A permanent, fixed set of teeth. Placed in a single surgery. Built to last a lifetime.
What is an implant bridge?
An implant bridge is a full-arch restoration where a complete set of teeth is supported by four to six implants placed directly into the jawbone. The result is fixed, does not move, and does not cover the roof of your mouth. Unlike dentures, implants also preserve your jawbone — preventing the bone loss and facial changes that occur when teeth are missing for extended periods.
Implant Bridge vs Implant Denture
(a.k.a ‘All on X’ or full arch fixed bridge)
A number of implants (usually 4-6) are placed into the jaw, then a fixed bridge will be fitted onto the implants on the same day or after 3 months of healing. Implant bridges stay in the mouth 24/7 and cannot be removed by the patient. Unlike a denture the implant bridges do not cover the roof of the mouth. Our dentists will decide which is the best material for your implant bridge to be made out of. Options can include Titanium reinforced acrylic, milled PMMA and Zirconia.
Example of implant bridge (titanium reinforced acrylic)
Titanium reinforced acrylic bridges are lower in cost and suitable in cases with very low bite forces for example when the opposite jaw has a denture with few or no natural teeth.
Example of an implant bridge with fine aesthetics to mimic natural teeth (zirconia bridge for strong bites)
Zirconia bridges are higher in cost and are suitable for cases where the opposite jaw has natural dentition.
Example of implant bridge
Example of implant bridge
(a.k.a ‘Clip on denture’ or Implant retained removable denture)
2-4 implants will be used to firmly hold a removable denture during daytime, the dentures will need to be taken out of the mouth at night time
Example of an Implant Denture
These look like traditional full dentures from the front, but they have additional componentry underneath which allow is to “clip” into the implants fixed into the bone. The implants stabilise the dentures while talking or chewing compared to traditional dentures, which sometimes can fall out. Denture adhesives are not be required to hold implant dentures into its place.
Removable Full Arch
What sets our implant bridge apart
Not all implant bridges are the same. The price difference between providers almost always reflects a difference in what is included, the materials used, and the level of planning involved.
Every implant bridge includes:
- Extractions of any remaining teeth
- Bone grafting where required to create a stable implant foundation
- Minor gum surgeries
- A fixed temporary bridge placed the same week as surgery
- A final bridge in full-arch zirconia — the strongest restorative material available. Zirconia does not stain and least likely to chip, and requires least ongoing maintenance compared to other options. We do not offer acrylic as a final restoration.
- After care package including a nightguard minimum and a waterflosser
We use premium MIS brand, standard-platform implants with a documented clinical track record.
Our support
From your first consultation through to your final fit, you have direct access to your treating dentist throughout. Not a coordinator or a front desk. Our clinicians will stand by you from the beginning until your smile and confidence is restored.
Treatment Investment
- Single arch: $32,000 – $35,000
- Upper and lower arches: $60,000 – $65,000
This is an all-inclusive fee. No additional charges for extractions, grafting, or your temporary bridge.
The cost is spread out over 3-4 months which is the timeline of the treatment from start to completion, however there is little to no time you will be left without teeth to smile with.
Acrylic vs zirconia — understanding the difference
Most providers offer a choice of final bridge material. We include zirconia as standard on every case. Here is why that matters.
| Acrylic | Zirconia |
|---|---|
| Material Plastic composite | Material Full-strength ceramic |
| Durability Prone to chipping and fracture over time; typically requires replacement within 5–7 years | Durability Highly resistant to chipping and fracture; designed to last 10-15 years with normal care |
| Aesthetics Can mimic natural teeth initially; discolouration and wear occurs with time | Aesthetics Natural translucency and colour stability; does not stain or discolour |
| Maintenance Requires periodic polishing; higher long-term maintenance cost.
More porous and likely to trap food and plaque |
Maintenance Minimal maintenance; no special products required
Non porous, less plaque retentive and biologically inert |
| Cost Lower upfront cost | Cost Higher upfront cost; lower cost over a lifetime |
| Our standard Not offered as a final restoration for standard cases | Our standard Included in every case |
Surgery and restoration by the same team
When implant surgery is performed by one clinician and the final restoration is placed by another, there is an unavoidable gap. The restoring dentist inherits implant positions they did not plan, and must work around surgical decisions they were not part of. Adjustments become harder. Results become less predictable.
Our clinicians perform the surgery and complete the final restoration. We use the one laboratory to plan the implant positions and the smile making our internal communication seamless. The same team plans your case, places the implants, and fits your final bridge. Every surgical decision is made with the final result already in mind. It is one of the clearest advantages we offer.
Our team of dentists
For this service book in with Dr Kenny or Dr Akash and request for an implant consultation. If booking online select implant consultation.
Dr Olivia Henzell
Principal Dentist
oh@smilemakeover.co.nz
Dr Kenny Kim
Principal Dentist
kk@smilemakeover.co.nz
Dr Akash Kota
Principal Dentist
ak@smilemakeover.co.nz
Two clinicians. The full day. No shortcuts.
Every implant bridge surgery is led by two clinicians working together from start to finish. We dedicate the entire day to your procedure. This level of resource is not standard practice. For a surgery of this complexity and consequence, it is the standard we hold ourselves to.
Planning that starts before surgery is booked
An implant bridge cannot be planned in a standard appointment. Before any surgery is scheduled, we complete:
- A full facial and bite assessment
- A CBCT scan to map your bone volume and anatomy in three dimensions
- Digital smile design
- A written treatment plan with all costs confirmed upfront
You will understand exactly what you are receiving before you commit to anything.
What to expect
Your initial consultation takes approximately one hour. Surgery is a half-day appointment usually under IV sedation. You leave that day to rest and heal until your temporary bridge is fabricated which may take a few days. There are options to get a smile on the day if it is important. Your final zirconia bridge is fitted once the implants have fully integrated — typically three to six months later.
Is an implant bridge right for you?
An implant bridge suits patients who have lost most or all of their teeth, are facing extensive extractions, or have been told they are not candidates for conventional implants due to bone loss. It is also chosen by patients who want a definitive, permanent solution rather than a staged approach.
The best way to find out is a consultation. We will assess your bone, your bite, and your face — and present every option available to you, including whether an implant bridge is the right choice or whether an alternative would serve you better.
