Patient Guide
All-on-X vs. Dentures: Which Is Right for You?
A plain-language comparison from board-certified oral surgeons.
Last updated 2026-10-09
The short answer
All-on-X (also called All-on-4 or “teeth in a day”) replaces a full arch of teeth with a fixed set anchored to four to six dental implants. Dentures sit on the gums and come out. All-on-X gives a more stable, natural-feeling bite but needs surgery and costs more up front. Dentures cost less and need no surgery. TanderTeeth is Tänder’s All-on-X procedure.
Side by Side
All-on-X vs. Dentures at a Glance
| All-on-X (TanderTeeth) | Traditional dentures | |
|---|---|---|
| How it stays in | Anchored to 4–6 dental implants in the jawbone | Rests on the gums; held by suction or adhesive |
| Can it move or come out? | No. Fixed in place; only your surgeon or dentist removes it | It can shift, and is taken out daily for cleaning |
| Chewing | Strong, stable bite on a wide range of foods once healed | Often limited, especially with hard or sticky foods |
| Jawbone | Implants are anchored in the jaw, which helps preserve bone | Doesn't anchor in bone; the jaw can shrink over time |
| Speech and taste | Upper teeth are often designed without covering the palate | Upper dentures cover the palate |
| Procedure | Surgery under sedation or anesthesia | No surgery |
| Time to teeth | Same day for most qualifying TanderTeeth patients | Typically several fitting visits over weeks |
| Upfront cost | $15,000–$30,000* per arch | Usually a fraction of the cost of implants |
| Long-term care | Brush and floss like natural teeth; the prosthetic may need replacing after 10–20 years | Daily removal and cleaning; relines and replacements over time |
*Ranges are estimates, not quotes. Your price depends on the severity of your case, your bone structure and whether bone grafting or a sinus lift is needed, how many teeth or implants are involved, and your sedation choice. Your surgeon confirms exact pricing after reviewing your imaging.
What the Research Says
Why So Many Patients Move Beyond Dentures
Losing all your natural teeth is more common than many people expect. The CDC reported that 17.6% of U.S. adults aged 65 and older had lost all their natural teeth, based on 2011–2014 national survey data (CDC MMWR).
Full-arch implants have a long track record. In a 10-year study of All-on-4 patients, cumulative implant survival was 94.1%, and the study found that smoking significantly affected implant failure (published in PMC). Individual results vary with health, bone quality, and aftercare.
Choosing
When Each Option Makes Sense
All-on-X may fit if you’re…
- Missing most or all teeth in one or both arches, or have teeth that can’t be saved
- Tired of dentures that slip, rub, or limit what you can eat
- Told you don’t have enough bone for traditional implants
- In good enough health for oral surgery and sedation
Dentures may be the better choice if you’re…
- Not able or ready to have surgery, or have a health condition that makes it risky
- Working with a tighter budget
- Looking for a temporary solution while you decide
Not sure? A free consultation with a board-certified oral surgeon, including a review of your imaging, gives you an honest answer with no obligation.
The TanderTeeth Difference
Surgery at Your Own Dentist’s Office
Tänder’s board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons travel to partner dental practices, so you stay with the dental team you already trust. An in-house lab technician fabricates your fixed teeth during surgery, which is why most qualifying patients leave the same day with a new smile.
Learn about TanderTeeth All-on-X, including candidacy, cost and recovery. New to the process? See how teeth in a day works, step by step.
FAQ
All-on-X vs. Dentures: Frequently Asked Questions
All-on-X replaces a full arch with a fixed set of teeth anchored to four to six dental implants in your jawbone, so it doesn't come out. Dentures rest on your gums and are removable. TanderTeeth is Tänder's All-on-X procedure, and most qualifying patients leave with teeth the same day.
For most patients who can have surgery, a fixed All-on-X arch gives a more stable bite and more natural feel than removable dentures. Dentures cost less up front and need no surgery, so they can be the right choice for some patients. A consultation with a board-certified surgeon will tell you which fits.
All-on-X at Tänder typically ranges from $15,000 to $30,000* per arch. Dentures usually cost far less at the start but can need relines, adjustments and replacement over the years. *Your price depends on the severity of your case, your bone structure, and whether grafting is needed.
Often, yes. Many patients who were told they don't have enough bone for conventional implants still qualify, sometimes with bone grafting or a sinus lift. Long-time denture wearers are common candidates. Your surgeon decides after reviewing your imaging.
In most qualifying cases, yes. Tänder's in-house lab technician fabricates a fixed set of teeth during your procedure. After the implants fully integrate, typically in three to six months, your surgeon may upgrade you to your final prosthetic.
All-on-X needs surgery and a healing period, costs more up front, and isn't right for everyone. Smoking and some health conditions raise the risk of implant failure. The visible prosthetic may need replacement after 10–20 years. A consultation covers your individual risks.
Tänder's surgeons perform TanderTeeth at partner dental offices in Mesa, Gilbert and San Tan Valley, serving patients across Greater Phoenix including Scottsdale, Chandler, Tempe and Queen Creek. Consultations are free.
Find Out Which Option Is Right for You
Free, no-pressure consultation with a board-certified oral surgeon at a dental office near you.