All-on-4 Dental Implants Cost UK: Prices & Finance Options
- Sadiq Quasim
- 4 days ago
- 11 min read
In 2025, All-on-4 dental implants in the UK typically cost £9,500–£16,000 per arch, or £18,000–£28,000 for a full mouth, with finance options starting from about £189 a month.
Your own quote can rise or fall by several thousand pounds depending on the number of extractions, the implant brand, whether you need sedation, and how the final bridge is made. With so many variables, it’s easy to feel unsure where your money is going or whether a cheaper clinic—or a flight abroad—could offer the same result. This guide breaks the numbers down for you and also explains the finance jargon—APR, 0 % interest, staged payments—so you can decide which option fits your budget without hidden surprises.
We’ll cover current UK price ranges, the factors that move the dial, regional comparisons, finance plans, and how All-on-4 stacks up against dentures or full-arch alternatives. Along the way you’ll see itemised cost examples, realistic repayment tables, and candid answers to the questions patients ask every day. Ready to find out what goes into that final figure? First, a quick look at what All-on-4 actually involves.
What Exactly Are All-on-4 Dental Implants?
“All-on-4” is a full-arch restoration that fixes a complete row of new teeth onto just four titanium implants, giving the stability of natural roots without placing an implant under every missing tooth. Understanding the mechanics will help you see why the treatment commands a higher fee than dentures yet often costs less than placing eight or more conventional implants.
How the All-on-4 technique works step by step
Digital planning – an iTero or CBCT scan maps bone density and the bite.
Surgical guide – a 3-D printed stent directs the drill to the exact angle.
Implant placement – two front implants go in vertically; two at the back are tilted up to 45 °. The tilt avoids the sinus or nerve and grips more bone, so grafting is rarely needed.
Immediate loading – within hours a provisional acrylic bridge is screwed onto the implants, giving a same-day smile.
Healing & final bridge – after 3–6 months the temporary is swapped for a slim, high-strength zirconia or nano-ceramic bridge.
Who is (and isn’t) a good candidate?
Ideal: adults with adequate jaw bone in the front of the mouth, healthy gums, controlled medical conditions, and realistic expectations. It’s perfect for long-time denture wearers or those told they “don’t have enough bone” for standard implants. Less suitable: uncontrolled diabetes, heavy smoking, active gum infection, untreated bruxism, or patients needing complex jaw reconstruction.
All-on-4 vs traditional full-arch implants and dentures
All-on-4 | Traditional implants | Complete denture | |
|---|---|---|---|
Implants per arch | 4 | 6–8 | 0 |
Surgery stages | 1–2 | 2–3 | 1 |
Teeth in a day? | Yes | Rarely | Yes |
Healing time | ~3 months | 4–9 months | None |
Typical cost | £9.5k–£16k | £14k–£20k | £600–£1,500 |
Maintenance | Hygienist | Hygienist | Relines/adhesive |
Result stability | Fixed | Fixed | Removable |
Key benefits and potential drawbacks
Benefits include immediate function, fewer implants, bone preservation, and a fixed bridge that feels natural when eating or speaking. Downsides are the higher upfront cost compared with dentures, the fact the bridge can only be removed by a dentist, and the small risk (≈3 %) of implant failure which may add to costs later.
Typical All-on-4 Dental Implant Costs in the UK
Before finance, discounts or “special offers” come into play, there is a fairly predictable price corridor for All-on-4 across Britain. The figures below combine published 2025 fee guides, our own market checks, and WhatClinic data, giving you a realistic yard-stick when that treatment-co-ordinator slides the quote across the desk.
National price range and regional variations
For a single upper or lower arch, the going rate sits between £9,500 and £16,000. London and the South-East push the upper end (average £13,800), while Manchester, Birmingham, and Glasgow hover around £11,500. Smaller towns and mixed NHS/private practices can dip to £9,000, but ultra-low numbers often exclude the final bridge or sedation. Expect a 10 – 15 % “capital surcharge” driven by higher rents, lab fees and staff costs rather than any miraculous difference in implantology.
Cost per arch versus both arches
A full-mouth (both arches) quote is not simply double. Labs only design one occlusion, surgery time is shorter than two separate visits, and diagnostics are shared. Most clinics therefore price full mouth packages at £18,000 – £28,000—roughly 1.8 × a single arch. If you receive staggered quotes (top first, bottom later) the combined total can creep higher, so ask for a same-day dual-arch price for comparison.
