All-on-4 replaces a full arch of teeth with a fixed bridge held on four dental implants. Unlike dentures, it doesn’t come out: it’s screwed in place and only your dentist can remove it. In the US, All-on-4 typically costs $25,000 to $40,000 per arch. In Mexico, clinic price lists put it at roughly $8,000 to $15,000 per arch, depending on the city and the materials. Here’s how it works and how to plan it.
How All-on-4 works
The dentist places four implants in the jaw. The two at the back are angled, which lets them use more of your existing bone and often avoids the need for bone grafts. A full bridge of teeth is then fixed to the implants.
- Same-week temporary teeth: most patients leave the first trip with a fixed temporary bridge, usually made of acrylic.
- Final bridge: once the implants have healed, a stronger final bridge is made, often in zirconia or acrylic on a metal frame.
- All-on-6: some clinics use five or six implants for extra support, especially in the upper jaw.
All-on-4 vs. snap-in dentures
| All-on-4 | Snap-in dentures | |
|---|---|---|
| Implants per arch | 4 (sometimes 5–6) | 2–4 |
| Removable? | No, fixed in place | Yes, you take them out daily |
| Covers the palate? | No | Upper dentures often do |
| US price per arch | $25,000–$40,000 | $3,000–$7,300 |
| Mexico price per arch | $8,000–$15,000 | $1,500–$8,000 |
All-on-4 feels closest to natural teeth. Snap-in dentures cost much less and are easier to clean.
What All-on-4 costs in Mexico
- Los Algodones and other border towns: about $8,000 to $11,000 per arch on published 2025–2026 clinic price lists.
- Tijuana: similar to the border-town range at many clinics, higher at large full-arch centers.
- Cancún and resort cities: often $12,000 to $15,000 or more, with All-on-6 packages advertised from about $14,500.
The biggest price differences come from the final bridge material (zirconia costs more than acrylic), whether extractions and the temporary bridge are included, and the implant brand. Get an itemized written quote for both trips.
What the trips look like
Trip 1: extractions, implants and temporary teeth (about 4–7 days)
After a 3D scan, the dentist removes any remaining teeth, places the implants and fits a temporary fixed bridge, usually within a few days. Expect swelling and soreness and a soft-food diet.
Healing at home (about 3–6 months)
The implants fuse with the jaw. You’ll keep eating soft foods for the first weeks and avoid biting hard things with the temporary bridge.
Trip 2: final bridge (about 5–7 days)
The clinic takes new scans, tries in the final bridge and fixes it in place.
Where to go in Mexico for All-on-4
- Tijuana: many clinics specialize in full-arch implants, and two short trips are easy from California.
- Los Algodones: the lowest published prices, within walking distance of the border near Yuma.
- Cancún: higher prices but easy flights and a comfortable place to recover from a big procedure.
Questions to ask before you commit
- Who places the implants, and how many full-arch cases do they do each year?
- Which implant brand do you use, and what is the final bridge made of?
- What’s included: extractions, temporary bridge, sedation, both trips, follow-up visits?
- What’s the warranty on the implants and on the bridge, and what if one fails?
- Can you send me my scans and records after treatment?
Our guide to safety and vetting a dentist covers more.
By city
Frequently asked questions
Is All-on-4 permanent?
The bridge is fixed in place, but it isn’t forever. Bridges can chip or wear and may need repair or replacement after many years. You’ll need regular professional cleanings.
Can I get All-on-4 with bone loss?
Often, yes. The angled back implants are designed to make use of the bone you have. Severe bone loss in the upper jaw may need grafts or special implants.
How do I clean All-on-4 teeth?
Brush twice a day and clean under the bridge with a water flosser or special floss. See a dentist for a professional cleaning at least once or twice a year.