Anyone researching full arch implants eventually runs into two terms that sound similar: All-on-4 and All-on-6. However, they aren’t quite the same. Both replace a full arch of missing teeth using dental implants as the foundation. So, it’s easy to wonder whether the number in the name actually changes much.
It actually does, and understanding the difference helps frame a more informed conversation with your dentist. Let’s understand each one in more detail.
What Is All-on-4?
All on 4 dental implants use exactly what the name suggests. Four strategically placed implants support a complete, fixed arch of replacement teeth. Two implants sit toward the front of the jaw, while the other two sit further back at an angle. The angle spreads support across the strongest available bone. This design is part of why dentists can often place all on four dental implants without extensive bone grafting beforehand.
Our guide on what All-on-4 dental implants are and how they work covers this in more depth.
What Is All-on-6?
All on 6 dental implants follow a similar concept, but with two additional implants supporting the arch. That makes six in total instead of four. The extra implants can spread bite force across more anchor points. Dentists sometimes consider this for patients with greater bite pressure, or where bone structure calls for additional support.
Comparing the Two Approaches
All-on-4
- Uses four implants per arch
- Designed to work with available bone, often without grafting
- Supports a fixed implant bridge that functions similarly to natural teeth
All-on-6
- Uses six implants per arch
- May be considered where additional support or bite distribution is a factor
- Also typically supports a fixed restoration rather than a removable one
Both approaches differ from implant-supported dentures, which snap onto implants but can still be removed by the patient. These dentures are a different category of restoration from the fixed designs used in All-on-4 or All-on-6 treatment.
If you’re not yet sure which one is for you, a consultation with a dentist can help.
How Many Implants Do I Actually Need?
This is the part that’s genuinely individual, and it’s not something that can be answered without an assessment. How many implants you need for full arch replacement depends on a few things your dentist will look at directly:
- Bone volume and density — how much healthy bone is available to anchor implants
- Bite force and jaw structure — some patients place more mechanical demand on their restoration than others
- Whether bone grafting for dental implants is being considered, or whether the treatment plan is designed to avoid it
- The specific full arch implant restoration being planned, and how it needs to be supported long-term
This is genuinely a case-by-case decision, which is why a proper clinical assessment and imaging will matter more than trying to work it out from general information alone.
Fixed Teeth vs Removable Dentures
One thing that doesn’t change between All-on-4 and All-on-6 dental implants is that both are usually built around a fixed implant bridge. That means they are permanently attached, and not something you take out at night.
This is a meaningful difference from implant supported dentures, which use implants for stability but can still snap out for cleaning. If a fixed result is the goal, both All-on-4 and All-on-6 achieve that. The choice between them is more about what your bone and bite actually need.
Some patients also ask about “teeth in a day,” where a temporary set of teeth is fitted on the same day as surgery. This isn’t tied to one specific implant count. It will also depend on whether immediate loading suits that person’s healing and bone stability, which again comes back to an individual assessment.
What About Cost?
All on 4 dental implants cost vary from person to person, and the same is true for any full arch treatment involving more implants.
Rather than comparing a general figure between the two approaches, the more useful step is a consultation that maps out exactly what your case involves because the number of implants isn’t the only factor that affects the final cost.
If you’re considering getting dental implants or other dental treatments, Greenslopes Dental Studio may help you find a payment plan that works well within your preferences. This will help spread the cost of treatment over time, alongside guidance on what your health fund may contribute. Our guide on understanding your payment options for dental implants goes into more detail on health fund cover, payment plans, and other ways to manage the cost.
Make sure you raise this during your consultation so you have a clear picture of your options from the outset.
Which One Actually Suits You?
Here’s the honest answer: neither option is inherently “better.”
All-on-4 has become widely used precisely because it works for a broad range of patients, including many who don’t have enough bone for other implant approaches without grafting first. All on 4 full arch dental implants are often the more accessible starting point for exactly this reason.
Some cases do call for additional implants, but that’s a decision your dentist makes based on imaging and a proper exam, not something to self-diagnose from a search result.
If you’re trying to picture what treatment actually involves, our guide on what All-on-4 dental implants are and how they work is a good starting point, and our All-on-4 recovery timeline covers what healing looks like once treatment begins.
Making the Right Choice for Your Smile
Choosing between full arch implant options isn’t about picking the bigger number. It’s about matching the right approach to your bone health, bite, and long-term goals. A proper consultation, with imaging and an individualised assessment, is the only reliable way to know what’s right for you.
If you’re looking for a dental implant dentist in or near Greenslopes, QLD, our team at Greenslopes Dental Studio can help you check if an all-on-4 or all-on-6 dental implant is right for you. At Greenslopes Dental Studio, Dr. James You leads full arch implant assessments and can talk you through whether All-on-4 is the right fit for your situation.
Book an appointment with our team, or call us on 07 3733 3555, to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is All-on-6 always better than All-on-4?
Not necessarily. “Better” depends on individual bone structure and bite requirements, not the number of implants alone. Some patients are well suited to All-on-4, while others may need a different approach based on their specific case.
Does All-on-4 require more bone grafting than All-on-6?
Not typically. All-on-4 is specifically designed to make use of available bone through angled implant placement, which is one reason it’s often achievable without extensive grafting. Individual cases still vary.
Can I switch from All-on-4 to All-on-6 later if needed?
This depends entirely on your specific case and would need to be assessed by your dentist. It isn’t a simple upgrade. It still involves its own clinical evaluation to know if that’s more suitable for your case.
How do I know which option is right for me?
The only reliable way is a consultation involving a clinical exam and imaging, so your dentist can assess your bone structure, oral health, and goals before recommending a treatment plan.
