Full Arch Dental Implants in UK 2026: Types, Cost & Which Option Is Right for You 

Clinically reviewed by Prof. Shakeel Shahdad, Consultant & Honorary Clinical Professor, The Royal London Dental Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust | Last updated: August 2026

Summary: Full arch dental implants cost between £8,000 and £25,000+ per arch in the UK, depending on the type. Implant-supported dentures are the most affordable at £8,000–£14,000 per arch, All-on-4 typically costs £10,000–£18,000, All-on-6 runs £12,000–£20,000+, and fixed full-arch bridges cost £15,000–£25,000+. Full mouth restoration (both arches) ranges from £20,000 to £45,000+. Prices usually include the consultation, 3D CBCT scan, implant surgery, temporary teeth, and the final prosthesis — bone grafting or a sinus lift, if needed, costs extra. 

What Is a Full Arch Dental Implant?

A full arch dental implant is an implant-supported tooth replacement used when someone has lost most or all of the teeth in one or both arches (the upper or lower row of teeth). Rather than resting on the gums like conventional dentures, the replacement teeth are anchored directly into the jawbone using 4 to 6 surgically placed titanium implants, which support a fixed or removable full arch of prosthetic teeth.

This anchoring is what sets full arch implants apart from traditional dentures: because the implants fuse with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration, the result is significantly more stable, functions more like natural teeth, and helps preserve the jawbone itself, something dentures can’t do.

Treatment typically takes four to seven months from first consultation to final, permanent teeth, depending on how many implants are needed and whether any preparatory work (like bone grafting) is required first.

Types of Full Arch Dental Implants

There isn’t a single “full arch implant” — it’s an umbrella term covering several distinct approaches, each suited to different clinical situations and budgets.

Type	Implants Used	Best For	Removable?
All-on-4	4 per arch	Adequate bone density, faster treatment, lower cost within the implant-supported category	No — fixed
All-on-6	6 per arch	Lower bone density, patients wanting extra long-term stability	No — fixed
Fixed full-arch bridge	4–6 per arch	Extensive tooth loss requiring maximum stability and function	No — fixed (dentist-removable only)
Implant-supported dentures	2–4 per arch	Patients wanting a more affordable, less invasive option	Yes — patient-removable

All-on-4

The most common full arch implant approach. Four implants are placed per arch, two vertically at the front, two angled at 30–45° toward the back to support a complete, fixed set of replacement teeth. The angled placement is what allows all four implants to support a full arch without bone grafting in many cases, making it typically the faster and more affordable of the fixed options.

For a full cost breakdown, regional pricing comparison, and step-by-step detail on this specific approach, see our dedicated All-on-4 Dental Implant Cost Guide 2026.

All-on-6

Works on the same principle as All-on-4 but uses six implants per arch instead of four, distributing bite force across more anchor points. This is usually recommended for patients with lower bone density, or those who want additional long-term stability and are comfortable with the somewhat higher cost.

Fixed Full-Arch Bridge

A non-removable prosthesis attached to 4–6 implants, generally used in cases of extensive tooth loss where maximum stability and chewing function are the priority. Similar in concept to All-on-4/All-on-6 but the term is sometimes used more broadly to describe any implant-retained fixed bridge spanning a full arch.

Implant-Supported Dentures

A more affordable, less invasive entry point into implant-supported full arch replacement. Fewer implants (typically 2–4) support a denture that clips onto them — removable by the patient for cleaning, unlike the fixed options above. This makes maintenance easier but the fit is generally considered less stable and less natural-feeling than a fixed alternative.

How Much Do Full Arch Dental Implants Cost?

Cost varies significantly by type, since more implants, more complex placement, and different prosthetic materials all affect price.

Type	Typical UK Cost Per Arch	Full Mouth (Both Arches)
Implant-supported dentures	£8,000 – £14,000	£16,000 – £26,000
All-on-4	£10,000 – £18,000	£20,000 – £36,000
All-on-6	£12,000 – £20,000+	£24,000 – £40,000+
Fixed full-arch bridge	£15,000 – £25,000+	£28,000 – £45,000+

Figures are indicative UK-wide ranges for 2026 and vary by clinic, location, case complexity, and materials used. Central London/Harley Street practices typically sit toward the higher end, reflecting clinician experience and premises costs.

What’s usually included in these prices: initial consultation, 3D CBCT scan and digital planning, surgical placement of the implants, temporary teeth during healing, the final permanent prosthesis, and follow-up aftercare. Bone grafting or a sinus lift, if needed, is typically an additional cost on top of the base price.

For the most detailed cost breakdown  including a full itemised table and regional price comparison see our All-on-4 Cost Guide, since All-on-4 is the option most patients ultimately choose.

Which Type Is Right for You?

If you…	Consider
Have good bone density and want the fastest, most affordable fixed option	All-on-4
Have lower bone density or want maximum long-term stability	All-on-6
Have very extensive tooth loss and prioritise function above all else	Fixed full-arch bridge
Want an implant-supported option at a lower price point and don’t mind removing your teeth to clean them	Implant-supported dentures

Your dentist will confirm the right option for you following a 3D CBCT scan, which shows bone density and volume precisely enough to plan implant placement.

