All-On-4 Vs Dentures
If you are living with missing teeth or failing dental work in St. Petersburg, you have probably narrowed your options down to two choices: traditional dentures or All-on-4 dental implants. Both replace a full arch of teeth. But the experience of living with each one is dramatically different.
At Modern Day Smiles in St. Petersburg, we see patients every week who have worn dentures for years and are ready for something better. We also see patients making the choice for the first time. This guide will help you understand the real differences so you can make the decision that is right for your life.
What Are Traditional Dentures?
Traditional dentures are removable prosthetic teeth that sit on top of your gums. They are held in place by suction, adhesive paste, or a combination of both.
Dentures have been the standard tooth replacement option for centuries and remain the most affordable upfront option.
What Are All-on-4 Dental Implants?
All-on-4 (also called Full Arch dental implants) is a procedure where four to six titanium implants are surgically placed into your jawbone. A full set of fixed, non-removable teeth is then attached to those implants. The teeth look, feel, and function like natural teeth. At Modern Day Smiles, we offer
teeth-in-a-day treatment, meaning you can walk in with failing teeth and walk out the same day with a full set of new ones.
See our transparent Full Arch pricing — as low as $12,995 PMMA / $14,995 Zirconia
The Key Differences: A Side-by-Side Comparison
Stability and Comfort

Dentures: Removable dentures can slip, shift, and click when you talk or eat. Even well-fitted dentures lose their fit over time as your jawbone changes shape. Many denture wearers rely on adhesive paste daily and still experience movement.
All-on-4: Implant-supported teeth are fixed in place. They do not move, slip, or require adhesive. Patients describe the feeling as close to having their natural teeth back. You can eat, speak, and laugh without worrying about your teeth shifting.
Eating and Diet
Dentures: Most denture wearers avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods. Biting into an apple, eating corn on the cob, or enjoying a steak can be difficult or impossible. Over time, many denture patients shift to a softer diet, which can affect nutrition and quality of life.
All-on-4: Implant patients can eat virtually anything. Once the implants are fully healed and the final prosthesis is placed, there are no dietary restrictions. Patients regularly tell us that being able to eat normally again is the most life-changing part of the procedure.
Bone Loss and Facial Changes
Dentures: When teeth are removed and replaced with dentures, the jawbone no longer receives stimulation from tooth roots. Over time, the bone shrinks — a process called resorption. This causes the face to develop a sunken, aged appearance that denture wearers often recognize in the mirror after several years.
All-on-4: Dental implants integrate with your jawbone and provide the stimulation it needs to maintain its structure. All-on-4 patients preserve their bone density and facial shape over time, avoiding the sunken look associated with long-term denture use.
Maintenance
Dentures: Dentures must be removed nightly for cleaning and soaking. They require regular adjustments and relining as the jawbone changes shape. Most dentures need to be replaced every 5 to 8 years.
All-on-4: Implant-supported teeth are cared for much like natural teeth. You brush them, use a water
flosser, and visit your dentist for regular checkups. They do not come out at night. With proper care, dental implants can last 20 years or longer.
Longevity
Dentures: Expect to replace a full set of dentures every 5 to 8 years. Over a 20-year period, you may go
through 3 or 4 sets, plus ongoing costs for adhesive, cleaners, adjustments, and relines.
All-on-4: The implants themselves are designed to last a lifetime. The prosthetic teeth (the visible part) may need to be replaced or refurbished after 15 to 20 years depending on the material. Zirconia prosthetics tend to last longer than acrylic (PMMA).
The True Cost Comparison: Long-Term Math
This is where the conversation gets interesting. Dentures cost less upfront, but the long-term numbers tell a different story.
Dentures Over 20 Years
• Initial dentures: $2,000 to $5,000
• Replacement sets (2 to 3 over 20 years): $4,000 to $15,000
• Adhesives, cleaners, relines: $3,000 to $5,000
• Estimated 20-year total: $9,000 to $25,000
All-on-4 Over 20 Years
• Full Arch procedure at Modern Day Smiles: $12,995 (PMMA) or $14,995 (Zirconia)
• Routine dental checkups: $3,000 to $5,000
• Possible prosthesis refurbishment (year 15+): $3,000 to $5,000
• Estimated 20-year total: $18,995 to $24,995
When you factor in the cost of denture replacements, adhesives, and adjustments over two decades, All-on-4 implants often cost about the same — while delivering a vastly better quality of life every single day.
Who Is a Good Candidate for All-on-4?
Most patients who are considering dentures are also candidates for All-on-4 implants. The procedure was specifically designed for patients with significant tooth loss or bone loss. The angled placement of the implants allows treatment even when bone density is lower than what traditional implants require.
During a consultation at Modern Day Smiles, we take a CT scan to evaluate your bone structure and determine the best approach for your situation. Many patients who were told elsewhere that they "don't have enough bone" for implants are surprised to learn they qualify for All-on-4.
Financing Makes the Difference
At Modern Day Smiles in St. Petersburg, we offer financing options with monthly payments starting as low is $216 to $250 per month.
For many patients, that monthly payment is comparable to what they already spend maintaining their dentures.
The Decision Is Yours
Dentures remain a valid option for patients who need an affordable, immediate solution. But if you are
looking for a permanent fix that lets you eat, smile, and live without compromise, All-on-4 dental implants
are the investment that pays off every day for the rest of your life.
See why 248+ patients gave Modern Day Smiles five stars
Schedule a consultation at Modern Day Smiles St. Petersburg to discuss your options. Call (727) 347-8888 or visit us at 2699 1st Ave North, St. Petersburg, FL 33713. We will walk you through both paths and help you decide what is right for you.
Prices shown are starting rates. IV sedation is available for an additional cost. Pterygoid and zygomatic implants, when required, are subject to additional fees. Final pricing is determined after consultation and treatment planning.
Request an Appointment
For more information or to schedule a service, call us at (727) 758-3699 or complete the contact form.
