1933 Franciscan Way, West Chicago, IL 60185
Losing a full row of teeth or facing imminent extractions can feel overwhelming. The All-on-4® treatment concept offers a streamlined way to replace an entire upper or lower arch with a fixed prosthesis that is attached to dental implants, allowing many patients to leave the office with a functioning set of teeth on the day of surgery. This immediate-restoration approach is designed to restore chewing ability, speech clarity, and the appearance of a natural, complete smile without the wait associated with conventional removable dentures.
Because the prosthesis is secured to implants, patients experience greater stability than with traditional dentures, which can shift or require adhesive. The provisional teeth are crafted to be comfortable and functional while the implants integrate with the jaw. This means you can return to daily activities and social interactions with a renewed sense of confidence during the healing phase.
When considering a full-arch restoration, it helps to understand the practical advantages of same-day fixed teeth: immediate use, fewer appointments compared with multi-stage protocols, and a clear pathway from missing or failing teeth to a restored arch. These factors combine to make All-on-4® an attractive option for many adults seeking a predictable, durable solution for extensive tooth loss.
All-on-4® is a treatment concept that uses a small number of implants—typically four—to support a complete arch prosthesis. Two posterior implants are often angled to maximize available bone and improve support, while two anterior implants are placed more vertically in denser bone. This strategic placement can reduce the need for bone grafting in many cases and allows a full-arch restoration to be supported with fewer implants than older approaches.
The process starts with careful evaluation using clinical exams and imaging, including three-dimensional scans when appropriate, to map bone anatomy and plan implant positions. Digital planning tools and surgical guides are commonly used to translate that plan into precise implant placement. The goal is to position implants for optimal support of the prosthetic arch while respecting vital anatomical structures.
After implants are placed, a provisional fixed prosthesis is attached so patients can eat and speak with immediate function. Over the following months, osseointegration—the biological bonding of implant and bone—occurs, after which the provisional may be replaced with a final prosthesis designed for long-term durability and aesthetics. The overall concept prioritizes surgical efficiency, restorative stability, and a predictable progression from surgery to final restoration.
Full-arch implant restorations are most often recommended for adults who are missing most or all teeth in an arch, those whose remaining teeth are failing, or patients who struggle with unstable dentures. Candidates are evaluated not only for the number of missing teeth but also for overall oral health, medical history, and bone volume. A careful consultation helps determine whether All-on-4® is appropriate or whether other solutions may better suit a patient’s individual needs.
Because All-on-4® uses implants placed in areas of stronger bone, some patients who were previously told they need grafting may qualify for this technique without additional augmentation. That said, each case is unique: medical conditions, smoking, and bone quality can influence candidacy and treatment planning. A thorough assessment ensures implant therapy is recommended only when it is in the patient’s best interest.
The decision to move forward is collaborative. During an evaluation at West Chicago Smiles, clinicians review diagnostic imaging, discuss anticipated outcomes, and outline the sequence of care so patients understand the timeline, responsibilities for home care, and follow-up that supports long-term success.
Treatment typically begins with a comprehensive consultation and diagnostic workup, including digital imaging and impressions or scans. On the day of surgery, implants are placed according to the planned positions and a provisional prosthesis is secured to those implants. Because the prosthesis is fixed, patients do not need to rely on removable appliances during the initial recovery period.
Recovery from implant surgery varies by individual, but most patients experience manageable discomfort that is controlled with prescribed or recommended medications and a short period of dietary modification. Swelling and mild bruising are common early signs of healing. Clinical follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing, evaluate occlusion, and make any necessary adjustments to the provisional prosthesis.
Over the next several months, the implants integrate with the jawbone. Patients are advised on dietary guidelines, oral hygiene practices adapted for implant-supported restorations, and lifestyle considerations that promote healing. Regular follow-up visits allow the dental team to assess progress and decide when the final prosthesis can be delivered for long-term function and aesthetics.
