Both replace an entire arch of missing teeth — but they differ fundamentally in how they work, how long they last and how they feel. Full mouth implants are fixed permanently into the jawbone. Dentures are removable and rest on the gums. The right choice depends on your bone health, priorities and budget.
Implants From
£5,500/arch
Denture From
£1,095/arch
Implant Consult
FREE
If you have lost most or all of your teeth — or have teeth that can no longer be saved — choosing between full mouth implants and full dentures is one of the most important decisions you will make for your oral health. Both restore your smile, your ability to eat and your confidence — but the way they work, how they feel and how long they last are fundamentally different.
Full mouth implants — often called All-on-4 — use just four titanium implants per arch to support a permanent, non-removable set of teeth. Full dentures are a removable prosthetic that rests on the gums and is held in place by suction or adhesive. Both are part of our comprehensive restorative dentistry services, and the right choice depends on your jawbone health, overall medical condition and personal priorities.
Not sure which is right for you? We offer a free 15-minute implant consultation — or call us on 020 7183 0527 for a no-obligation chat. Your dentist will examine your mouth and recommend the most appropriate full-arch replacement.
At a Glance
Full mouth implants vs full dentures — side by side.
| Feature | Full Mouth Implants · From £5,500 | Full Denture · From £1,095 |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement Method | 4 titanium implants per arch supporting a fixed, non-removable full set of teeth | Removable acrylic or cobalt-chrome prosthetic resting on the gums |
| Stability | Excellent — permanently fixed to the jawbone, no movement or slipping | Good (upper via suction) / moderate (lower — adhesive may be needed) |
| Procedure Type | Surgical — implants placed under local anaesthetic, temporary teeth often same day | Non-invasive — impressions, shade matching and fitting over several appointments |
| Treatment Time | Temporary teeth often same day; final restoration 3–6 months | 3–6 weeks (3–5 appointments) |
| Structural Support | Very high — implants fuse with jawbone (osseointegration), stimulating bone | Moderate — rests on gums, no bone stimulation |
| Aesthetics | Excellent — full arch of custom-designed, natural-looking teeth | Very good — modern teeth closely colour-matched and natural-looking |
| Cost at Our Clinic | From £5,500 per arch (implant-retained denture / All-on-4) | From £1,095 per arch (acrylic full denture) |
| Longevity | Implants: 25+ years; prosthesis: 15–20 years | 5–10 years (acrylic); 8–12 years (cobalt-chrome) |
| Suitability | Missing most or all teeth, want a permanent fixed solution | Missing all teeth, prefer a non-surgical, affordable replacement |
Treatment recommendations depend on individual clinical assessment. All prices confirmed before treatment begins.
Fixed Full Arch
Full mouth dental implants — commonly known as All-on-4 — use just four titanium implants per arch to support a complete, non-removable set of teeth. Two implants are placed vertically at the front of the jaw, and two are angled at the back to maximise contact with available bone. This means even patients who have been told they lack sufficient bone for traditional implants may still be suitable.
At Dental Clinic London, implant-retained full arch restorations start from £5,500 per arch. Temporary teeth can often be fitted on the same day as surgery, so you are never without teeth during the healing period. The final permanent prosthesis is attached after 3–6 months of osseointegration — the process by which the titanium fuses permanently with your jawbone.
The titanium implants are designed for long-term use with proper care. The prosthesis (the visible teeth) typically lasts 15–20 years before it may need replacing. Published clinical studies report implant success rates of approximately 95–98% over 10 years. Full mouth implants are the only full-arch replacement that actively stimulates and preserves jawbone — they stimulate the bone just like natural tooth roots, preventing the facial collapse that often occurs with long-term denture wear.
Removable Full Arch
A full denture is a removable prosthetic that replaces every tooth in the upper jaw, lower jaw or both. It consists of acrylic replacement teeth set in a pink acrylic base that mimics the gum line. The upper denture covers the palate and is held in place primarily by suction. The lower denture sits on the gum ridge and may require adhesive for additional stability.
At Dental Clinic London, full acrylic dentures start from £1,095 per arch (both arches from £2,190). For patients wanting a thinner, lighter and more durable option, cobalt-chrome dentures are available at £1,395. Immediate dentures can be fitted on the same day as tooth extraction, so you are never without teeth.
With proper care, acrylic full dentures typically last 5–10 years before needing replacement. Cobalt-chrome dentures last 8–12 years. A reline (from £195) can extend the life of a denture by improving the fit as the jawbone changes shape over time. Dentures are a non-invasive, affordable solution suitable for almost all patients regardless of bone volume or medical conditions.
Understanding the Difference
This is the most significant practical difference. Full mouth implants are fixed permanently into the jawbone — they cannot move, slip or click. You eat, speak and laugh with the same confidence as natural teeth. Full dentures are removable and rely on suction (upper) or adhesive (lower) for retention. Upper dentures generally stay in place well, but lower dentures have less surface area and can feel less secure. For patients who want absolute stability, implants are the only fixed option.
