All-on-4 / All-on-6 Full Arch Restoration — A New Smile in Days

A Complete New Smile — Permanently Fixed, Not Removable

If you are missing most or all of your teeth, or struggling with failing teeth and loose dentures, the All-on-4 (or All-on-6) procedure is the most transformative solution available in modern dentistry. In a single surgical session, four to six dental implants are placed in each jaw, and a full arch of beautiful, fixed teeth is attached the same day.

This is not a denture. The All-on-4 prosthesis is permanently fixed to the implants — you never remove it. It looks, feels, and functions like natural teeth. You eat steak, corn on the cob, apples — whatever you want. You brush them like regular teeth. You smile with confidence because what people see is a natural, beautiful set of teeth.

At our clinic in Playa del Carmen, All-on-4 full arch restorations start at $8,500 per arch. That same procedure in the United States costs $25,000 to $50,000 per arch. Our patients save $15,000 to $40,000 — enough to pay for their flights, hotel, and still come out dramatically ahead financially.

How All-on-4 Works

The All-on-4 concept, originally developed by Nobel Biocare, uses a strategic implant placement technique that maximizes available bone. Instead of placing one implant per missing tooth (which would require 12-14 implants per arch), the All-on-4 system supports a complete arch of teeth on just four implants.

The Key Innovation: Angled Posterior Implants

The two front implants are placed vertically in the dense anterior jawbone. The two back implants are placed at a 30-45 degree angle. This angulation achieves three critical advantages:

1. Maximizes bone contact by engaging the longest possible bone surface area
2. Avoids anatomical structures like the maxillary sinus (upper jaw) and inferior alveolar nerve (lower jaw)
3. Eliminates the need for bone grafting in the vast majority of cases, saving time, cost, and an additional healing period

For patients who need even greater stability or have a wider arch, the All-on-6 variation uses six implants instead of four. The additional implants provide extra support and are recommended for certain clinical situations.

The All-on-4 Procedure: Step by Step

Pre-Surgical Planning

Before any surgery, our team conducts a comprehensive evaluation:

• 3D CT scan of your jawbone to map bone density, nerve locations, and sinus position
• Digital treatment planning using specialized software to determine exact implant positions and angles
• Dental impressions or digital scans for fabrication of the temporary prosthesis
• Medical history review to ensure you are a safe candidate for the procedure

This planning phase is meticulous and may take 1-2 appointments. It is the foundation of a successful outcome.

Day of Surgery

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia with optional sedation for patient comfort. Here is what happens:

Step 1 — Extraction of remaining teeth. If you still have failing teeth, they are removed at the start of the procedure.

Step 2 — Implant placement. Four (or six) implants are placed according to the pre-surgical plan. Each implant is inserted with high initial stability, which is what allows immediate loading with teeth.

Step 3 — Abutment connection. Special angled abutments are attached to the implants, creating a foundation for the prosthesis.

Step 4 — Temporary prosthesis attachment. A pre-fabricated provisional (temporary) arch of teeth is attached to the implants. You walk out of the clinic with a full set of teeth on the same day as surgery.

The entire procedure typically takes 2-4 hours per arch. Most patients describe the experience as far more comfortable than expected — the anxiety beforehand is almost always worse than the procedure itself.

Healing and Final Prosthesis

The temporary prosthesis serves you well during the healing period (typically 4-6 months), while the implants undergo osseointegration — fusing with the jawbone to create a permanent anchor.

After healing is confirmed with a follow-up CT scan, you return to our clinic for your final prosthesis. This permanent restoration is crafted from high-strength materials (typically zirconia or acrylic on a titanium framework) and is custom-designed for optimal aesthetics, fit, and function. The final prosthesis is then permanently fixed to the implants.

All-on-4 vs. Traditional Dentures

If you currently wear removable dentures, you understand the daily frustrations: slipping when you eat, clicking when you talk, sore spots from poor fit, adhesive paste that tastes terrible, and the embarrassment of removing them at night. The All-on-4 eliminates every one of these problems.

Feature	Removable Dentures	All-on-4 Fixed Teeth
Stability	Loose, moves when eating and talking	Permanently fixed, rock-solid
Bone preservation	Accelerates bone loss over time	Implants stimulate bone, preventing further loss
Bite force	Reduced to 10-20% of natural teeth	Restored to 80-90% of natural bite force
Diet restrictions	Many hard and sticky foods off-limits	Eat anything — steak, apples, corn, nuts
Maintenance	Daily removal, adhesive, soaking	Brush and floss like natural teeth
Comfort	Sore spots, bulky palate coverage	Slim profile, no palate coverage (upper arch)
Confidence	Fear of slipping in social situations	Complete confidence — they look and feel natural
Longevity	Reline/replace every 5-7 years	Implants last a lifetime; prosthesis 15-20+ years

For many patients, the transition from dentures to All-on-4 is nothing short of life-changing. They eat foods they haven’t enjoyed in years, smile without self-consciousness, and regain a quality of life they thought was gone forever.