Long-term success of a full-arch restoration depends on both professional maintenance and daily care at home. Implant-supported prostheses require routine dental visits for professional cleaning and monitoring of implant health, prosthesis fit, and surrounding tissues. During these visits, clinicians check for signs of inflammation, prosthetic wear, or any biomechanical issues that warrant attention.
At home, patients are taught specific cleaning techniques to remove biofilm around implant components and beneath the prosthesis where applicable. Tools such as interdental brushes, floss designed for implants, and antimicrobial rinses may be recommended. Consistent hygiene and adherence to follow-up schedules help protect supporting tissues and extend the service life of the restoration.
While implant restorations are designed for longevity, components may require maintenance or replacement over time due to normal wear. The dental team will provide care options and timelines tailored to each patient’s prosthesis, materials, and functional demands. With appropriate care, many patients enjoy years of improved oral function and a stable, attractive smile.
Ready to explore whether All-on-4® is the right path to a complete, functional smile? Contact West Chicago Smiles to schedule a consultation and learn more about how full-arch implant restorations are planned and delivered. Our team can walk you through the clinical process, answer questions about what to expect, and help you make an informed decision that fits your oral health goals.
1All-on-4 is a registered trademark of Nobel Biocare
The All-on-4 treatment concept offers an implant-based solution to patients who have lost all of their upper and/or lower teeth. This remarkable method of care helps patients quickly rebuild complete and beautiful smiles. With All-on-4, your new, and complete set of implant-supported replacement teeth feel secure, stable, and much like your very own.
If you currently wear complete upper and/or lower dentures or are slated to have your remaining teeth extracted, you may be a candidate for All-on-4. First Performed by Dr. Paulo Malo in 1998, the All-on-4 treatment concept has helped hundreds of thousands of patients quickly reestablish attractive smiles that look, feel, and function just like a set of natural teeth!
The All-on-4 treatment concept offers a fixed and permanent alternative to removable dentures. Unlike dentures, All-on-4 does not rely on messy dental adhesives or natural suction to hold your new set of teeth in place. With All-on-4, your replacement teeth are permanently secured by dental implants, giving you a smile that looks not only great but also feels secure and stable. You'll feel comfortable and confident as you speak, smile, and chew with ease.
While traditional full arch implants also achieve outstanding results of care, the All-On-4 treatment concept does not involve bone grafting and requires fewer implants to support a full set of teeth. With just four strategically placed dental implants needed to support an entire set of upper or lower teeth, the All-on-4 treatment concept offers a cost-effective and satisfying solution for rebuilding a complete smile. Thanks to this remarkable method of care, patients can experience the satisfaction of having teeth placed the same day as surgery. This key feature allows patients to smile and function with confidence until healing is complete and the permanent restorations installed.
Once it's been determined that you're a candidate for treatment with All-on-4, the process of treatment planning and designing your new smile begins. 3D diagnostic records provide the detailed information required to determine the exact positions of the four supporting dental implants. Then, on the day of surgery, we'll remove any remaining teeth, place the 4 implants, and insert a set of attractive, sturdy, and functional set of temporary teeth. With All-on-4, temporary teeth can be placed right away with a customized, permanent set to follow once the implants become fully integrated with the surrounding bone.
With All-on-4, temporary teeth can be placed right away with a customized, permanent set to follow within just a few months after the implants become fully integrated with the surrounding bone.
Thanks to All-on-4, patients enjoy permanent teeth that look, feel, and function just like real teeth. And with a patient satisfaction rate that exceeds 95%, the All-on-4 treatment concept restores your smile, your confidence, and allows you to enjoy once again the foods you love!
Maintaining your All-on-4 smile requires the same care as a natural smile. By cleaning your teeth twice daily, after meals as possible, and scheduling appointments for routine checkups as well as care, you can keep your new smile strong and healthy for years to come. Our office will demonstrate the most effective methods of oral hygiene and answer all your questions as to how to care for your new smile.