Itemised breakdown of where the money goes
Treatment element | Typical fee band |
|---|---|
Consultation + CBCT scan | £150 – £300 |
Digital planning & surgical guide | £400 – £800 |
Extractions, bone shaping, IV sedation | £800 – £1,500 |
Four premium implants + multi-unit abutments | £4,000 – £6,000 |
Same-day provisional acrylic bridge | £1,200 – £1,800 |
Final zirconia / nano-ceramic bridge | £2,800 – £4,500 |
Post-op reviews, hygiene kit, warranty admin | £300 – £700 |
Grand total (single arch) | £9,500 – £16,000 |
Numbers shift up or down with implant brand (Nobel Biocare vs value labels), whether sedation is oral or IV, and the complexity of the lab work (monolithic zirconia is dearer but lasts longer).
Hidden or add-on expenses to watch for
Bone graft or sinus lift: £300 – £800 per site
Upgrade to GA hospital theatre: £1,200+
Prescription meds and ice packs: up to £60
Bridge repair outside warranty: £250 – £600
Hygienist plan after year one: £12 – £18 a month
Always request an all-inclusive, written quote that covers provisional and final bridges, follow-up X-rays, and the first year of hygiene so the “headline” All-on-4 dental implants cost matches the figure on your bank statement.
Which Factors Push the Price Up or Down?
No two mouths—or clinic invoices—are identical. Once the basics are covered, four levers decide whether your All-on-4 dental implants cost sits nearer £9,500 or rockets past £16,000. Knowing what’s negotiable and what isn’t will help you challenge a quote with confidence.
Clinical complexity and pre-treatment needs
Multiple extractions, cyst removal or periodontal therapy add chair time and consumables.
Poor bone density can require small “spot” grafts, membrane coverage or wider implants.
IV or general anaesthesia costs several hundred pounds more than local plus oral sedation. Rule of thumb: every extra surgical procedure nudges the fee by £300–£800.
Materials and laboratory choices
Premium implant systems (Nobel Biocare, Straumann) command £150–£250 more per fixture than budget imports.
Final bridges range from hybrid acrylic (£) to monolithic zirconia (£££) or nano-ceramic wrapped zirconia (££).
Custom titanium bars, pink porcelain and gum-toned composites all increase lab hours. Shaving spec can save money, but may shorten lifespan or aesthetics.
Dentist expertise, on-site lab & digital tech
Surgeons with MSc or implant diplomas charge higher professional fees—paying for their skill and lower complication rates.
An in-house lab or 3-D printer cuts external courier costs but the investment is baked into treatment pricing.
Digital workflows (iTero scans, printed guides) add ~£400 yet reduce surgery time and remake risk.
Geographic location and clinic overheads
City-centre rents, business rates and staff salaries raise baseline fees by 10–20 %. That’s why a London bridge often costs more than the same prosthesis in Luton or Leeds even when the clinical work is identical.
UK Prices Compared to Going Abroad or the NHS
Sticker shock often leads patients to Google “cheapest All-on-4” and stumble across bargain offers abroad or dream of an NHS referral. Before you book flights—or pin hopes on state funding—it pays to understand exactly what the quoted figure covers, and what it doesn’t.
Turkey, Hungary, Spain: what the lower headline price includes
Overseas clinics advertise All-on-4 packages from £3,500–£6,000 per arch, roughly a third of typical UK fees. The headline usually bundles:
consultation and CBCT,
four implants of a mid-range brand,
same-day acrylic bridge,
one post-op review (often 24–48 hrs later).
What it rarely covers is the final zirconia bridge, UK-bound review appointments, or the cost of flights, hotels, and time off work. Add £800–£1,200 for two return trips plus £2,000–£3,500 for the definitive bridge and the saving often shrinks to a few thousand pounds.
Hidden risks and long-term costs of dental tourism
Regulatory standards vary: the UK’s Care Quality Commission, GDC registration and strict indemnity rules don’t apply overseas. If an implant fails you’ll be footing the bill for emergency dentistry at home—or another flight back. Patients also report difficulties sourcing identical implant components when repairs are needed years later. Factor even one complication and the initial bargain can turn into the most expensive option overall.
Can you get All-on-4 on the NHS?