When Do You Need a Full Arch Implant?

A full arch implant may be recommended if:

• More than five or six adjacent teeth are missing or need to be extracted due to decay, trauma, or gum disease
• Your chewing ability or speech is affected by damaged or missing teeth
• You’re looking for a fixed, natural-looking, long-term solution rather than removable dentures
• You’ve experienced denture problems — slipping, discomfort, or bone loss under the denture base

The Procedure: What to Expect

1. Initial consultation :  X-rays, a detailed oral examination, and a 3D CBCT scan to assess bone density and plan implant positions.
2. Impressions and planning :  digital impressions are taken to design your temporary and final prosthetics.
3. Surgical placement : under local anaesthetic (or sedation, if preferred), 4–6 titanium implants are placed into the jawbone per arch.
4. Temporary teeth fitted : a temporary fixed or removable prosthesis is attached the same day or shortly after surgery, so you’re never without teeth.
5. Healing (osseointegration) :  over 10–15 weeks, the implants fuse with the jawbone.
6. Final prosthesis fitted :  once healing is confirmed, the permanent, custom-made teeth are attached.

Recovery and Aftercare

Most of the initial discomfort and swelling settles within the first week and can be managed with over-the-counter painkillers and ice packs. Full healing, however, takes longer:

• Stick to a soft diet during the healing phase, gradually reintroducing normal foods as advised by your dentist
• Attend all follow-up appointments so healing can be checked
• Maintain excellent oral hygiene around the implants and prosthesis to prevent infection (peri-implantitis)
• Avoid smoking during healing, as it significantly increases the risk of implant failure

How Long Do Full Arch Dental Implants Last?

With proper care, the titanium implants themselves can last a lifetime, since they fuse permanently with the jawbone. The prosthetic teeth attached to them are more exposed to daily wear and typically need replacing after 10–20 years, depending on material choice and how well they’re maintained.

Full Arch Implants vs. Traditional Dentures

Factor	Full Arch Implants	Traditional Dentures
Stability	Fixed, no slipping	Can shift or click, may need adhesive
Bone preservation	Prevents jawbone loss	Bone continues to shrink over time
Typical cost	£8,000 – £25,000+ per arch	£1,500 – £2,500 per arch (premium)
Lifespan	15–20+ years (implants can last a lifetime)	5–7 years before relining/replacement
Daily maintenance	Brush and floss as normal (or as advised for removable types)	Remove, clean, and store nightly

Traditional dentures cost less upfront, but relines, adhesives, and replacements every 5–7 years mean the lifetime cost gap narrows considerably, often approaching implant costs over a 15–20 year period, without matching the stability or bone-preserving benefits.

Are Full Arch Dental Implants Worth It?

Pros

• Fixed stability :  no slipping, clicking, or need for adhesives
• Preserves jawbone :  prevents the bone loss that occurs under conventional dentures
• Natural look and function : closely resembles real teeth in both appearance and bite strength
• Long-lasting : a genuinely long-term solution with proper care

Cons

• Higher upfront cost compared with dentures or individual treatments spread over time
• Surgical risks : as with any implant surgery, there’s a small risk of infection, nerve involvement, or implant failure
• Longer treatment timeline : several months from consultation to final teeth, versus a quicker denture fitting

FAQs

What’s the difference between All-on-4 and a full arch implant?

All-on-4 is one specific type of full arch implant. “Full arch implant” is the broader term covering All-on-4, All-on-6, fixed bridges, and implant-supported dentures  all of which replace a complete row of teeth using implants.

How much do full arch dental implants cost in the UK?

Costs range from around £8,000 to £25,000+ per arch depending on the type chosen (implant-supported dentures at the lower end, fixed full-arch bridges at the higher end), with All-on-4 typically falling in the £10,000–£18,000 range.

Are full arch dental implants available on the NHS?

Full arch implants are not routinely available on the NHS. They’re generally only funded in rare cases involving severe trauma, oral cancer treatment, or congenital conditions. Most patients pursue treatment privately.

How do I know which type of full arch implant is right for me?

This depends mainly on your bone density (assessed via a 3D CBCT scan), budget, and whether you’d prefer a fixed or removable result. Your dentist will talk you through the options at consultation.

Is the procedure painful?

The surgery itself is carried out under local anaesthetic or sedation, so you shouldn’t feel pain during the procedure. Mild discomfort and swelling afterwards is normal and typically manageable with standard painkillers.

Conclusion

Full arch dental implants cover a range of options  from All-on-4 through to implant-supported dentures each suited to different levels of tooth loss, bone density, and budget. Whichever type is right for you, the underlying benefit is the same: a fixed, natural-looking, long-term solution that traditional dentures can’t match.

If All-on-4 sounds like the right fit, our All-on-4 Dental Implant Cost Guide covers full UK pricing, regional comparisons, and financing options in detail.

Contact Specialist Dental Services to book a consultation and 3D CBCT scan with our specialist implant team, led by Prof. Shakeel Shahdad, Consultant and Honorary Clinical Professor at The Royal London Dental Hospital. You can also explore our Dental Implants service page or view our Fee Guide for current pricing.