All on Four Dental vs All on Six: Best Option?

Dental implants are the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. They can be used to replace a single missing tooth or they can be used to replace a full set of teeth for patients who have no natural teeth. 

All on Four and All on Six dental implants are groundbreaking treatment options designed for individuals who have lost most or all of their teeth in either the upper or lower arch. These innovative techniques use four or six strategically placed implants to anchor a full arch prosthesis. 

With this solution, patients can replace missing teeth with a set that looks, feels, and functions just like natural teeth. One of the key advantages of the All on Four or All on six concept is that it can eliminate the need for extensive bone grafting, making it a suitable option for individuals with bone loss.

If you are looking for a long-term, fixed solution to restore your ability to speak and smile with confidence, All on Four or All on Six dental implants may be the perfect solution for you.

All on Four Dental Implants

The All on Four dental implant procedure is a well-planned oral surgery designed to place four dental implants into the jawbone. These implants serve as support for a full arch fixed prosthesis. It is often carried out by placing two implants vertically into the front of the jaw, while the other two are angled at the back. 

Angling the two rear implants helps provide better stability and maximizes bone support which eliminates the need for extensive bone grafting. Alveolar bone loss is very common in patients with missing teeth and by eliminating the need for bone grafting the process becomes more simple. In this way it can often be completed in less than a day. 

Dental implant surgery can be carried out under local anesthetic, although complex cases are often carried out under general anesthetic. You can speak to your dentist about sedation or relaxation techniques if you suffer from anxiety or phobia. 

The process often begins with removing any remaining natural teeth which may be irreversibly damaged or loose. Advanced imaging and surgical guides are then used to insert the implants into the jaw.

After securing the implants, a temporary prosthesis is attached, allowing immediate oral function. Patients can use this temporary prosthesis while healing occurs over the next 3 to 4 months, after which the temporary prosthesis is replaced with the final prosthetic teeth.

Advantages

The All on Four treatment concept offers several benefits. It provides a fixed, stable full arch prosthesis using only four implants, which helps reduce treatment costs and time. By eliminating the need for bone grafting,the procedure itself is more simple and patient recovery time is also shorter.

The dental implants can be fixed with a temporary prosthesis immediately which means patients can quickly regain oral function, allowing them to eat, speak, and smile confidently shortly after the procedure. Also, the design of the prosthesis mimics the aesthetics and function of natural teeth better than traditional dentures, which helps restore confidence and self-esteem. The fixed full arch replacement also promotes long-term oral health by preventing further bone loss.

Disadvantages

Although All on Four dental implants have many advantages, there are also some limitations. As the entire prosthetic sits on only four implants, there is increased stress and pressure on the implants over time, in comparison to an implant supporting a single crown. 

Patients must maintain excellent oral hygiene and visit the dentist regularly to prevent oral health complications such as peri-implant diseases, and dental implant failure.

All on Four dental implants may not be suitable for individuals with severely compromised bone quality, as additional implants or bone grafting may be required for long-term success. While the All on Four approach is often cost-effective compared to treatments involving more implants, the initial investment and ongoing maintenance can still be significant for some patients.

All on Six Dental Implants

All on Six dental implants can be used to replace a full arch of missing teeth using six titanium implants to support a fixed full arch prosthesis. The procedure begins with a detailed consultation that includes 3D imaging and an oral health evaluation to assess bone density and plan precise implant placement. If necessary, tooth extractions and bone grafting are performed beforehand to create a solid foundation.

The six implants are positioned to maximize stability and evenly distribute chewing forces. Often, a temporary prosthesis can be attached on the same day to restore oral function. After the healing period, during which the implants become fixed into the jaw, the final prosthesis can be fitted. This prosthesis is customized to look and feel like natural teeth, providing long-term oral health benefits and enhancing the patient’s quality of life.

Advantages

The All on Six concept offers superior support and stability compared to fewer-implant solutions. This typically results in a stronger, more durable full arch prosthesis with reduced stress on individual implants, which may improve the long-term success of the treatment. The distribution of chewing forces is closer to healthy, natural teeth, which is particularly beneficial for patients with demanding oral needs.

This method also provides excellent support for larger or heavier prostheses crafted from durable materials like zirconia, improving both aesthetics and strength. Many patients report greater comfort and confidence, as the fixed full arch replacement alleviates concerns associated with removable dentures.

Disadvantages

The All on Six procedure can be more complex and expensive compared to solutions like All on Four, due to the higher number of implants and potentially more extensive surgical requirements.

Patients with significant bone loss may require additional bone grafting, which can extend the treatment timeline and recovery period. The increased number of implants may result in more post-operative discomfort or swelling. Any underlying health conditions will need to be taken into consideration to confirm whether or not you are eligible for the procedure. 

As with all implant surgery, maintaining excellent oral hygiene and regular dental care is essential to avoid complications like peri-implant disease. 

Let’s Compare: All on Four vs All on Six

Cost Comparison

The cost difference between All on Four and All on Six dental implants is a major factor for patients to consider. All on Four implants are generally more affordable, with costs ranging from $15,000 to $25,000 per arch. This is due to the fewer number of implants and less complex surgical procedures involved.

On the other hand, All on Six dental implants typically cost more, ranging from $20,000 to $35,000 per arch. This higher price reflects the additional implants, more materials, and often more intricate surgery required. While pricier, some patients value the added durability and support that come with the All on Six system, making the investment worthwhile.

Longevity and Success Rates

Both the All on Four and All on Six systems have high success rates when performed by experienced specialists and paired with proper oral hygiene practices. The All on Six approach, using six implants, often provides greater stability and distributes pressure more evenly across the jawbone. This can contribute to better long-term bone structure preservation and prosthesis durability.

All on Six implants boast success rates of approximately 98%, with minimal failure rates. Similarly, All on Four implants show excellent long-term results, especially when bone grafting is avoided and oral hygiene practices, including scaling and root planing, are maintained. However, due to the use of fewer implants, All on Four restorations suffer increased wear and tear, which can impact their durability in certain cases.

Recovery and Comfort

Recovery experiences differ slightly between the two procedures. All on Four implant surgery is often less invasive, involving fewer implants and shorter surgical times. This can lead to faster healing and reduced post-operative discomfort. Many patients benefit from immediate loading protocols, which allow them to receive a temporary prosthesis on the same day, enhancing comfort and quality of life quickly.

All on Six surgery may involve longer healing times due to the additional implants and potential bone grafting. However, six implants offer enhanced stability, resulting in superior comfort and improved oral function. This is particularly beneficial for patients with stronger bite forces.

Talk to Your Dentist

Deciding between All on Four and All on Six dental implants depends on factors such as your specific needs, your alveolar bone health, and your budget. Both options are designed to restore your smile with a fixed full arch prosthesis that improves oral health, functionality, and confidence.

All on Four offers a cost-effective, less invasive solution with a faster recovery time, while All on Six provides enhanced stability and durability through the use of additional implants.

For optimal long-term results, it is important to have a comprehensive treatment plan and maintain excellent oral hygiene. Speak to your dental specialist today to discuss the best option for replacing your missing teeth and enhancing your quality of life.