Cost Comparison: All-on-4 in Mexico vs. the US

Procedure	US Price	Canada Price	Our Price	Savings
All-on-4 (single arch, temporary)	$20,000 - $30,000	$18,000 - $28,000 CAD	From $8,500	Up to 66%
All-on-4 (single arch, with final prosthesis)	$25,000 - $50,000	$22,000 - $45,000 CAD	$12,000 - $18,000	Up to 64%
All-on-6 (single arch, temporary)	$25,000 - $35,000	$22,000 - $32,000 CAD	From $10,500	Up to 58%
Full mouth (both arches, temporary)	$40,000 - $60,000	$36,000 - $56,000 CAD	From $17,000	Up to 58%
Full mouth (both arches, with final)	$50,000 - $100,000	$44,000 - $90,000 CAD	$24,000 - $36,000	Up to 64%

Prices include implants, abutments, surgical procedure, temporary prosthesis, and all appointments during the surgical phase. Final prosthesis is quoted separately because material options vary (zirconia, porcelain on titanium, or acrylic on titanium).

The bottom line: A patient who needs both arches can save $30,000 to $60,000 by choosing our clinic in Playa del Carmen. That savings is life-changing in itself.

Planning Your All-on-4 Trip to Playa del Carmen

The All-on-4 procedure requires a longer initial visit than most other dental treatments. Here is a practical timeline:

Trip 1 — Surgery and Temporary Teeth (7-10 days)

Days 1-2: Arrival in Playa del Carmen. Comprehensive consultation including CT scan, medical evaluation, and treatment planning. Dental impressions for the temporary prosthesis.

Day 3-4: Surgery day. Extractions (if needed), implant placement, and temporary prosthesis attachment. You leave the clinic with teeth.

Days 5-8: Recovery and follow-up. You rest at your hotel (we recommend beachfront — perfect for recovery), eat soft foods, and attend 1-2 follow-up appointments so we can check healing and adjust the temporary prosthesis if needed.

Days 9-10: Final check before departure. Our team provides detailed aftercare instructions and schedules for your return visit.

Healing Period at Home (4-6 months)

You return to the US or Canada with your temporary teeth in place. They look good and function well for normal eating. During this period, the implants integrate with your jawbone. We stay in touch via WhatsApp for any questions or concerns.

Trip 2 — Final Prosthesis (5-7 days)

You return for the fabrication and fitting of your permanent prosthesis. Impressions are taken, and the final restoration is crafted and adjusted for perfect fit, bite, and aesthetics. This trip is shorter and involves minimal discomfort.

Who Is a Candidate for All-on-4?

The All-on-4 procedure is designed for patients with:

• Complete tooth loss (edentulism) in one or both arches
• Failing teeth that need extraction (severe decay, gum disease, fractures)
• Dissatisfaction with removable dentures — poor fit, discomfort, dietary limitations
• Bone loss that would require extensive grafting for conventional implants (All-on-4’s angled placement often avoids grafting entirely)

Most adults in reasonable general health are candidates. Medical conditions like controlled diabetes, heart disease, or osteoporosis do not automatically disqualify you. Our team evaluates each case individually.

Patients who may need additional preparation include those with very severe bone loss (where even angled implant placement cannot find sufficient bone). In these cases, bone grafting may be recommended before or in conjunction with the All-on-4 procedure.

Final Prosthesis Material Options

When you return for your permanent restoration, you will choose from these options:

Zirconia Monolithic — The strongest and most aesthetic option. Full zirconia arches are milled from a single block of material, creating a seamless, translucent result that closely mimics natural teeth. Zirconia is stain-resistant, chip-resistant, and does not wear down over time. This is our premium recommendation.

Porcelain Fused to Titanium — A titanium framework (for strength) with individual porcelain teeth bonded on top (for aesthetics). This option offers excellent aesthetics and good durability, with the advantage that individual teeth can be repaired if damaged.

Acrylic on Titanium (Hybrid) — The most affordable option. A titanium framework supports acrylic teeth and gum-colored material. While not as aesthetic or durable as zirconia or porcelain, hybrid prostheses are lighter and easier to modify.

Our team discusses the pros, cons, and pricing of each option so you can make an informed decision that fits your goals and budget.

Insurance and Financing

Many US PPO dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for implant procedures, including All-on-4. Our administrative team provides all necessary ADA-coded documentation for you to file reimbursement claims with your insurance provider.

We also accept major credit cards and bank transfers, and can discuss payment arrangements for extensive treatment plans. The savings compared to US prices often mean that even without insurance, the All-on-4 in Mexico is more affordable than the insured out-of-pocket cost in the US.

Take the First Step Toward Your New Smile

The All-on-4 procedure is not just a dental treatment — it is a life-changing investment in your health, confidence, and quality of life. Our clinic has the experience, technology, and commitment to deliver results that exceed your expectations, at a price that makes this transformative procedure accessible.

Send us your panoramic X-ray or CT scan via WhatsApp, and our implantologist will provide a free preliminary assessment. We will tell you honestly whether All-on-4 is right for you, what to expect, and how much it will cost — with no obligation and no pressure.

Get Your Free All-on-4 Assessment on WhatsApp — We respond in under 2 hours.