Dec 4, 2025
All-on-6 vs. All-on-4® Implants: Which is Right for You?
By Dr. Raheel Thobhani, DMD
If you are considering a full mouth restoration, you’ve likely heard of the revolutionary All-on-4® treatment concept. But in your research, you may have also come across All-on-6. Naturally, this leads to a common question: "Is more better? Can I (and should I) get All-on-6 instead?"
The answer depends entirely on your unique anatomy. While both procedures offer a life-changing, permanent alternative to dentures, they are designed for slightly different clinical situations. At Smyrna Dental Studio, we believe in customizing your treatment to ensure the longest-lasting result. This guide will compare these two powerful solutions to help you understand which might be the right fit for your smile.
What is the Difference? It's All in the Numbers
Both techniques are forms of full-arch restoration. They both involve surgically placing titanium implants into the jawbone to permanently anchor a complete bridge of new teeth.
All-on-4®: Uses four implants. Two are placed vertically in the front, and two are placed at angles in the back to maximize existing bone and avoid anatomical structures (like sinuses).
All-on-6: Uses six implants. It typically follows a similar pattern but adds two additional implants in the posterior (back) region of the jaw for increased support.
Why Would You Choose All-on-6? The Benefits of "Over-Engineering"
Think of the implants as the pillars of a bridge. While four pillars are sufficient to hold the bridge up, six pillars distribute the weight even more evenly.
Increased Stability: The extra implants provide a stronger foundation, which is beneficial for patients with a very heavy bite or those who grind their teeth.
Added Security: If one implant were to fail in the future (a rare occurrence), an All-on-6 bridge often has enough remaining support to survive, whereas an All-on-4 bridge might be compromised.
Bone Stimulation: More implants mean more stimulation for the jawbone, potentially preserving more bone density in the back of the mouth over time.
The Catch: Why Everyone Doesn't Get All-on-6
If six is stronger, why isn't it always the default? The main limiting factor is bone volume.
Bone Requirements: Placing those two extra implants requires sufficient healthy bone in the back of the jaw. Many patients who have been missing teeth for years have lost too much bone in this specific area.
Sinuses and Nerves: The back of the jaw contains the maxillary sinuses (upper) and the mandibular nerve (lower). Placing extra implants here safely requires more vertical space or additional procedures like a sinus lift.
For patients with significant bone loss, All-on-4® remains the superior choice because its angled design specifically avoids these low-bone areas, often eliminating the need for bone grafts.
FAQs: Your All-on-X Questions
Is All-on-6 more expensive than All-on-4?
Typically, yes. The cost is generally higher because it involves more hardware (two extra implants and abutments) and slightly more surgical time. However, the difference is often less than patients expect, and we will provide a transparent comparison during your consultation.
Is the recovery harder with six implants?
The recovery experience is very similar. While there are two additional surgical sites, most patients manage post-operative soreness with over-the-counter medication just as they would with an All-on-4 procedure. The healing time for osseointegration (3-6 months) remains the same.
How do I know if I have enough bone for All-on-6?
You cannot tell by looking in a mirror. We must use a 3D Cone Beam CT (CBCT) scan. This advanced imaging allows Dr. Thobhani to measure your exact bone density and the location of nerves to see if six implants can be placed safely.
Can I start with 4 and add more later?
It is technically possible, but much more complex and costly to do later. It involves removing the existing bridge, performing new surgery, and making a brand-new bridge. It is far better to determine the ideal number of implants before the initial surgery.
Customizing Your Path to a Permanent Smile
Whether it’s four implants or six, the goal is the same: a secure, beautiful, and permanent smile that restores your quality of life. The "best" option is the one that fits your unique anatomy and provides the safest, most predictable foundation for your new teeth.
Don't guess about your bone health. Let us show you exactly what's possible.
Contact Smyrna Dental Studio today to schedule your comprehensive 3D evaluation. We will help you decide if All-on-4 or All-on-6 is the perfect solution for you.
