Imagine walking into a dental practice with missing or failing teeth and leaving the same day with a complete, beautiful smile. That’s the transformative promise of All on Four treatment, a revolutionary approach to full arch dental restoration that’s changing lives across West Berkshire and beyond. At The Briars Dental Centre, we’ve been helping patients regain their confidence, function, and quality of life through our state-of-the-art digital approach to implant dentistry.
If you’re considering full arch dental implants, you likely have questions about the process, costs, and whether All on Four is the right solution for your specific needs. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about this remarkable treatment option.
All on Four is a sophisticated dental implant technique that replaces an entire arch of teeth using just four strategically placed dental implants. Unlike traditional dentures that rest on your gums or conventional implant approaches that might require six or more implants per arch, All on Four provides a fixed, permanent solution that functions just like natural teeth.
The concept was developed to maximise the use of available bone, with the posterior implants angled at up to 45 degrees to avoid anatomical structures like the sinus cavity in the upper jaw or the inferior alveolar nerve in the lower jaw. This clever positioning means many patients who’ve been told they don’t have enough bone for implants can still benefit from this treatment.
The real beauty of all on four lies in its immediate results. You’ll receive a temporary bridge on the same day as your implant surgery, meaning you won’t leave our practice without teeth. This immediate restoration not only looks natural but also allows you to eat soft foods whilst your implants integrate with your jawbone over the following weeks.
Whilst the term “All on Four” has become synonymous with full arch implant treatment, it’s not always a case of exactly four implants. Depending on your individual circumstances, your treatment might involve anywhere from four to six implants per arch.
When All on Four Is Suitable
All on four treatment works brilliantly for patients who have adequate bone density and volume in the anterior region of the jaw. The four-implant approach is often sufficient when bone quality is good and the jaw anatomy allows for optimal implant positioning. This option typically offers excellent stability whilst minimising surgical complexity and treatment costs.
When All on Six Might Be Recommended
Some patients benefit from an all on six approach, which uses six implants per arch instead of four. Your clinician might recommend this if you have a wider arch that would benefit from additional support, if you have softer bone quality that requires more implant distribution, or if your bite forces suggest that additional stability would be beneficial for long-term success.
At The Briars, our approach is never one-size-fits-all. During your consultation with our partner Nick French, we’ll use advanced CBCT scanning technology to assess your bone structure in three dimensions. This detailed planning allows us to determine the precise number and position of implants needed to give you the best possible outcome.
Understanding what to expect during your all on four journey helps alleviate anxiety and ensures you’re fully prepared for this life-changing treatment.
Stage One: Free Appointment with our Treatment Coordinator
Your journey begins with a complimentary appointment with our Treatment Coordinator. This initial consultation provides an opportunity to discuss your concerns, explore your goals, and understand the various options available to you. There’s no pressure during this appointment – it’s simply an informative conversation about how we might be able to help you achieve the smile you deserve.
Stage Two: Comprehensive Consultation with Nick French
Following your initial appointment, you’ll meet with Dr Nick French, one of our experienced partners in implant planning and comprehensive smile rehabilitation. Nick will conduct a thorough examination of your oral health, discuss your medical history, and explain the all on four process in detail.
Following your consultation, we move onto advanced digital planning, including CBCT scanning, which provides three-dimensional images of your jaw structure, intra-oral scanning with our iTero technology to capture precise digital impressions, and comprehensive clinical photography to document your current situation and plan your new smile. These digital tools allow us to plan your treatment with exceptional precision, identifying the optimal implant positions before any surgery takes place.
Stage Three: Surgical Day with Dave Veige
On the day of your surgery, you’ll be looked after by Dr Dave Veige, our implant surgeon. Dave brings extensive experience in implant placement and immediate loading protocols, ensuring your procedure is carried out with the highest level of skill and care.
During this appointment, Dave will place your dental implants in the carefully planned positions, attach temporary abutments to the implants, and fit your immediate bridge – your temporary new smile. The entire process is typically completed within a few hours, and you’ll leave our practice with a complete set of teeth the same day.
Whilst you’ll need to follow a soft food diet initially and take care during the healing period, you’ll be able to smile, speak, and eat with confidence from day one. This immediate transformation is one of the most rewarding aspects of all on four treatment for our patients.
Stage Four: Definitive Restoration
Approximately six to eight weeks after your surgery, once your implants have started to integrate with your jawbone through a process called osseointegration, you’ll return to The Briars for your final restoration. This appointment involves removing your temporary bridge, taking final impressions or scans, and fitting your permanent, custom-crafted bridge.
Your definitive restoration is created using high-quality materials designed for strength, aesthetics, and longevity. The result is a beautiful, natural-looking smile that functions just like your own teeth once did.
It’s understandable that when facing the investment required for full arch dental implants, you might consider treatment abroad where prices can appear significantly lower. However, there are several important factors to consider before making this decision.
The Hidden Costs of Dental Tourism
Whilst the initial quote for all on four treatment abroad might seem appealing, the total cost often increases when you factor in travel expenses including flights and accommodation, time off work for travel and recovery, potential language barriers affecting communication about your treatment, and the cost and inconvenience of returning abroad if complications arise.