When teeth are lost, the jawbone beneath them gradually shrinks — a process called resorption. Full mouth implants are the only full-arch replacement designed to prevent this, because the titanium implants stimulate the bone just like natural tooth roots. Dentures sit on top of the gums and provide no bone stimulation. Over years of denture wearing, the jaw can resorb significantly, causing the face to appear sunken and the dentures to become loose. This is why many long-term denture wearers eventually consider upgrading to implants.
Full mouth implants are a long-term investment. The titanium implants themselves are designed for long-term use — the prosthesis (visible teeth) typically lasts 15–20 years before it may need replacing. Acrylic full dentures last 5–10 years; cobalt-chrome lasts 8–12 years. Over a 20–30 year period, a patient may need 3–4 sets of dentures (each from £1,095) but only one set of implants. This makes the long-term cost difference considerably smaller than the upfront price suggests.
Dentures are significantly more affordable upfront. A full acrylic denture starts from £1,095 per arch; both arches from £2,190. Cobalt-chrome dentures are £1,395. By comparison, an implant-retained full arch restoration starts from £5,500 per arch. However, dentures incur ongoing costs — replacement every 5–10 years, relines (from £195), repairs (from £125) and adhesive. When calculated over a lifetime, the gap between the two options narrows considerably.
Full dentures are suitable for almost all patients — there are no bone volume requirements and no surgery involved. Full mouth implants require sufficient jawbone to support the titanium implants. The All-on-4 technique is specifically designed to work with reduced bone by angling the posterior implants, which means bone grafting is rarely needed. However, patients with certain uncontrolled medical conditions (such as uncontrolled diabetes) or who are heavy smokers may face higher implant risks. Your dentist will assess suitability at the free implant consultation.
Weighing Up
Advantages
Limitations
Advantages
Limitations
Transparent Pricing
Prices at Dental Clinic London. View our complete fee guide for all treatment pricing.
| Treatment | Price | Longevity |
|---|---|---|
| Free Implant Consultation15-minute assessment — no cost, no obligation | FREE | — |
| New Patient ExaminationFull assessment, X-rays & treatment plan | £30 | — |
| Implant-Retained Full Arch (All-on-4)4 implants per arch — fixed, non-removable teeth | From £5,500 | Implants: 25+ years · Prosthesis: 15–20 yrs |
| Full Acrylic DentureRemovable full-arch replacement — per arch | From £1,095 | 5–10 years |
| Full Acrylic Denture — Both ArchesUpper and lower full dentures | From £2,190 | 5–10 years |
| Cobalt-Chrome DentureThinner, lighter metal framework — premium comfort | £1,395 | 8–12 years |
| Bone Graft (if required)Rebuild jawbone prior to implant placement | From £750 | — |
| Denture RelineImprove fit as jawbone changes shape | From £195 | — |
All costs confirmed before treatment begins. 0% finance available on selected treatments, subject to status.
Making Your Decision
The right full-arch replacement depends on your jawbone health, medical condition, lifestyle and budget. Here is a general guide — your dentist will confirm the best approach following examination.
If you want a permanent, fixed result that never moves, slips or needs adhesive, full mouth implants are the only option. They are anchored directly into the jawbone and function exactly like natural teeth. You eat, speak and smile with complete confidence. The titanium implants are designed for long-term use, and the prosthesis typically lasts 15–20 years — far longer than any denture.
Both full mouth implants and full dentures replace an entire arch of teeth. The choice comes down to whether you want a fixed or removable result. Implant-retained restorations (from £5,500 per arch) are permanently fixed and non-removable. Full dentures (from £1,095 per arch) are removable and cleaned outside the mouth. For patients who want the benefits of both, an implant-retained denture clips onto 2–4 implants for greatly improved stability while still being removable for cleaning.
Full mouth implants are the only full-arch replacement that actively stimulates and preserves jawbone. The titanium implants stimulate the bone just like natural tooth roots, preventing the resorption that causes facial collapse over time. Dentures rest on the gums and provide no bone stimulation — the jaw gradually shrinks, the face changes shape and the dentures become loose. For patients concerned about long-term facial structure, implants are the clear choice.
If budget is your primary concern, full dentures are the most affordable way to replace all missing teeth — from just £1,095 per arch (both arches from £2,190). Treatment is completed in 3–6 weeks with no surgery. Cobalt-chrome dentures (£1,395) offer a thinner, lighter and longer-lasting alternative. 0% finance is also available on selected treatments, including implants, to help spread the cost of treatment.
A full-arch restoration can also be part of a complete smile makeover. Contact our team to discuss your options.
Common Questions
Book a free 15-minute implant consultation at Dental Clinic London. Your dentist will assess your jawbone, discuss both options clearly and recommend the most appropriate full-arch replacement for your situation. No pressure, no obligation.
Disclaimer
This article is intended for general educational purposes only and does not constitute personalised dental advice. Individual diagnosis and treatment recommendations require a clinical examination by a qualified dental professional. All treatment outcomes vary by patient. Prices shown are starting prices and may vary depending on complexity. Dental Clinic London is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and the General Dental Council (GDC).