting are involved, and how the stages will run.

The stages, step by step

1. Consultation and scans. CBCT, digital scan and photos, then an honest discussion of fixed and removable options.
2. Written staged plan. Number of implants, timeline, any extra procedures and an itemised quote to take home.
3. Implant placement. Any failing teeth are removed and the implants are placed, guided by your 3D plan.
4. Healing teeth. Where suitable, a provisional set of teeth is fitted while the implants bond with the bone. Your plan states whether this applies to you.
5. Final teeth. Once healing is complete, your final arch or overdenture is made and fitted, then reviewed at regular maintenance visits.

Who it suits

Full-arch treatment is usually considered when most teeth in a jaw are missing, badly broken down or loose from gum disease, or when a full denture no longer stays in place. Health, smoking, uncontrolled diabetes and the amount of bone available all affect suitability and long-term success, so we assess these carefully. If implants are not the right choice for you, we will say so and walk you through the alternatives.

Cost, health funds and quotes

Because the number of implants, the type of teeth and any extra procedures vary so much between people, full-arch treatment is quoted individually after your scans, not from a price list. You receive a written, itemised quote before you commit to anything. The implant consultation, including the CBCT scan, digital scan and photos, is gap-free with health-fund cover or $250 without. All major health funds are accepted and claimed on the spot. For single-tooth pricing, see our guide to dental implant costs in Melbourne.

Risks and honest limits

Full-arch treatment is surgery, and like any surgery it carries risks, including infection, slow healing, nerve or sinus involvement and an implant not bonding with the bone. Implant teeth also need lifelong care: daily cleaning and regular professional maintenance. The risks that apply to you are explained before treatment and written into your plan. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you may wish to seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

The team who plans and places your implants

Principal dentists Dr James Lee and Dr Harold Lee plan, place and restore implants in house at Cheltenham, with more than 200 implants placed and 14 years of combined implant experience between them. Dr James Lee holds a Master of Dentistry from La Trobe University and leads the practice's guided implant surgery and digital workflow. You can also look through our implant case book.