Losing multiple teeth, or an entire arch, can have a real impact on quality of life. Beyond appearance, it affects your ability to chew, speak clearly, and maintain the structural integrity of your jawbone. While traditional dentures offer a solution, many people want something more stable and closer to natural teeth. That is where the All-on-Six dental implant technique comes in, providing a strong foundation for full-arch restoration.
At Digismile Group Dental Clinic in London, we understand the desire for a confident, healthy smile. The All-on-Six system is designed for patients who need maximum stability and support. By strategically placing six dental implants into the jawbone, this technique provides a robust anchor for a full bridge of prosthetic teeth. It is not just about replacing teeth; it is about restoring function, helping preserve your oral health, and improving day-to-day comfort with a solution built for long-term reliability.
Understanding All-on-Six Dental Implants
Dental implants have changed restorative dentistry, offering a long-term solution for missing teeth. They are small, screw-shaped posts, typically made of biocompatible titanium, surgically placed into the jawbone to act as artificial tooth roots. Once integrated with the bone, they provide a stable base for dental crowns, bridges, or dentures. For general background on how implants work, the NHS patient information on dental implants from Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust is a useful independent reference.
The All-on-Six concept takes this further. Instead of replacing each tooth individually, or relying on fewer implants, All-on-Six uses six precisely positioned implants to support a complete arch of custom-designed prosthetic teeth. These implants are strategically angled to maximise contact with existing bone, which can reduce the need for extensive bone grafting.
Patients who qualify can often receive a fixed provisional bridge on the same day as implant placement, allowing them to leave the clinic with a functional smile. Unlike quick cosmetic treatments such as composite veneers, this is a full-arch restoration. After a healing period, the provisional bridge is replaced with a custom-made permanent prosthesis that looks, feels, and functions much like natural teeth.
The Benefits of All-on-Six
Choosing All-on-Six dental implants offers a number of advantages beyond simply replacing missing teeth. The approach is designed to provide long-term stability, comfort, and a meaningful improvement in quality of life.
Strength and Stability
The core advantage of All-on-Six is stability. With six implants distributing biting pressure more evenly across the jawbone than systems using fewer implants, the foundation for your new teeth is robust. That support translates into better chewing efficiency, letting you eat a wider variety of foods. Most patients experience a marked reduction in the movement or slippage common with traditional dentures, which brings real confidence when speaking and eating.
Helping Preserve Jawbone Health
Missing teeth lead to a lack of stimulation in the jawbone, which can result in bone atrophy and a sunken facial appearance over time. Dental implants, including the All-on-Six system, counteract this by stimulating the jawbone through osseointegration — the fusion of the implant with the bone. This stimulation helps preserve bone density and maintain your facial structure.
Long-Term Reliability and Durability
All-on-Six is known for long-term reliability. The foundation provided by six implants, combined with high-quality materials for the prosthetic bridge, means the solution is built to last. With proper care and regular check-ups, All-on-Six can serve as a long-term solution for a functional, natural-looking smile, and its durability reduces the need for the frequent repairs associated with less stable options.
Appearance and Confidence
Your new All-on-Six smile is custom-designed to complement your facial features, offering a comprehensive change similar in scope to what patients achieve with porcelain veneers. The prosthetic teeth are made to look natural, matching the shade, shape, and translucency of natural teeth — much like the finish delivered by full porcelain crowns. That improvement can make a considerable difference to self-confidence when laughing, speaking, and socialising.
Improved Chewing Efficiency and Diet
Unlike traditional dentures that can limit your food choices, All-on-Six implants provide biting strength much closer to natural teeth. That lets you eat a far wider range of foods, from crisp apples to steak, without discomfort or worry about your teeth shifting. Better chewing efficiency also supports digestion and nutrition.
Comfort and Convenience
Once integrated, All-on-Six implants feel like a natural part of your mouth. There is no need for adhesives, and no concern about slipping or clicking. They are cleaned much like natural teeth, with regular brushing, cleaning between the teeth, and professional hygiene appointments. That comfort simplifies daily life and removes many of the frustrations of removable dentures.
All-on-Six vs. All-on-Four: Making the Right Choice
When considering full-arch dental implants, patients usually encounter two options: All-on-Four and All-on-Six. Both are effective, but understanding their differences helps determine which suits your needs and oral health. All-on-Four uses four implants; All-on-Six adds two more, which brings distinct advantages in certain cases. For a full side-by-side breakdown, see our dedicated All-on-4 vs All-on-6 comparison guide.
