Full-Arch Implant Dentures When All Teeth Are Missing: Options and Costs
Complete tooth loss (edentulism) no longer means a life of loose dentures. Today's implant-supported options fall into two broad categories: removable overdentures retained by locator attachments (or a bar system), and fixed full-arch bridges such as All-on-4 or All-on-6. As a general guide, the removable route tends to cost less — the denture itself typically runs from 3 to 9 million soums, plus the cost of the implants at 3 to 12 million soums each — while a fixed All-on-4 / All-on-6 solution starts at around 60 to 120 million soums per arch. The exact treatment plan and final price are always determined by the dentist after a clinical examination and CT scan.
A locator overdenture looks much like a conventional removable denture, but instead of resting on the gums it snaps onto 2–4 implants via small precision attachments called locators. The difference in daily life is significant: the prosthesis stays firmly in place while eating and speaking, does not require adhesive, and causes far less irritation to the gum tissue. For older patients or those with reduced bone volume, this approach is particularly attractive because fewer implants are needed, which means a less extensive surgical procedure and a lower overall cost.
A bar-retained overdenture is a variation on the same idea. Here the implants are connected by a custom milled metal bar, and the denture clips onto that bar rather than onto individual locators. Load is distributed more evenly across all supporting implants, making the prosthesis noticeably more stable during function. This design is generally recommended when four or more implants are placed and suits patients who want maximum retention while still being able to remove the denture for cleaning.
Fixed All-on-4 and All-on-6 bridges are permanently attached to the implants and can only be removed by a dentist. The key engineering trick is that the implants are angled to take advantage of available bone, often eliminating the need for sinus grafting. Patients describe the sensation as closest to having natural teeth again — hard foods pose no problem, and daily care is no different from brushing ordinary teeth. That combination of comfort and convenience explains why many edentulous patients ultimately choose this option, even though the investment and surgical scope are considerably greater.
Choosing between a removable and a fixed solution involves several clinical factors: bone density and volume as seen on a CT scan, overall health status, any medications the patient takes, personal lifestyle preferences, and budget. In some cases — particularly for older patients with systemic health conditions — a gentler protocol with fewer implants is the wiser choice. In others, bone quality is excellent and the dentist may recommend All-on-4 as the most durable long-term investment. There is no universal answer; the right path emerges from a thorough consultation.
If you are looking for clinics in Tashkent that offer the full range of implant-supported prosthetics, the Dentum directory lets you compare dental centres by patient ratings and reviews, making it easier to shortlist practices that match your expectations. Once you have chosen a clinic, the logical next step is to book an initial consultation and CT scan — after which the dentist can draw up a personalised treatment plan and give you a precise cost estimate.
How many implants are needed for a lower-jaw overdenture?
In most cases, 2–4 implants with locator attachments provide reliable retention for a lower-arch overdenture. The exact number depends on CT scan findings and bone quality — some patients may need bone grafting before implants can be placed.
Is implant treatment suitable for elderly patients?
Age alone is generally not a contraindication for implants. The dentist assesses overall health, current medications, and available bone volume, and if necessary designs a minimally invasive protocol using fewer implants to reduce surgical stress.
What is the difference between locator attachments and a bar-retained denture?
Locators are individual snap connectors on each implant; the denture clicks on and off easily for cleaning. A bar system links all implants with a single milled framework, distributing load more evenly and providing greater stability — though it is more complex and typically more costly to fabricate.
Which costs less for complete tooth loss — a locator overdenture or All-on-4?
A locator overdenture supported by 2–4 implants is generally the more affordable route: the denture itself ranges from 3 to 9 million soums, plus the cost of the implants. An All-on-4 / All-on-6 fixed bridge starts at 60 to 120 million soums per arch. The dentist will give you an exact figure after an examination and CT scan.