Worked estimates and checklists
Full-arch dental implants cost: worked example for a fixed bridge or implant denture
An illustrative cost breakdown for replacing a whole arch of teeth on implants in Australia, comparing a fixed full-arch bridge with an implant-retained denture, including fund limits.
Replacing all the teeth in one jaw with implants is usually quoted as one of two designs: a fixed full-arch prosthesis screwed to several implants (ADA item 666, often marketed under brand names involving "four" or "six" implants), or a removable implant-retained overdenture that clips onto two or more implants (item 665, with abutments and attachments). In the illustrative example below, a fixed upper arch on four implants totals about $26,000, and a lower overdenture on two implants about $9,500. Extras benefits typically cover only a small fraction, because annual and lifetime limits are far below these totals. The point of the example is the structure and arithmetic; real quotes vary widely. It follows the method in how to estimate dental treatment costs.
What a full-arch quote contains
| Stage | Items commonly seen | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Planning | 014 or 017 consultation, 037, 026 + 088 or 089, 678 diagnostic template, 679 surgical guide | Records, scans and planning appointments |
| Extractions | 311, 314, 322, 324 per tooth | If remaining teeth are removed |
| Surgery | 684 or 688 per implant, sometimes 243 grafts | Number of implants drives cost |
| Sedation or hospital | 942 per 30 minutes, or hospital and anaesthetist fees | Major cost variable |
| Provisional teeth | 713 or 714 provisional complete denture, or a provisional fixed bridge | Worn during healing |
| Final prosthesis, fixed | 661 per abutment (if used), 666 fixed prosthesis with metal frame per arch | The largest single line |
| Final prosthesis, removable | 661 per abutment, 664 bar or 735 retention components, 665 removable prosthesis per arch | Fewer implants possible |
| Maintenance | 669 removal and reattachment, 695 cleaning, 668 screw replacement | Ongoing costs |
Illustrative quote: fixed upper arch on four implants
| Line | Item | Qty | Illustrative fee each | Line total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Consultation and records | 014, 037 | 1 | $300 | $300 |
| CBCT and analysis | 026 + 089 | 1 | $500 | $500 |
| Diagnostic template and guide | 678, 679 | 1 | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| Extractions | 311 | 6 | $250 | $1,500 |
| Implants | 688 | 4 | $2,600 | $10,400 |
| IV sedation | 942 | 6 (3 hours) | $250 | $1,500 |
| Provisional fixed bridge | itemised by practice | 1 | $2,800 | $2,800 |
| Final fixed prosthesis | 666 | 1 | $8,000 | $8,000 |
| Total | $26,000 |
Illustrative quote: lower overdenture on two implants
| Line | Item | Qty | Illustrative fee each | Line total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Consultation, records, CBCT | 014, 037, 026 + 088 | 1 | $750 | $750 |
| Implants | 688 | 2 | $2,500 | $5,000 |
| Abutments with attachments | 661 | 2 | $700 | $1,400 |
| Implant-retained denture | 665 | 1 | $2,350 | $2,350 |
| Total | $9,500 |
Applying fund benefits
Illustrative policy: major dental 60% with a combined annual limit of $2,000; implants included within that limit; general dental 70% with a $700 limit.
- Fixed upper arch: general items (consultation, X-rays, CBCT) about $800 × 70% = $560. Major items far exceed the limit: $2,000. Total benefit about $2,560; out-of-pocket about $23,440.
- If treatment spans two limit years (surgery and provisional in year 1, final bridge in year 2), major benefit can reach $4,000, total about $4,560, out-of-pocket about $21,440.
- Lower overdenture: general $750 × 70% = $525; major $2,000. Out-of-pocket about $6,975.
On a top-level policy with, say, a $4,000 major limit and a separate $2,500 lifetime implant limit, the benefit would rise, but it rarely approaches the full cost. Always get the fund's benefit per item in writing.
Hospital and sedation choices
Full-arch surgery is sometimes done under general anaesthetic in a day hospital. Then:
- a hospital policy with the dental surgery clinical category can pay hospital charges; under the government's product tiers, that category is minimum in Silver and Gold and optional in Bronze and Basic
- the anaesthetist's fee may attract a Medicare benefit if an MBS item applies; ask for the item number and any gap
- the dental items (implants, prosthesis) are still charged separately
Ask for three separate estimates: practice, hospital and anaesthetist.
Ongoing costs to budget for
A fixed full-arch prosthesis is usually reviewed and may need to be removed and reattached for cleaning (669) and maintenance. Screws may need replacement (668), and acrylic or ceramic teeth can wear or chip. An overdenture's attachments wear and need replacing. Ask what the practice expects and what those visits cost. See implant failure and redo costs.
Red flags in full-arch offers
- A single headline price with no item breakdown
- "Teeth in a day" marketing that does not explain the provisional and final stages and costs
- Pressure to pay a large deposit at the first consultation
- Finance offered before you have a written plan
See cheap dental implant ads: red flags and the implant dentist checklist.
Frequently asked questions
Why do full-arch quotes vary so much?
Number of implants, whether extractions and grafts are needed, sedation or hospital, the provisional, the final material and laboratory, and the practitioners involved. Compare itemised quotes.
Is the provisional bridge included?
Not always. It is a common source of difference between quotes; ask.
Can I finance full-arch treatment?
Many practices offer finance. Compare the total cost using the payment plan calculator and read paying for dental implants.
Is there public funding for full-arch implants?
Very rarely, and only for specific clinical circumstances through public hospital services.
Sources
- Australian Dental Association — item numbers 665, 666, 668, 669, 678, 679, 688 and 942
- privatehealth.gov.au — hospital product tiers and dental surgery category
- MBS Online — anaesthesia and surgical MBS items
- Ahpra — practitioner registration
