Goodbye Denture Adhesives: Why All-on-4 Offers a Fixed Alternative

For many people who wear full dentures, daily life involves a familiar routine: applying adhesive, adjusting the fit, hoping things stay in place during a meal or a conversation. While removable dentures have helped millions of people replace missing teeth, they are not without their challenges. Slipping, clicking, food restrictions, and the ongoing need for adhesive products can take a toll on both comfort and confidence over time.

If this sounds familiar, you may have wondered whether there is an alternative — something that stays fixed in place without the need for adhesives, nightly removal, or frequent readjustment. For many patients, All-on-4 dental implants offer exactly that: a full-arch bridge supported by four strategically placed implants, designed to function more like natural teeth.

This guide explores the differences between removable dentures and implant-supported bridges, the functional and lifestyle considerations, and what to expect if you are considering a fixed alternative. The emphasis throughout is on informed choice, realistic expectations, and the importance of clinical assessment.

The Reality of Living with Removable Dentures

Removable dentures remain one of the most common solutions for full-arch tooth loss. They are non-invasive, relatively affordable, and can be fitted without surgery. For many patients, they provide a functional and acceptable replacement for missing teeth.

However, it is important to acknowledge that dentures are not without limitations. Over time, the jawbone beneath a denture can gradually resorb — a natural process that occurs when the bone is no longer stimulated by tooth roots. As the bone changes shape, the denture fit can become less secure, leading to movement during eating or speaking.

This is where adhesives often become part of the daily routine. While effective in the short term, adhesives can be messy, inconvenient, and may need reapplication throughout the day. Some patients report that even with adhesive, their dentures shift during meals, particularly when eating firmer or crunchier foods.

The experience of loose dentures can also affect social confidence. Concerns about dentures slipping during conversation, clicking sounds, or visible movement can lead some people to avoid certain social situations or limit their diet to softer foods.

None of this is to suggest that dentures in London are a poor choice. For many patients, they remain a practical and appropriate solution. But for those who find that removable dentures are affecting their quality of life, it is worth understanding what alternatives may be available.

What Is All-on-4 and How Does It Work?

The All-on-4 concept was developed to provide a fixed, full-arch restoration using just four dental implants per jaw. Rather than replacing each tooth individually, four implants are placed at specific positions and angles within the jawbone to support a complete bridge of teeth.

Two implants are typically placed vertically towards the front of the jaw, where bone density tends to be greater. The remaining two are angled towards the back, allowing them to engage more bone and often avoiding the need for bone grafting — even in patients who have experienced some degree of bone loss.

Once the implants are in place and have integrated with the bone, a custom-designed bridge is attached. This bridge is fixed — it does not come in and out. It is designed to look and function like natural teeth, and it is maintained through regular brushing and professional dental care.

If you would like to learn more about the treatment process, you can visit our page on All-on-4 dental implants London for a detailed overview.

From Slipping to Secure: What Are the Functional Differences?

Stability While Eating

One of the most frequently reported differences between removable dentures and implant-supported bridges is stability during meals. Because the All-on-4 bridge is fixed to implants that are anchored in the jawbone, it does not move during chewing. This can allow patients to eat a wider variety of foods — including those that might be difficult or uncomfortable with removable dentures.

It is important to note that dietary habits should still be discussed with your dental team. While implant-supported bridges are designed for normal eating, excessively hard or sticky foods may still require caution to protect the restoration.

Speaking Confidence

Removable dentures can sometimes affect speech, particularly if the fit is not ideal. Movement of the denture during speaking can cause lisping, clicking, or a lack of clarity in pronunciation. Many patients who transition to a fixed bridge report that their speech feels more natural and confident, though individual experiences may vary.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Removable dentures need to be taken out each night for cleaning and soaking. They also require regular relining as the jaw shape changes over time. By contrast, an implant-supported bridge is cleaned in the mouth — much like natural teeth — using a toothbrush, interdental brushes, and sometimes a water flosser.

Both options require ongoing maintenance. Removable dentures may need periodic adjustment or replacement, while implant-supported bridges require regular professional check-ups to monitor the health of the implants and the surrounding tissues.