In short, almost never. NHS England funds full-arch implants only for exceptional cases like major head-and-neck cancer resection or severe trauma, and even then via hospital referral, not high-street dentists. Routine tooth loss, gum disease or denture intolerance do not meet the criteria. Extractions and basic dentures may be band-3 NHS treatments, but the All-on-4 dental implants cost remains a private expense.
Finance & Payment Plans: Making All-on-4 Affordable
A five-figure treatment quote can feel impossible at first glance, yet most UK patients never hand over the whole sum in one go. Clinics—Wigmore Smiles & Aesthetics included—work with regulated credit providers and in-house memberships to break the cost into bite-sized monthly amounts. Below are the most common ways to fund your new smile without flattening your savings.
Interest-free (0 % APR) short-term finance (6–12 months)
If your credit file looks healthy and you can manage larger monthly instalments, 0 % deals are the cheapest money you’ll ever borrow. The lender pays the practice on day one; you repay them over a year with no interest or admin fees.
Example: £10,500 single-arch package | 6 mths | 12 mths |
|---|---|---|
Deposit (10 %) | £1,050 | £1,050 |
Monthly repayment | £1,575 | £788 |
Total repaid | £10,500 | £10,500 |
Wigmore Smiles & Aesthetics offers precisely this scenario—subject to a quick e-sign credit check—so treatment can begin as soon as you’re approved.
Low-interest long-term finance (24–60 months)
Prefer a gentler monthly figure? Terms up to five years spread the bill but attract interest.
Representative APR: 7.9 – 9.9 %
Early-settlement usually allowed, often with a small rebate of remaining interest
Monthly payment for £12,000 over 60 mths @ 7.9 % APR ≈ £243 Total payable £14,580 (interest £2,580).
Dental membership plans and staged payments
Some practices bundle routine hygiene, X-rays and discounts on major work for £18–£25 a month. Join early and you’ll build credit that can be offset against the implant phase. Another tactic is staged invoicing: pay for diagnostics first, then the surgical stage, and finally the definitive bridge three months later—spreading the hit across the calendar year.
External loans, credit cards and medical finance firms
High-limit 0 % purchase credit cards can work if you’re disciplined about clearing the balance before the promotional window ends. Personal loans or specialist medical lenders (e.g., Chrysalis, Tabeo) accept a wider credit spectrum but carry APRs from 6 % to 15 %. Always compare the total amount repayable, not just the headline rate.
Dental insurance & tax-efficient funding
Standard UK dental insurance rarely covers implants, though a few “implant upgrade” policies reimburse up to £2,500—barely a dent in an All-on-4 fee. Note that implant dentistry is zero-rated for VAT, and company directors may legitimately fund treatment through a director’s loan to spread taxation. Speak with an accountant before choosing that route.
Long-Term Value: Are All-on-4 Worth the Money?
A five-figure outlay naturally begs the question: will the treatment still feel like a smart investment five, ten or twenty years down the line? Value isn’t only about the headline All-on-4 dental implants cost; it’s the blend of lifespan, ongoing maintenance bills, and day-to-day quality of life that determines the true return on spend.
Expected lifespan and maintenance costs
Implants: Titanium fixtures can integrate with bone for 30 + years if cared for, and many studies now show survival rates above 95 % at the 15-year mark.
Bridge: The provisional acrylic lasts only the healing period. The final zirconia or nano-ceramic bridge is rated for 10–15 years before resurfacing or remake may be needed.
Routine care: Expect two hygienist visits a year (£60–£90 each), an annual review X-ray (~£50), and the occasional screw-tightening—usually covered under warranty in the first five years. A chipped porcelain tooth can often be polished or spot-repaired for £120–£250.
Quality-of-life improvements vs dentures
Patients who move from full dentures to a fixed All-on-4 routinely report:
Chewing power restored to 70–80 % of natural teeth, compared with 20 % for loose dentures.
Clearer speech—no acrylic plate covering the palate.
Freedom to taste hot drinks and crusty bread without adhesive dramas.
Bone preservation: implants stimulate the jaw, slowing the “sunken” look common with long-term denture wear.
A knock-on boost in self-confidence and social ease that’s hard to attach a price tag to.
