Will I be without teeth during full arch treatment?

In most full arch cases, temporary teeth can be provided while the implants heal so you are not without teeth during the treatment period. Whether same-day or early loading of temporary teeth is appropriate for your case depends on bone quality and the specifics of your treatment plan, which Dr Flatters will discuss with you at consultation.

How long does full arch implant treatment take?

Full arch implant treatment typically takes several months from implant placement to fitting the final fixed teeth. This allows adequate time for the implants to integrate fully with the jawbone. Dr Flatters will provide a clear timeline at your consultation.

Full Arch Dental Implants in Radlett | All-on-4, All-on-6 & All-on-X

Q: Am I suitable for full arch dental implants?

Suitability for full arch implants depends on general health, bone levels and oral condition. Many patients who wear dentures or have failing teeth are suitable candidates. A full assessment and digital scans are required to determine the most appropriate treatment. Even patients with some bone loss may be suitable with the right preparation.

Smiling Man, great teeth, happy and content

If you are missing most or all of your teeth, or are struggling with dentures that feel unstable or uncomfortable, full arch dental implants offer a fixed, permanent solution. At Paragondental in Radlett, Dr Andrew Flatters uses advanced digital planning and fully guided techniques to replace an entire upper or lower set of teeth with precision and care.

We treat patients from Radlett, Watford, St Albans, Hemel Hempstead and across Hertfordshire. All full arch implant treatment is planned and carried out personally by Dr Flatters.

Paragondental is registered with the General Dental Council. GDC registration details are available on request.

What Are Full Arch Dental Implants?

Full arch dental implants replace a complete set of missing or failing teeth in the upper jaw, lower jaw or both. Rather than relying on removable dentures, a small number of carefully positioned implants are placed into the jawbone to support a fixed set of replacement teeth.

The result is a stable, natural-looking smile that stays securely in place and functions like natural teeth — with no slipping, no adhesives and no need to remove them at night.

All-on-4, All-on-6 & All-on-X Explained

All-on-4, All-on-6 and All-on-X refer to the number of implants used to support a full arch of teeth:

All-on-4: four carefully angled implants are used to support a complete fixed arch. The angled placement is designed to maximise use of available bone, often avoiding the need for bone grafting.
All-on-6: six implants are used to provide additional support where bone quality, arch size or bite forces require it.
All-on-X: Any number of implants that are necessary to provide full arch support where bone quality, arch size or bite require it.

The most appropriate option for you depends on your bone structure, bite and overall oral health. This is assessed in detail during your consultation using digital scans and 3D imaging.

Benefits of Full Arch Dental Implants

Full arch implants offer significant advantages over traditional removable dentures:

Fixed teeth that do not move, slip or require adhesives
Restored chewing ability — eat most foods comfortably again
Clearer speech without the interference of ill-fitting dentures
Helps preserve jawbone and maintain facial structure over time
A natural appearance designed to complement your face
Long-term stability with straightforward maintenance

For many patients, full arch implants restore not just function but confidence, so the ability to smile, eat and speak freely without worrying about dentures.

Digital Planning and Guided Implant Placement

At Paragondental, full arch implant treatment is planned digitally from the outset. Dr Flatters uses detailed 3D scans and specialist software to assess bone levels, bite alignment and aesthetics before any treatment begins.

Implants are then placed using fully guided techniques, which improve accuracy, minimise disruption to surrounding tissue and support predictable long-term results. This is particularly important for full arch cases, where the position and angle of each implant directly affects the function and appearance of the final teeth.

Your Full Arch Implant Journey

1. Consultation and Digital Assessment

Dr Flatters will carry out a detailed consultation including a full oral health assessment and 3D digital scans. He will review your bone levels, gum health and medical history and discuss your goals and expectations in detail.

2. Digital Treatment Planning

Your full arch treatment is planned digitally, including the position of each implant and the shape and appearance of the final teeth. You will receive a clear treatment plan with a full cost breakdown before any work begins.

