All-on-4
A full arch of teeth restored on four to six implants — fixed in place, designed and delivered by a prosthodontist.
For patients facing the loss of all or most of the teeth in an arch, a fixed implant bridge restores the full arch with a single prosthesis — one that doesn't come out, doesn't move, and looks and functions like natural teeth.
What it is
An All-on-4 (or All-on-5, All-on-6) restoration replaces an entire arch of teeth with a fixed bridge supported by four to six dental implants. The implants are placed at specific positions and angles to provide the strongest possible foundation. Once the implants have integrated with the jawbone, the final prosthesis is screwed into place — permanently — and functions like natural teeth.
Unlike a traditional denture, the prosthesis is not removed at night. It stays in place and is cleaned much like natural teeth, with brushing, flossing, and regular professional care.
Restorative care from a prosthodontist
A full-arch fixed bridge has two phases: surgical and restorative. Dr. Rasmussen focuses on the restorative side. He plans the case from the final outcome backward — deciding where the teeth need to sit, how the bite should function, and what kind of prosthesis will deliver the most natural look and feel. He then coordinates with an oral surgeon or periodontist who places the implants according to that plan.
This division of labor is intentional. Surgical placement and restorative design are each specialized disciplines, and complex full-arch cases benefit from each step being handled by a clinician with focused training. Dr. Rasmussen has restored hundreds of implant cases and works with a network of trusted surgical partners.
Who is a candidate?
Fixed implant bridges are a strong option for patients who:
- Have lost — or are facing the loss of — most or all of the teeth in an upper or lower arch.
- Are tired of struggling with ill-fitting dentures.
- Want a permanent, fixed solution rather than something removable.
- Have enough jawbone to support implants (or can benefit from grafting to build the bone needed).
Candidacy is confirmed during a consultation that typically includes a clinical exam and a cone-beam CT scan to evaluate bone volume, density, and the anatomical structures involved.
The treatment timeline
Most full-arch cases follow a similar arc:
- Consultation and planning. Clinical exam, CT imaging, and a written treatment plan. Dr. Rasmussen designs the final prosthesis digitally and uses that design to guide the surgical placement.
- Implant placement (with the surgeon). Implants are placed at the positions planned. In many cases, a temporary fixed prosthesis is delivered the same day so you leave with teeth.
- Healing phase. The implants integrate with the jawbone over three to six months. The temporary prosthesis is worn throughout.
- Final restoration. Once integration is confirmed, Dr. Rasmussen designs and delivers the permanent prosthesis — precision-fitted, tested for bite and function, and built to last.
Fixed bridge vs. removable denture
Many patients weigh a fixed implant bridge against an implant-supported overdenture (a denture that snaps onto implants and can be removed). Both replace missing teeth on an implant foundation, but the experience is different.
- Fixed bridge: Stays in place. Cleaned in the mouth. Feels closest to natural teeth. Generally requires more implants and a higher initial investment.
- Implant-supported overdenture: Removable for cleaning. Usually requires fewer implants. More affordable, but less stable than a fixed solution.
Dr. Rasmussen walks through both options at consultation and recommends the approach that best fits your goals, anatomy, and circumstances.
What about long-term care?
Implant restorations are durable, but they're not maintenance-free. Patients typically see Dr. Rasmussen periodically for evaluation of the prosthesis, the implants, and the surrounding tissue. Components occasionally need to be tightened, refurbished, or replaced over the lifespan of the restoration — routine, expected maintenance for a long-lasting result.
Fees & Financial Policy: Rasmussen Prosthodontics is a fee-for-service practice. We are not contracted with any insurance company, but we can submit claims to your insurance as an out-of-network provider on your request. Read our financial policy →
Frequently Asked Questions
All-on-4 refers to a treatment concept that replaces a full arch of missing or failing teeth with a fixed bridge supported by four dental implants. The implants are positioned strategically so that the prosthesis is stable enough to function like natural teeth. Some cases use five or six implants for additional stability.
No. Dr. Rasmussen does not place dental implants surgically. He plans the restorative outcome, coordinates with an oral surgeon or periodontist to place the implants according to that plan, and then designs and restores the final prosthesis. This separation of surgical placement and restorative design is common in complex implant cases and produces predictable, lasting results.
Most patients leave their implant placement appointment with a temporary fixed prosthesis already in place. The final permanent prosthesis is typically delivered three to six months later, once the implants have fully integrated with the jawbone. Total treatment time depends on individual factors including bone quality and the need for any preliminary procedures.
No. A traditional denture rests on the gums and is removable. An All-on-4 fixed bridge is permanently attached to the implants and is not removed by the patient. It functions and feels much closer to natural teeth. There are also implant-supported overdenture options that snap in and out, which serve a different role for some patients.