Alternative treatments and their cost trajectories
Option | Up-front fee (per arch) | Annual maintenance | Comfort & stability | Expected longevity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
All-on-4 | £9,500 – £16,000 | £150 – £250 | Fixed, feels natural | Implants 30 yrs; bridge 10–15 |
All-on-6 | £11,500 – £18,000 | £150 – £250 | Slightly more robust under heavy bite | Similar to All-on-4 |
Implant-retained overdenture | £4,000 – £7,000 | £200 – £350 (clip changes, relines) | Removable; snaps on | 10 yrs for denture; implants longer |
Premium complete denture | £1,200 – £1,800 | £300 – £400 (relines, adhesive) | Least stable | 5–7 yrs before remake |
Viewed over a decade, the fixed solutions work out cheaper per year than repeatedly remaking dentures, and they deliver lifestyle perks no removable appliance can match. For many, that combination of financial sense and everyday freedom tips the scales firmly in favour of All-on-4.
Complete Cost Timeline: From First Consultation to Life-Long Care
Knowing when each bill is likely to land in your inbox stops nasty surprises and makes it easier to align finance approvals, pay-days or that annual bonus. Below is a realistic calendar for a straightforward single-arch case; if you opt for both jaws, just double the time points, not always the price.
Pre-treatment phase (consultation to surgery day)
Week 0–2: New-patient exam, photos, CBCT scan, digital impressions. Cost: £150 – £300.
Week 3–4: 3-D planning, surgical guide fabrication, finance paperwork. Cost: £400 – £800. Deposits (10 – 20 %) are usually taken at this stage to secure the theatre slot.
Surgery day expenses
Extractions, IV sedation, four implants, multi-unit abutments, provisional acrylic bridge. One invoice: £5,000 – £7,500. Most clinics collect this balance on the morning of surgery or via pre-arranged finance.
Immediate recovery and reviews
Prescription medication, soft toothbrushes, hygienist check at 48 hours and one week. Cost: £40 – £120 (often bundled). No additional surgical fees unless unforeseen complications arise.
Final bridge placement (3–6 months)
Impressions for zirconia/nano-ceramic bridge, laboratory fee, fit appointment. Cost: £2,800 – £4,500. Payment is due on the day of placement; some patients start a fresh 0 % plan here.
Ongoing aftercare & warranty period
Twice-yearly hygienist (£60–£90) and annual X-ray (~£50).
Manufacturer/practice warranty: typically 5 years on implants, 2 years on bridge—contingent on attending reviews. Budget £150–£250 per year for maintenance; it’s pocket change compared with remedial surgery caused by skipped appointments.
Mapping your All-on-4 journey like this keeps both your calendar and your wallet under firm control.
Frequently Asked Questions About All-on-4 Costs
Still weighing up the numbers? The bite-size answers below clear up the money queries we hear most often in the consultation room.
How much do All-on-4 implants cost in 2025?
Most UK clinics quote £9,500–£16,000 per arch or £18,000–£28,000 for both, with finance from roughly £189 a month.
Where can I find the cheapest All-on-4 in the UK?
Lower prices pop up in smaller towns where overheads are lower, yet always check the quote includes the final bridge, reviews, and sedation before judging on cost alone.
Is it cheaper to get All-on-4 abroad?
Headline deals in Turkey or Hungary start around £3,500 per arch, but flights, hotels, and a return visit for the zirconia bridge can erase much of the saving—and after-care is miles away.
What’s the price difference between All-on-4 and All-on-6?
Adding two extra implants typically tacks on £2,000–£4,000 per arch due to extra surgical time, parts, and laboratory work.
Can I finance All-on-4 if my credit score is poor?
Possible—options include guarantor loans, specialist medical lenders, or staged payments. Improving your score six months before applying widens the choice and lowers the APR.
Ready for Your New Smile?
Still crunching numbers? By now you know that a fixed All-on-4 bridge usually costs £9,500–£16,000 per arch in the UK, that the figure moves with bone work, implant brand and bridge material, and that finance can spread the hit to as little as £189 a month. You’ve also seen why staying on home soil, sticking with a GDC-registered team and budgeting £150–£250 a year for professional upkeep protects that investment for decades.
The final decision, though, is personal. A free, no-obligation consultation lets you meet the surgeon, review your scans and walk away with a written, all-inclusive quote that matches both your mouth and your wallet. If you’re ready to swap wobbly dentures or missing teeth for a confident, steak-tested bite, book your appointment with Wigmore Smiles & Aesthetics today. We’ll talk you through 0 % options, longer-term plans and any clinical tweaks that can shave pounds without cutting corners—so the only thing you’ll lose is hesitation.