Here is a comparative overview:
| Feature | All-on-Four | All-on-Six |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Implants | Four strategically placed implants per arch. | Six strategically placed implants per arch. |
| Stability & Support | Good stability; effective for most cases. | Greater stability; improved load distribution across the jawbone. |
| Jawbone Stimulation | Good stimulation, helping to preserve bone density. | Greater stimulation due to more implants, offering potentially better long-term bone preservation. |
| Suitable Candidates | Suitable for most patients with moderate bone loss, seeking a cost-effective full-arch solution. | Often preferred for patients with sufficient bone density, higher mechanical demands, or strong biting forces. |
| Mechanical Demands | Sufficient for average biting and chewing forces. | More robust for individuals with strong biting forces or particular dental habits. |
| Treatment Time & Cost | Generally a shorter treatment timeline and potentially a lower initial investment. | May involve a slightly longer initial phase and a higher investment, reflecting the added components. |
All-on-Six is often recommended where a patient has good bone density, or where there are higher mechanical demands on the teeth due to strong chewing forces or lifestyle factors. The additional implants distribute forces more broadly and may increase the longevity of the restoration, especially in the upper jaw, which typically has less dense bone. Both solutions have high success rates; All-on-Six is the option where enduring stability is the priority.
During your personalised consultation at Digismile Group Dental Clinic in London, your dentist will assess your oral health, bone structure, and individual needs to recommend the most appropriate full-arch solution.
Your Journey to a New Smile with All-on-Six in London
An All-on-Six journey with Digismile Group is a carefully planned, collaborative process. While the exact timeline varies for each individual, a typical journey involves several key phases:
Initial Consultation and Assessment
Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation. Your dentist will carry out a thorough examination of your oral health, including detailed 3D imaging (CBCT scans). This allows precise assessment of your jawbone density and structure, identification of nerve pathways, and planning of the optimal placement of each of your six implants. Your medical history, concerns, and aesthetic goals are all discussed to determine whether All-on-Six is the best solution for you.
Customised Treatment Planning
Based on the initial assessment, a bespoke treatment plan is developed. The plan outlines the exact positioning of each implant, the design of your new smile using digital smile design technology, and a breakdown of the treatment stages, so every aspect of the restoration is tailored to your anatomy and goals.
The Surgical Procedure
Implant placement is typically performed under local anaesthetic, with sedation options available for your comfort. Your dentist will place the six titanium implants into your jawbone according to the pre-planned positions. In many cases, where sufficient bone density is present, a provisional fixed bridge can be attached to the newly placed implants on the same day. That means you can often leave the clinic with a functional smile, eating softer foods and regaining confidence while your implants heal.
Healing and Osseointegration
Following implant placement, a healing period — typically a few months — is required for the implants to integrate fully with your jawbone. This biological process, known as osseointegration, creates a stable foundation for your permanent teeth. During this time you wear your provisional bridge, and your dentist monitors your healing progress.
Final Prosthesis Placement
Once osseointegration is complete and your implants are firmly fused with the bone, impressions are taken to create your permanent, custom-made bridge. This final prosthesis is made from durable materials and designed to match your agreed shade and shape. It is then securely attached to your implants, completing your restoration.
Who is a Good Candidate for All-on-Six Dental Implants?
The All-on-Six technique is versatile, but it particularly suits people who meet certain criteria. Good candidates often include:
- Patients with Extensive Tooth Loss: People who have lost most or all of their teeth in an arch (upper, lower, or both) and want a full, fixed restoration.
- Those Seeking Maximum Stability: Patients who prioritise stability, biting strength, and long-term durability.
- Individuals with Sufficient Bone Density: All-on-Six can sometimes be an option where some bone loss has occurred, but it generally requires a good amount of existing jawbone to support all six implants. 3D imaging assesses this accurately.
- Patients in Good General Health: Candidates should be in good overall health, without uncontrolled conditions that could impair healing. Habits such as heavy smoking may affect treatment success and need to be discussed.
- Those Looking for a Fixed Solution: People who want to avoid the limitations of removable dentures and prefer a fixed set of teeth.
- Patients with Higher Mechanical Demands: For those who exert strong biting forces, the added support of six implants can be particularly useful.
During your initial consultation at Digismile Group, your dentist will evaluate your situation to determine whether All-on-Six dental implants are the right choice for your needs and goals.
