When patients come in for a consultation, especially those who’ve been struggling with dentures or missing teeth for years, the conversation often turns to All-on-4® dental implants.

And one of the first things they say is:

“It sounds great… but what’s the catch?”

That’s a fair question. Because while All-on-4® can be life-changing, no treatment is one-size-fits-all. And you deserve to know both sides — not just the highlights.

So in this article, I’ll walk you through the real pros and cons of All-on-4 — the same way I would if we were chatting in the clinic.

The Pros of All-on-4® Dental Implants

1. Fixed Teeth That Don’t Move

With All-on-4®, your new teeth are fixed in place. That means no slipping, no adhesives, no taking them out at night. It’s as close as you can get to having your natural teeth back.

I’ve had patients tell me things like:
“I finally ate an apple without worrying it would pull my teeth out.”
“I smiled in a photo for the first time in years.”

That’s the kind of difference fixed teeth make — not just in function, but in confidence.

Read more about how All-on-4® compares to dentures.

2. Rapid Transformation — Teeth in Just Days

This one surprises people the most. Many assume implants take months before they can smile again. But with All-on-4®, we can place your implants and fit your first set of fixed teeth within 1–3 days. 

That means no long periods without teeth and no living with a temporary denture while you heal.

3. No Bone Grafting Needed — Even If You’ve Been Told Otherwise

If you’ve been told you’re “not suitable for implants” or that you’ll “need bone grafting first,” that may no longer be true.

All-on-4® is specifically designed for people with bone loss. By placing the implants at strategic angles, we can avoid bone grafting, making the process faster, less invasive, and more predictable.

At The Point Dental, we’re proud to be known as a graft-free centre, with thousands of successful cases to date. And for those with more severe bone loss, especially in the upper jaw, we offer zygomatic implants, placed into the cheekbone for added support.

Our lead surgeon, Dr Wilfred Koon, is one of the few in Australia trained and experienced in performing this advanced technique.

So even if you’ve been told there’s no hope, you may be surprised. We’ve helped many patients who thought they had no options left, and today, they’re smiling with confidence.

4. Comfortable, Natural-Looking Smile

We don’t just place implants, we design smiles. From the shape of your face to the way your teeth meet when you bite, everything is custom-planned so your new smile looks and feels natural. Whether you choose titanium-reinforced acrylic, or titanium-reinforced zirconia, your final teeth will be handcrafted for strength, beauty, and long-term comfort.

5. Long-Term Investment

All-on-4® is designed to last. With proper care and regular hygiene, many patients enjoy their fixed teeth for decades. It’s not just about replacing teeth, it’s about restoring quality of life.

The Cons of All-on-4® Dental Implants

Let’s talk honestly about the trade-offs because transparency matters.

1. Higher Upfront Cost

There’s no sugar-coating it.  All-on-4® has a higher initial investment compared to dentures or overdentures. At our clinic, costs start from $24,000 per arch, depending on materials and complexity. But unlike removable options, this is a one-time, long-term solution, not something you’ll need to replace every few years.

We also offer flexible payment options, and many patients use their superannuation to access treatment .

2. It’s Surgery and It Has to Be Done Right

While All-on-4® is less invasive than traditional implants, it’s still a surgery, and it requires high-level planning and skill.

We start every case with a CBCT scan and a full digital work-up. Our experienced team, including the surgeon, prosthetic dentist, and technician, plan everything down to the millimetre. Because even a 1mm error can change the outcome.

This isn’t something to rush. That’s why we take our time, to do it properly and to make sure you feel confident every step of the way.

See why planning matters in All-on-4®

3. Not Removable for Cleaning (But That’s Also a Benefit)

With All-on-4®, your teeth don’t come out, which many people love. But it also means you’ll need to maintain proper daily hygiene:

• Brushing twice a day

• Using a water flosser to clean under the bridge

• Attending 6-monthly professional hygiene visits

Taking care of your implants isn’t difficult, and we’ll guide you every step of the way. It just requires regular care, similar to how you look after your natural teeth.

So… Is All-on-4® Right for You?

Maybe. It depends on your goals, lifestyle, health, and what matters most to you.
Some people want something fixed, long-lasting, and low maintenance, even if it means a bigger investment upfront.

Others may prefer to start smaller, or explore other options first.

The key is being informed and getting honest advice from a team who can explain all the options.

Final Thoughts

All-on-4® is not for everyone. But when it’s done right, for the right person, it’s truly life-changing. We’ve helped thousands of patients go from frustration and hopelessness… to steak dinners, full smiles, and photos with their grandkids.

And many of them said:
“I wish I had done this sooner.”

If you’re thinking about it, we’re here to chat — honestly, calmly, and with your best outcome in mind.

You’ll get all the information, full cost breakdowns, and no hidden surprises.
Just clear advice, at your pace.

📍 Book your free consultation today
📞 Or call us on (03) 8360 9998 — our friendly team is always happy to help.