At Confident Smiles & Implants, one of the most common questions we hear is,
“What exactly are All-on-X implants?”
It’s a great question—and a very fair one. The term gets used a lot online, in ads, and even in consultations, but it’s rarely explained clearly. When people don’t fully understand what they’re being told, it’s natural to feel apprehensive or even fearful. That’s why education and transparency are such a high priority for us.
We’re Dr. Luis Mariusso and Dr. Tori Mariusso, and we serve patients throughout Farragut, the greater Knoxville area, and Lenoir City. In this article, we want to explain what All-on-X implants really are, what they can mean for you, and how to think about them in a way that helps you feel confident—not overwhelmed.
What Does “All-on-X” Actually Mean?
At its core, All-on-X is a descriptive term, not a single procedure.
- “All” refers to all the teeth in one arch—either the upper jaw or the lower jaw.
- “X” refers to the number of dental implants used to support those teeth.
So when you hear All-on-4, All-on-5, or All-on-6, it simply means that all the teeth in that arch are supported by four, five, six, or sometimes more implants.
That’s the definition. Where confusion starts is when people assume that All-on-X automatically means one very specific type of treatment. In reality, the term is used broadly, and it can mean different things depending on how it’s planned and executed.
Does All-on-X Always Mean Fixed Teeth?
Not necessarily—and this is one of the most important clarifications we can make.
All-on-X can describe more than one type of solution, including:
- A fixed full-arch prosthesis that is screwed into place and does not come out (only the dentist removes it for maintenance)
- An implant-supported snap-in denture that the patient removes daily for cleaning
Both technically fall under the All-on-X umbrella because all the teeth are supported by a certain number of implants. That’s why we always emphasize that patients shouldn’t stop at the label. Understanding which option you’re being offered is essential.
Why All-on-X Is Not One-Size-Fits-All
Every patient’s mouth is different. Bone density, bone volume, bite forces, facial structure, and smile design all play a role in determining how many implants are needed and where they should be placed.
All-on-X planning depends on factors such as:
- Bone quality and available bone volume
- Bite forces and chewing patterns
- Facial structure and smile design
- Long-term stability, comfort, and hygiene
Some patients do very well with four implants. Others need five or six for long-term success. That’s why we focus far more on what’s best for the individual patient than on hitting a specific implant number.
Why We’re Passionate About Dental Implants
Early in my dental career, near the end of dental school, I had the opportunity to place implants. That experience completely changed how I looked at dentistry.
Implants felt cutting-edge. They felt like the highest level of care dentistry had to offer for replacing missing teeth. More importantly, I saw how dramatically they could impact someone’s life—not just their smile, but their confidence, comfort, and ability to function day to day.
That philosophy became part of our practice culture. We didn’t want to be the office that tells patients, “You’re missing teeth, but there’s not much we can do.” We wanted to be a practice that could address everything—from routine dental care to complex full-arch implant cases.
A Team-Based Approach to All-on-X Care
All-on-X treatment isn’t just one appointment or one skill set. It involves surgical planning, implant placement, restorative design, and aesthetic considerations, all working together.
One of the strengths of Confident Smiles & Implants is that we function as a true team. Our doctors are carefully selected, highly trained, and continue to train extensively so that full-arch cases are approached collaboratively. This allows us to tailor treatment precisely and ensures nothing is overlooked.
Who Is a Good Candidate for All-on-X Implants?
The ideal candidate for All-on-X treatment is someone who has reached a point where they need a fresh start.
All-on-X is often a good option for patients who:
- Have severely damaged or failing teeth
- Struggle with advanced gum disease
- Experience recurring infections or broken-down dental work
- Want a long-term, full-mouth solution rather than temporary fixes
What often surprises patients is that age alone is not the deciding factor. We’ve treated patients in their 20s, 50s, 70s, and even into their 80s and 90s. Overall health, bone conditions, and personal goals matter far more than age.
When a Smile Changes Everything
One patient story that stays with us involved a young man in his 20s. His mother had been saving for her own full-arch treatment, but he experienced dental trauma that caused his teeth to break down rapidly. He stopped leaving the house and withdrew socially.
As a parent, she chose to help her son first.
Watching his transformation—his confidence, his smile, his willingness to engage with the world again—was a powerful reminder that dental health affects far more than just teeth. It affects how people live their lives.
Why Your Smile Is Worth the Investment
We all invest in things we believe are worth it. We buy cars, phones, and other items because we see their value. But your smile affects you every single day—how you eat, how you speak, how you interact with others, and how confident you feel.
You can have the nicest car in the world, but if you’re embarrassed to smile or uncomfortable eating, that car doesn’t fix the problem. When patients begin to see their smile as an investment in their quality of life, the conversation around All-on-X changes.
Understanding the Cost of All-on-X Implants
There’s no avoiding the fact that All-on-X treatment is a significant investment. That cost reflects the complexity of the procedure, the level of training required, the materials used, and the long-term durability of the result.
It’s not an arbitrary number. It’s the market price for a treatment designed to restore function, confidence, and comfort for many years—often decades.
A Thoughtful Conversation About Dental Tourism
Some patients ask about traveling abroad for All-on-X treatment because of lower advertised prices. We never tell anyone what they should or shouldn’t do, but we do believe in being honest.
We’ve seen cases done overseas that required extensive correction—and in some situations, cases that could not be fixed at all. Failed implants can lead to infections, bone loss, and the need for far more complex procedures later, such as zygomatic or pterygoid implants.
Sometimes what looks less expensive upfront ends up costing far more in the long run.
Thinking Long Term
All-on-X isn’t just about today. It’s about protecting your bone, your health, and your future treatment options. Quality care done correctly the first time often costs less over a lifetime than repeated fixes and compromises.
Is All-on-X Right for You?
Only you can decide that. But the right decision starts with education, honest conversations, and clear expectations.
We encourage patients to think about what matters most to them—function, confidence, longevity—and to ask questions until they feel truly informed.
Our Commitment to You
At Confident Smiles & Implants, communication and transparency guide everything we do. We take the time to explain your diagnosis, your options, and what you can realistically expect from treatment. Our goal is for you to feel confident and calm—not rushed or pressured.
Final Thoughts: More Than Teeth
All-on-X implants are about far more than replacing teeth. They’re about restoring confidence, function, and quality of life.
When planned carefully and delivered by an experienced, collaborative team, they can be truly life-changing. If you’re exploring your options and want clear, honest guidance, we’re here to help.
Confident Smiles & Implants
(865) 248-2312
Serving Farragut, Greater Knoxville, and Lenoir City
We’d be honored to help you take the next step.