Maintaining Your All-on-Six Dental Implants
All-on-Six dental implants are durable and designed for long-term success, but their longevity relies heavily on proper care. Treating your new teeth much like natural ones is key to keeping them healthy and functional.
- Good Oral Hygiene: Brushing at least twice a day is essential. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive toothpaste. Cleaning between the teeth, or using interdental brushes designed for implants, is important to clean around the implant posts and under the prosthetic bridge where food particles and plaque accumulate. Your dental hygienist can demonstrate the best techniques and tools for your restoration.
- Regular Dental Check-ups: Scheduled follow-up appointments at Digismile Group are important. These are typically recommended every six months, though your dentist will advise the precise frequency. These visits allow monitoring of your implants, assessment of the prosthetic bridge, and professional cleaning.
- Avoid Damaging Habits: Do not use your teeth to open packages, bite hard objects such as ice or pens, or chew excessively sticky foods, especially during the initial healing phase.
- Healthy Lifestyle Choices: A balanced diet and avoiding tobacco contribute to oral health and can positively affect the long-term success of your implants.
By following these maintenance guidelines, you can extend the life of your All-on-Six dental implants and keep a stable, healthy smile for many years.
Why Choose Digismile Group Dental Clinic for Your All-on-Six in London?
Choosing the right clinic for a significant procedure like All-on-Six dental implants matters for both the outcome and the experience. Your dentist at Digismile Group works with current dental implant technology and techniques, using diagnostic tools including 3D imaging to plan and place implants precisely, in a modern, comfortable clinical environment.
We take a patient-centred approach: time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and tailor every aspect of treatment to your needs. From your initial consultation through to your final restoration and beyond, you can expect personalised attention and clear explanation at each step. General treatment costs are set out on our prices page.
Conclusion
The All-on-Six dental implant system offers a complete, fixed restoration for people with extensive tooth loss. It provides good stability, strong chewing function, and long-term durability, and it also helps preserve jawbone health while restoring the confidence that comes with a full set of teeth.
If you are living with extensive tooth loss and want a stable, functional smile, All-on-Six may be worth discussing with your dentist. A consultation is the only way to confirm whether it suits your case.
Ready to explore full-arch restoration for your smile? Contact Digismile Group Dental Clinic in London to arrange your personalised consultation. Visit our contact and location page to get in touch.
Frequently Asked Questions About All-on-Six Dental Implants
How long does the All-on-Six procedure take?
The surgical placement of the implants can typically be completed in a single appointment, often lasting a few hours. The entire treatment process, from the initial consultation to the placement of your final permanent bridge, usually spans several months. This timeframe includes the healing period for osseointegration, which varies by individual.
Is the All-on-Six procedure painful?
The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, so you should not feel pain during the surgery. Sedation options may also be available to help you remain comfortable. After surgery, some discomfort, swelling, and bruising are normal and can usually be managed with prescribed pain relief. Most patients report that recovery is more comfortable than they anticipated.
What can I eat after getting All-on-Six implants?
Immediately after surgery, while you have your provisional bridge, you will need to follow a soft food diet for several weeks so the implants can heal without undue stress. As the implants integrate and you move to your permanent bridge, you can gradually reintroduce a wider variety of foods. Ultimately, All-on-Six implants can let you enjoy most types of food with confidence.
How long do All-on-Six dental implants last?
With proper oral hygiene and regular professional maintenance, All-on-Six dental implants are designed to be a long-term solution. The titanium implants can last for many decades. The prosthetic bridge may require periodic maintenance or replacement after many years, while the implant foundation can remain stable.
Is All-on-Six suitable for everyone?
All-on-Six is an effective treatment, but it is not suitable for everyone. Good candidates generally have good overall health and sufficient jawbone density. Certain medical conditions, heavy smoking, or insufficient bone volume may affect suitability. A thorough consultation at Digismile Group is required to determine whether All-on-Six is the right option for you.
What is the difference between All-on-Four and All-on-Six?
The primary difference is the number of implants used to support the full arch. All-on-Four uses four implants, while All-on-Six uses six. The two additional implants can provide greater stability and a more even distribution of biting forces, which may be beneficial for patients with higher mechanical demands or when long-term bone preservation is a priority. Your dentist will recommend the most appropriate option for your case.
This article is for general information only and does not constitute dental advice. Every case is different, so please consult Digismile Group Dental Clinic or another qualified dentist to discuss your individual circumstances before making any treatment decisions.
