If you’re comparing All-On-X vs individual dental implants, you’re likely facing a major decision — not just cosmetically, but financially and medically as well. Both options use dental implants, but they solve very different problems and are designed for different patient needs.
This guide is written for patients in Marina del Rey and West Los Angeles who want a clear, honest explanation of how these two treatment paths compare — including cost, longevity, comfort, recovery, and long-term value — so you can make a confident decision.
Understanding the Core Difference
At the most basic level:
- Individual dental implants replace one or several missing teeth individually
- All-On-X dental implants replace an entire arch of teeth using a fixed prosthesis supported by a small number of implants
Both are permanent solutions, but they are designed for very different clinical situations.
What Are Individual Dental Implants?
An individual dental implant replaces a single missing tooth from root to crown.
What’s Included:
- A titanium implant placed into the jawbone
- An abutment that connects the implant to the crown
- A custom crown that looks and functions like a natural tooth
Each implant functions independently, similar to a natural tooth.
Who Individual Implants Are Best For:
- Patients missing one to several teeth
- Patients with good bone density
- Patients who want a solution that closely mimics natural tooth anatomy
- Patients without widespread tooth loss
Individual implants are typically planned and restored through prosthodontic-driven treatment, ensuring precise bite alignment and aesthetics.
👉 Learn more about advanced restorative planning through
Prosthodontics:
What Are All-On-X Full Mouth Dental Implants?
All-On-X is a full-arch solution that replaces all teeth in the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both.
Instead of replacing each tooth individually, a full arch of prosthetic teeth is anchored to four or more strategically placed implants.
What Makes All-On-X Different:
- Replaces an entire arch of teeth
- Fixed prosthesis (not removable by the patient)
- Often avoids extensive bone grafting
- Can provide teeth much faster than placing multiple individual implants
👉 Learn more here:
All-On-X Full Mouth Dental Implants:
Side-by-Side Comparison: All-On-X vs Individual Dental Implants
| Feature | Individual Dental Implants | All-On-X Dental Implants |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | 1–5 missing teeth | Most or all teeth missing |
| Number of implants | One per tooth | 4–6 per arch |
| Teeth replaced | Single teeth | Full arch |
| Appearance | Matches natural tooth anatomy | Fixed full-arch prosthesis |
| Bone grafting | More commonly needed | Often avoided |
| Treatment timeline | Longer for multiple teeth | Faster overall |
| Cost per tooth | Higher | Lower per tooth |
| Removability | Fixed | Fixed |
Cost Comparison: Which Is More Cost-Effective?
Cost is often one of the biggest deciding factors — and understandably so.
Individual Dental Implant Costs (Typical Range)
- $3,500–$6,000 per implant
- Replacing several teeth can add up quickly
All-On-X Costs (Typical Range in Marina del Rey)
- $18,000–$30,000+ per arch
Cost Reality Check
- Replacing 8–10 missing teeth individually is often more expensive than All-On-X
- Replacing 1–3 teeth usually favors individual implants
👉 This is why All-On-X exists — it’s a full-mouth efficiency solution, not a shortcut.
Bone Loss & Jaw Health: A Critical Difference
Individual Implants
- Require adequate bone at each implant site
- Bone grafting is common if teeth were missing for a long time
- Excellent for preserving bone in localized areas
All-On-X
- Uses angled implant placement to maximize existing bone
- Often avoids major bone grafting
- Ideal for patients with advanced bone loss from dentures or long-term tooth loss
This distinction alone eliminates individual implants as an option for some full-arch patients.
Treatment Timeline: How Long Does Each Option Take?
Individual Dental Implants
- Implant placement
- 3–6 months healing
- Crown placement
- Timeline increases with each additional implant
All-On-X
- Often teeth (temporary prosthesis) placed same day or shortly after surgery
- Final prosthesis placed after healing
- Much faster “visible result” timeline for full-mouth cases
For patients who want a dramatic transformation quickly, All-On-X is often preferred.
Comfort, Function & Lifestyle Differences
Individual Implants
- Feel extremely natural
- Easy to clean like natural teeth
- No prosthetic bridge connections
All-On-X
- Strong biting force
- No removable dentures
- Slightly different cleaning routine
- Designed for durability and stability
Both options provide excellent function — but the day-to-day experience can differ slightly.
Aesthetic Outcomes: Which Looks More Natural?
Both options can deliver beautiful results when properly planned.
- Individual implants excel at replicating natural tooth emergence
- All-On-X focuses on smile symmetry, bite balance, and facial support
High-end prosthodontic planning plays a major role in both.
➡️ The provider’s experience matters more than the option itself.
Longevity & Maintenance Considerations
Individual Implants
- Can last 20+ years
- Individual crowns can be repaired or replaced independently
All-On-X
- Implants themselves are long-lasting
- Prosthetic arch may need replacement after many years due to wear
- Maintenance visits are critical
Neither option is “set it and forget it” — professional follow-up matters.
Which Option Is Better for YOU?
Individual Dental Implants Are Usually Better If:
- You are missing only a few teeth
- Adjacent teeth are healthy
- You want the most natural anatomical replacement
- Bone levels are adequate
All-On-X Is Often Better If:
- You are missing most or all teeth
- You currently wear dentures
- You want a fixed, non-removable solution
- You want to minimize surgeries and treatment time
The Role of Prosthodontics in Choosing the Right Option
Complex implant decisions should always be guided by prosthodontic planning, not just surgery.
A prosthodontic-driven approach ensures:
- Proper bite alignment
- Long-term joint health
- Natural aesthetics
- Predictable results
👉 Learn more about advanced restorative planning here:
Prosthodontics
Frequently Asked Questions
Is All-On-X better than individual implants?
Neither is universally better — the right choice depends on how many teeth are missing and your bone health.
Can I mix All-On-X and individual implants?
In some cases, yes — treatment can be customized.
Do All-On-X implants feel like real teeth?
Yes. They are fixed, stable, and strong, though slightly different from individual teeth.
Are All-On-X implants removable?
No, they are fixed in place by the dentist.
Which option lasts longer?
Both can last decades when properly planned and maintained.
Schedule a Personalized Implant Consultation
Comparing options online is helpful — but nothing replaces a personalized evaluation.
At Marina Dentistry, we:
- Evaluate bone health and bite alignment
- Offer both All-On-X and individual implants
- Create customized treatment plans
- Provide clear, transparent recommendations
