all-on-4
Pronunciation: all-on-four
A full-arch implant treatment concept in which a complete dental prosthesis is supported by four strategically placed implants, with the two posterior implants inserted at an angle to maximise bone engagement.
Full Definition
The All-on-4 concept (trademarked by Nobel Biocare) describes a protocol in which an immediately loaded full-arch prosthesis is anchored by four implants — two axially placed anteriorly and two tilted (typically at 30–45°) posteriorly — to avoid anatomical structures such as the sinus or mental foramen. In editorial work, 'All-on-4' (with capital A, hyphen, and numeral 4) is a registered trademark and must be rendered precisely; generic equivalents include 'full-arch implant rehabilitation on four implants.' Editors must note that variant protocols (All-on-6, All-on-X) use the same stylistic pattern.
Usage
Usage note: Render as 'All-on-4' with initial capital, hyphen, and Arabic numeral. In non-trademark generic usage, prefer 'full-arch rehabilitation on four implants.' Confirm trademark acknowledgment when required by the publisher.
In Context
- "The patient received an All-on-4 restoration in the maxillary arch using tilted posterior implants." — Clinical Case Study
- "The text rendered 'all on 4,' 'all-on-4,' and 'All On 4' inconsistently; the editor standardized to 'All-on-4' as per the trademark holder's style." — Marketing Copy Editing