All-on-4 vs All-on-6
Choosing the right full-arch solution.
Both restore a full arch on implants; All-on-6 adds two implants for extra support.
Which to Choose
Depends on bone volume and budget.
The Real Difference: Force Distribution
Both restore a full arch on implants. All-on-4 uses four fixtures, with the rear two angled to engage denser bone and avoid the sinus or nerve — which often removes the need for grafting. All-on-6 adds two implants, spreading chewing forces across a wider base.
More support generally means less cantilever at the back of the bridge, which is where prosthetic fractures and screw loosening concentrate.
Bone Decides, Not Marketing
All-on-6 requires more bone volume in more sites. Where the jaw has resorbed, All-on-4 may be the only fixed option without grafting or a sinus lift; in extreme upper-jaw atrophy, zygomatic implants are considered.
A CT scan determines what is possible. No clinic can responsibly choose between them from photographs or a price list.
Redundancy If One Implant Fails
This is the quiet argument for six. If one implant fails in an All-on-6, the bridge can often be maintained on the remaining five while the site heals. Losing one of four is more consequential and may require the prosthesis to be removed until a replacement integrates.
Implant survival for full-arch cases is broadly in line with single implants — around 92–97% at ten years. See success rates.
Cost, Timeline and Practicalities
| All-on-4 | All-on-6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Implants per arch | 4 | 6 |
| Bone required | Less | More |
| Grafting often avoided | Yes | Less often |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Tolerance of one failure | Lower | Higher |
Both usually involve a temporary bridge on the day of surgery and the permanent prosthesis after 3–6 months of healing — two trips. See All-on-4 and All-on-6.
This page provides general information and does not replace professional dental advice. Always consult a qualified dentist about your individual case.
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