More importantly, dental tourism carries clinical risks that many patients don’t fully appreciate until problems occur.
Continuity of Care Matters
All on four treatment isn’t just about the day of surgery – it requires careful planning beforehand and ongoing support afterwards. At The Briars, we provide comprehensive care throughout your entire journey, from digital planning using our advanced CBCT and iTero scanning systems, through surgery with our experienced implant surgeon, to long-term maintenance and support within easy reach of your home.
If complications arise with treatment carried out abroad, you may find it difficult or impossible to return to the original clinic. Meanwhile, UK-based dentists are often reluctant to take responsibility for work they didn’t perform, leaving you in a difficult position. According to the Association of Dental Implantology, one of the most common reasons patients seek corrective treatment is failed or poorly planned implant work carried out overseas.
Quality and Accountability
When you choose The Briars for your all on four treatment, you benefit from clinicians registered with the General Dental Council, adherence to strict UK standards for infection control and patient safety, use of high-quality implant systems with proven track records, and the assurance that we’ll be here to support you for years to come.
Our reputation has been built over more than 110 years of serving the Newbury community. We take pride in the relationships we build with our patients, many of whom have been with us for decades. This long-term commitment to your oral health is something that simply cannot be replicated through dental tourism.
All on four treatment represents a significant investment in your oral health, confidence, and quality of life. At The Briars, we believe in complete transparency about costs so you can make an informed decision about your treatment.
Treatment Pricing
The cost for all on four treatment at The Briars is £15,000 per arch. For patients requiring full mouth restoration (both upper and lower arches), the investment is £30,000. This pricing reflects the comprehensive nature of the treatment, including all consultations and planning appointments, advanced digital imaging and planning with CBCT and digital intra-oral scanners, surgical placement of implants by our surgeon, your immediate temporary bridge, and your final custom-crafted permanent restoration.
Flexible Financing Options
We understand that this level of investment requires careful financial planning. That’s why we offer flexible finance options to make your treatment more accessible. Our financing arrangements allow you to spread the cost over up to 60 months, with various interest-free periods available depending on the plan you choose.
During your consultation, our team will discuss the financing options available and help you find an arrangement that suits your budget whilst allowing you to proceed with the treatment you need.
The Value Perspective
When considering the cost of all on four treatment, it’s worth reflecting on the value this investment brings to your life. Unlike traditional dentures that require replacement every five to seven years, properly maintained dental implants can last decades. You’ll regain the ability to eat the foods you love without restriction, speak with clarity and confidence, smile without self-consciousness, and maintain better overall oral health by preventing further bone loss.
Many of our patients tell us that the improvement to their quality of life far exceeds their initial investment in treatment.
Since introducing all on four treatment, we’ve helped numerous patients rediscover the joy of a confident smile. Our approach combines cutting-edge technology with the personalised care that has been our hallmark for over a century.
Advanced Digital Planning
Our investment in intra-oral scanners and CBCT imaging technology means your all on four treatment is planned with exceptional precision. We can visualise your jaw structure in three dimensions, and identify the optimal implant positions for the best aesthetic and functional result.
Experienced Team
Your treatment team includes Nick French, our partner with extensive experience in complex implant planning, Dave Veige, our implant surgeon who places your implants and immediate bridge, and our skilled laboratory technicians who craft your permanent restoration to the highest standards.
This multidisciplinary approach ensures every aspect of your treatment receives expert attention.
Patient-Centred Care
At The Briars, we never rush appointments or treat patients as numbers. We take the time to understand your concerns, answer your questions, and ensure you feel comfortable and informed throughout your treatment journey. Our spacious practice environment, complete with separate waiting areas and consultation rooms, provides a calm and comfortable setting for your care.
Successfully completing your all on four treatment is the beginning of your new chapter with a transformed smile. Understanding how to care for your new teeth ensures they continue to serve you well for many years.
Immediate Aftercare
Following your surgery, you’ll need to stick to soft foods for the first few weeks whilst your implants integrate. Your bite will feel different initially as you adjust to your new teeth. Some minor discomfort or swelling is normal and typically resolves within a few days. Our team will provide detailed aftercare instructions and remain available to address any concerns during your recovery.
Long-Term Maintenance
Once healed, your all on four restoration requires regular care similar to natural teeth, including daily brushing and using interdental cleaning aids as recommended, regular hygiene appointments with our skilled hygienists (we recommend visits every three to four months), and annual check-ups to monitor your implants and overall oral health.
The good news is that maintaining your all on four restoration is straightforward, and our team will show you exactly how to care for your new smile during your appointments.
If you’re tired of struggling with missing or failing teeth, all on four treatment at The Briars could transform your life. Our experienced team is here to guide you through every step of the journey, from your initial consultation through to your final restoration and beyond.
Ready to discover whether all on four is right for you? Contact our friendly team today to arrange your complimentary Treatment Coordinator appointment. There’s no obligation – just an opportunity to explore your options and learn how we can help you achieve the smile you deserve.
Your smile means everything to us, and we’re here to help you achieve your dental goals with personalised, high-quality care that puts you first.
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