3. Implant Placement

Implants are placed under local anaesthetic sedation using a fully guided surgical approach. Most patients find the procedure more comfortable than expected.

4. Temporary Teeth

In most cases, temporary teeth can be fitted while the implants heal, ensuring you leave the practice with a functional smile. The type and timing of temporary teeth depends on your individual treatment plan.

5. Healing Period

Over the following months, the implants integrate with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration. Dr Flatters and the team will monitor your progress and advise you throughout this period.

6. Final Fixed Teeth

Once healing is complete, your final fixed teeth are fitted. These are shaped, colour-matched and designed to look natural and feel comfortable for the long term.

7. Ongoing Care and Reviews

Regular professional reviews and hygiene appointments are essential for the long-term success of full arch implants. Dr Flatters will advise on the most appropriate maintenance schedule for your restoration.

Are Full Arch Implants Right for You?

Full arch dental implants may be suitable if you:

Are missing most or all of your teeth in one or both arches
Currently wear dentures and want a fixed alternative
Have teeth that are failing and cannot be saved
Are in reasonable general health

Bone levels, smoking status and medical history are all considered as part of your assessment. Even patients with some bone loss may be suitable with the right preparatory treatment. For more information on suitability, visit our Dental Implant Suitability and Eligibility page.

Understanding the Cost of Full Arch Implants

The cost of full arch dental implants varies depending on whether one or both arches are being treated, the number of implants required, bone condition and any preparatory treatment needed. Because treatment is highly individual, we provide a clear and personalised treatment plan following your consultation. Finance options may be available to help spread the cost. For full pricing guidance, visit our Dental Implant Costs and Finance page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is All-on-X treatment painful?

Full arch implant placement is carried out under local anaesthetic or sedation if necessary, and is usually very comfortable. Most patients report only mild and manageable discomfort during recovery, which typically settles within a few days. The fully guided digital approach used by Dr Flatters minimises disruption to surrounding tissue, supporting a more comfortable healing experience.

Will I be without teeth during treatment?

In most full arch cases, temporary teeth can be provided while the implants heal. Whether same-day or early loading is appropriate depends on your bone quality and treatment plan, which Dr Flatters will discuss with you fully at your consultation.

How long does full arch treatment take?

Full arch treatment typically takes several months from implant placement to fitting the final fixed teeth. This allows adequate time for osseointegration. Dr Flatters will provide a clear personalised timeline at your consultation.

Are full arch implants better than dentures?

Full arch implants offer a fixed, stable alternative to removable dentures. They do not move or slip, allow you to eat most foods comfortably, help preserve jawbone and facial structure and require no adhesives. Many patients report a significant improvement in confidence and quality of life following full arch treatment.

How long do full arch implants last?

With good oral hygiene, regular dental reviews and professional maintenance, full arch implants are designed to last for many years and often decades. Dr Flatters will advise on the most appropriate maintenance schedule for your specific restoration type.

Am I suitable for full arch dental implants?

Suitability depends on general health, bone levels and oral condition. Many patients who wear dentures or have failing teeth are good candidates. A full assessment and digital scans are required to confirm suitability. Even patients with some bone loss may be suitable with appropriate preparation.

Your Implant Clinician

Your full arch implant treatment is carried out by Dr Andrew Flatters, our Clinical Director. Dr Flatters holds an MSc in Digital Dentistry and has over 10 years of experience with digital implant workflows and guided techniques, delivering predictable, long-lasting results with a calm and unhurried approach.

Why Choose Paragondental for Full Arch Implants?

Patients choose Paragondental because we offer:

Advanced digital planning and fully guided implant placement
All treatment personally carried out by Dr Flatters
A personalised, unhurried and transparent approach
High standards of precision, comfort and aesthetics
Convenient access from Radlett, Watford, St Albans and Hemel Hempstead

Book Your Full Arch Implant Consultation

If you are considering full arch dental implants and would like to explore your options, we would be happy to help. A consultation with Dr Flatters is the best first step.

Call us on 01923 856 367 to book your appointment.