All-on-4 vs Conventional Dentures: A Clear Comparison

The following table provides a side-by-side overview of the key differences between removable dentures and All-on-4 implant-supported bridges. This is intended as a general guide — individual experiences and suitability will vary based on clinical assessment.

• Stability — Removable dentures: May shift or require adhesive. All-on-4: Fixed to implants; does not move.
• Bone Support — Removable dentures: Does not stimulate bone; gradual resorption may occur. All-on-4: Implants stimulate bone, which may help slow resorption.
• Daily Maintenance — Removable dentures: Nightly removal, soaking, and adhesive application. All-on-4: Brushing and interdental cleaning in the mouth.
• Dietary Considerations — Removable dentures: Some harder foods may be difficult. All-on-4: Broader range of foods typically manageable.
• Longevity — Removable dentures: May need replacement every 5–10 years. All-on-4: Bridge and implants designed for long-term use with proper care.
• Surgery Required — Removable dentures: No. All-on-4: Yes — implant placement is a surgical procedure.
• Cost — Removable dentures: Lower initial cost. All-on-4: Higher initial investment; fewer ongoing costs over time.

Neither option is inherently better than the other. The right choice depends on your clinical situation, your priorities, and your personal preferences. A thorough assessment is essential to determine which approach is most appropriate for you.

What About Implant-Retained Dentures?

It is worth noting that there is a middle ground between fully removable dentures and a fixed implant bridge. Implant-retained dentures use two to four implants to anchor a removable denture in place. The denture clips onto the implants, providing significantly more stability than a conventional denture, but it is still removed for cleaning.

This option can be particularly suitable for patients who want improved stability but may not be candidates for a full fixed bridge, or who prefer the ability to remove their prosthesis for cleaning. It is also generally less costly than a full All-on-4 restoration.

Your dental team can help you understand where implant-retained dentures sit within the range of options and whether they might be appropriate for your situation.

Is All-on-4 Right for Everyone?

All-on-4 is a well-established treatment with a strong evidence base, but it is not suitable for every patient. Suitability depends on a number of factors that can only be assessed through a thorough clinical examination.

Bone Levels and Quality

While the angled implant technique used in All-on-4 is designed to maximise available bone, there are cases where bone volume or quality may be insufficient. Advanced imaging, such as CBCT scans, is used to evaluate bone levels and plan implant placement with precision. In some cases, bone grafting or alternative implant strategies may be recommended.

Medical History

Certain medical conditions — such as uncontrolled diabetes, active cancer treatment, or conditions affecting bone healing — may influence suitability. Smoking is also a significant risk factor that can affect implant integration and long-term success. A detailed medical history review is an essential part of the assessment process.

The Assessment Process

Before any treatment decision is made, a comprehensive assessment is carried out. This typically includes clinical examination, dental imaging, a review of your medical history, and a detailed discussion about your expectations and goals. Only after this assessment can your dental team provide a personalised treatment recommendation.

For more information about treatment planning and costs, you may find our page on dental implants cost helpful.

What If All-on-4 Is Not Suitable?

If All-on-4 is not the right option for you, there are alternatives. These may include implant-retained dentures, conventional dentures with improved fit, or other implant configurations such as All-on-6, which uses six implants for additional support. Your dental team will discuss all appropriate options with you.

Considering a Fixed Alternative in London

If you have been living with removable dentures and find that adhesives, instability, or discomfort are affecting your daily life, exploring a fixed alternative is a reasonable step. The decision to move from dentures to an implant-supported solution is a significant one, and it should be based on a clear understanding of the benefits, limitations, and realistic outcomes.

At our London clinic, we provide comprehensive assessments for patients considering All-on-4 and other implant-supported options. Our approach is centred on honest, transparent communication — we will explain what is achievable for your specific situation, discuss any risks or limitations, and support you in making a decision that is right for you.

We encourage patients to view patient results to gain a realistic understanding of treatment outcomes. Every case is different, and results depend on individual clinical factors, but reviewing examples can help set appropriate expectations.

If you would like to discuss whether a fixed alternative might be suitable for you, we invite you to book a consultation. There is no obligation — the purpose of a consultation is to provide you with the information you need to make an informed choice about your oral health.