Differences in between All-on-4 and All-on-6

Understanding All-on-4 vs All-on-6 Dental Implants: A Comprehensive Guide

If you are looking for a tooth replacement solution for a toothless jaw or you only have a couple of teeth in one jaw, you have probably come across the “All-on” dental treatment concept. In “All-on” dental implant treatment, a dental professional places a complete bridge or a denture on a certain number of traditional implants, typically either 4 or 6 or rarely 2 and 8, 10. Implants are made of bio friendly titanium.

With „All-on” solutions, the more implants support the dental bridge, the stronger and more stable it will be. And the more implants are placed the pressure is more evenly dispersed on teeth while chewing. So, the more implants you have the better the whole solution resembles the function of your natural teeth.

Still there is no such thing, that this or that is a better solution, as dental implant procedures will be judged individually by the dentist on the basis of a CT scan and a consultation and the most appropriate solution will be proposed, taking into account your budget as well. What is the difference of the All-on techniques?

What Do All-on-4 and All-on-6 Procedures Have in Common?

• Both provide permanent full arch solutions for the lower or the upper jaw with implant systems.
• Both support fixed dentures with a complete set of teeth. Your dentures will not slip or move.
• 4 or 6 implant solutions stimulate jaw bone growth that helps improve your facial appearance. 
• Both implant options offer a similar experience. The implants act as anchors for your fixed dentures, allowing for a healing period before the final denture is placed for comfortable wear. You can wear a temporary denture in the recovery period. Dentures are attached to your dental implants.

The pros of All-on-4 dental implants

Less implant  posts – lower costs:

The dentist will place the denture/complete bridge over four implants per arch. Neither bone grafting nor sinus lift is required.

Quicker treatment:

It is not necessary bone augmentation so healing time is shorter. In some cases the temp denture can be attached to the screws so you can have an implant based solution from day 1.

You get a denture that can be removed by your dentist using screws.

Healthy jawbone

Implant screws are placed strategically and they do not let jaw shrink so your facial structure will not change. You will not look older than you are.

The cons of All-on-4 dental implant treatments

Less stability

The denture is only supported by 4 individual dental implants which is less stable than the 6 screw type. 

Higher risks

If one implant fails in the long run, then 3 implant rods will not be able to support the denture as the system is only stable with 4 implants

The pros of All-on-6 dental implant treatments

Enhanced stability

The denture is supported by six implants which provide higer stability for chewing

Better chew force distribution

As the denture is held by 6 implant posts the stress and load coming from chewing is less on one implant. It provides longer longevity for the implant posts.

Lower risks

If one of the 6 implants fails in the long run and must be removed, then it is very likely 5 screws will be able to retain the denture and you can continue to use the implant based denture until an extra implant is placed.

The cons of All-on-6 dental implants

Higher costs

As you will have 6 implant posts the costs of treatment will be higher. If you need bone augmentation or sinus lift then it further increases the price.

Longer treatment and recovery period

If sinus lift or bone grafting was necessary then healing period is longer compared to the process of placement of only implants.

Challenges in cleaning

While all-on-6 implants offer potentially greater stability, the additional two implants require more diligent cleaning between the posts to prevent plaque buildup and potential infection.

You can read more about the All-on-4 concept on this page.