If you’ve lost most or all of your teeth, you’ve likely faced the big decision—go with removable dentures or invest in All-on-4 dental implants? Both options restore your smile, but they’re drastically different in how they feel, function, and fit into your life.

Let’s be honest, nobody wants to spend their days worrying about dentures slipping, clicking, or soaking in a glass. But implants sound expensive and invasive. So which one truly gives you the freedom to eat, speak, and smile without a second thought?

In this guide, we’ll break down the real differences between All-on-4 dental implants and traditional dentures—including cost, comfort, durability, and daily life—so you can decide what works better for you.

all on 4 implants vs dentures

What Are All-on-4 Implants?

All-on-4 is a full-arch tooth replacement system that uses just four implants to support an entire set of upper or lower teeth. These implants are placed strategically in the jaw to anchor a fixed set of teeth, offering stability without needing one implant per tooth.

Key Benefits:

The best part? Many patients walk out with same-day teeth, meaning you don’t have to live toothless during healing.

What Are Traditional Dentures?

Traditional dentures are removable acrylic appliances that rest on your gums. They replace missing teeth but don’t anchor to the jawbone.

Common Complaints:

They’re affordable and non-surgical, but come with a steep learning curve and lifelong maintenance.

Cost Comparison (India – 2025)

Option Estimated Cost (INR) Lifespan
Traditional Full Dentures ₹10,000 – ₹25,000 per arch 5–7 years
All-on-4 Implants ₹1.8 – ₹3.5 Lakhs per arch 15–25 years+

Comfort & Fit: Which Feels Better?

Here’s where things get real. Dentures rest on your gums, which means pressure, soreness, and slipping are common—especially in the lower jaw.

All-on-4 implants, however, are permanently fixed, so you feel like you have natural teeth. No gum irritation, no adhesives, no clicking sounds in a quiet room.

Over time, most patients say they forget they’re even wearing implants. Dentures? Not so much.

Function & Chewing Strength

If you’ve ever struggled to bite into an apple or chew chapati with dentures, you know the frustration. Dentures offer 20–30% of your natural bite force.

All-on-4 implants restore up to 80–90% of that function. You can eat tough foods, speak clearly, and chew without worrying about shifting teeth.

Bone Health & Jaw Preservation

This is something most patients don’t realize until it’s too late: Dentures don’t stimulate the jawbone. When your jaw doesn’t receive stimulation from tooth roots or implants, it begins to shrink.

All-on-4 implants are anchored into the bone, so they preserve bone density and keep your face from sagging or appearing “sunken.”

Maintenance & Daily Routine

If you’re looking for a hassle-free, low-maintenance solution, implants win by a mile.

Who Should Choose What?

Go for All-on-4 implants if:
Choose traditional dentures if:

If you’re looking for a solution that gives you freedom, function, and confidence—All-on-4 implants are the clear winner. Yes, they cost more up front, but they last longer, feel more natural, and dramatically improve your quality of life.

Traditional dentures still have a place. They’re accessible, simple, and effective for many. But if you’ve been struggling with loose dentures or avoiding hard foods, it might be time to upgrade to a better option.

FAQs

Are All-on-4 implants painful?
The surgery is done under local anaesthesia, and most patients report mild soreness afterward. Recovery is usually smooth and manageable with medication.
How long does it take to get All-on-4 implants?
The surgery and placement of temporary teeth can happen on the same day. Final teeth are placed after 3–6 months of healing.
Can I switch from dentures to implants later?
Yes, many patients transition from dentures to implants. However, if bone loss has occurred, you may need bone grafting first.
Do dentures really cause bone loss?
Yes. Without tooth roots or implants, your jawbone slowly shrinks over time, affecting facial structure and denture fit.
What if I can’t afford All-on-4 implants right now?
Many clinics offer EMI or zero-interest payment plans. You can also consider starting with one arch (upper or lower) and completing the other later.