How Many Teeth Do You Get on All-on-4 Dental Implants?

Patients ask this a lot. The short answer is 10 to 14 teeth per arch. Most full-arch bridges end up with 12 teeth because it looks natural when you smile and works well for chewing.

Why it is not 16 like a natural arch

Natural jaws have 16 teeth per arch. With All-on-4, you do not need that many to chew well. The implants give the bridge its strength. We design the teeth you see to fit your bite, speech, and face, not to hit a fixed number.

What affects your final tooth count

• Smile line: We match the tooth count to what shows when you talk and smile.
• Arch length: A smaller jaw may look and feel better with 10 to 12 teeth.
• Bite and forces: Heavy grinders sometimes do better without very long back extensions.
• Opposing teeth: We balance your new bridge with what it bites against.
• Speech sounds: “S” and “F” sounds guide length and position.
• Hygiene access: A small cleaning space under the bridge helps you keep gums healthy.

All-on-4 vs. All-on-6

The number of implants does not automatically change how many teeth you get. Both support a full-arch bridge. The choice is about bone, bite forces, and support. The bridge design determines the visible tooth count.

Upper vs. lower arches

• Upper: Usually 12 teeth. We shape the pink base so it supports the lip and looks natural.
• Lower: Often 10 to 12 teeth. Lower jaws are shorter, so we avoid long back extensions that could feel bulky.

Temporary teeth versus the final bridge

Many patients leave surgery with a provisional full-arch bridge the same day. The tooth count is usually the same as the final, though back molar areas may be shorter at first. The final bridge refines the bite, length, and shapes after your gums heal.

Do more teeth mean better chewing?

Not really. Chewing power comes from implant support and a balanced bite. Twelve well-designed teeth often chew better than fourteen that are too long in the back. Even pressure across the arch protects both the implants and the bridge.

Materials and how they play a role

• Acrylic on titanium: Lighter and easier to adjust.
• Zirconia or nano-ceramic: Strong and precise with smooth surfaces that are easier to clean.
  Material choice does not set tooth count, but it can affect how thin or thick the back areas are.

Ready to plan your tooth count?

Call to schedule your All-on-4 consult: (973) 366-8338. We will map your bite and show exactly why 10, 12, or 14 teeth will fit your case best.

Dickerson Dental Group
714 State Route 10, Suite 201, Randolph, NJ 07869
Phone: (973) 366-8338

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