If you have lost most or all of your teeth in one or both jaws, two full-arch implant options are likely to come up in your consultation: All-on-4 and All-on-6. Both use a small number of implants to support a fixed, full-arch replacement, but they differ in how many implants are placed, how much jawbone is needed, and how they may be priced. This guide compares the two approaches so you can discuss the right option for your case with your dentist.
What Is the Difference Between All-on-4 and All-on-6?
All-on-4 uses four implants, positioned at specific angles, to support a full arch of fixed replacement teeth. It was originally developed as a way to provide a fixed full-arch solution even where bone volume is more limited, since the rear implants are angled to make use of the available bone.
All-on-6 follows the same general principle but uses six implants instead of four. The additional implants can spread biting force across more support points, which may suit patients with a higher biting load or those who prefer additional stability from the outset.
Neither option is inherently “better” — the right choice generally depends on your jawbone volume, density, and general dental and medical history, which your dentist will assess during a consultation.
Key Benefits of Each Option
All-on-4 benefits typically include:
- Fewer implants, which can mean a shorter surgical appointment
- A treatment approach that may suit patients with reduced bone volume, often without needing a bone graft
- Generally lower treatment cost than All-on-6, due to fewer implants and components
All-on-6 benefits typically include:
- Additional implants that may spread biting force more evenly
- A support structure some clinicians consider a good fit for patients with a stronger bite or higher functional demands
- Potentially useful as a long-term option where bone volume already supports six implants comfortably
What to Expect: The Treatment Process
Both treatments generally follow a similar sequence, though the specific plan is always tailored to the individual.
The process typically starts with a consultation and diagnostic scans (such as a panoramic X-ray or CT scan) to assess bone volume and plan implant positions. Your dentist will also review your medical history and discuss whether All-on-4 or All-on-6 is more appropriate for your jaw.
On the day of surgery, the implants are placed under local anaesthetic (sometimes with sedation), and in many cases a temporary fixed bridge can be fitted on the same day, allowing you to leave with a functional set of teeth while the implants integrate with the bone underneath — a process called osseointegration, which generally takes several months.
Once healing is complete, the temporary bridge is replaced with the final, custom-made restoration. Your dentist will schedule follow-up appointments to check healing and fit.
Aftercare for both treatments generally involves the same daily habits as caring for natural teeth — brushing, cleaning around the implants, and attending regular check-ups — along with avoiding very hard foods while the implants are settling in. Your dentist can give you a tailored aftercare plan once your restoration is fitted.
All-on-4 vs All-on-6: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | All-on-4 | All-on-6 |
|---|---|---|
| Number of implants | 4 per arch | 6 per arch |
| Bone volume needed | Can often suit lower bone volume | Generally suits patients with more available bone |
| Typical cost | Generally lower, due to fewer implants | Generally higher, due to additional implants and components |
| Biting force distribution | Spread across 4 support points | Spread across 6 support points |
| Bone grafting | May often be avoided | May still be needed in some cases |
| Same-day temporary bridge | Often possible | Often possible |
These figures are general guidance rather than fixed rules — your dentist will confirm what applies to your specific case after an examination and scan.
What Affects the Cost of All-on-4 and All-on-6?
Cost is one of the most common questions patients raise when comparing these two treatments. All-on-4 is generally the more affordable option, largely because it uses two fewer implants and typically requires less preparatory work such as bone grafting.
All-on-6 tends to cost more overall, reflecting the additional implants, components, and sometimes a longer or more involved surgical appointment. In some cases, if your jawbone needs building up before six implants can be placed, a bone graft may add to the overall cost and treatment timeline.
Beyond the number of implants, other factors that can influence the final cost include the materials used for the final bridge, whether any teeth need to be extracted first, and whether sedation is used during surgery. Because every treatment plan is different, the only way to get an accurate cost for your situation is a consultation and scan with your dentist.
Many patients also ask about payment options for full-arch implant treatment, since the cost is typically paid in stages across the treatment journey rather than all at once.
Am I a Candidate for All-on-4 or All-on-6?
You may be a suitable candidate for one of these treatments if you have lost most or all of your teeth in an arch, wear a full or partial denture you would like to replace with a fixed solution, or have failing teeth that are likely to need extraction.
Candidacy for All-on-4 specifically may apply if bone volume is more limited, since the angled rear implants can make fixed-arch treatment possible without a bone graft in many cases.
Candidacy for All-on-6 may apply if you have sufficient bone volume already and want the added support of two extra implants, or if your dentist recommends it based on your bite and jaw assessment.
General dental health, gum condition, and factors such as smoking or certain medical conditions can also affect suitability, so a full consultation and scan is the only reliable way to confirm which option fits your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is All-on-4 cheaper than All-on-6?
All-on-4 is generally less expensive than All-on-6, mainly because it uses fewer implants and components. The exact cost for either option depends on your individual treatment plan.
Can I switch from All-on-4 to All-on-6 later?
In some cases, additional implants can be added later, but this depends on your bone volume and existing implant positions. This should be discussed directly with your dentist.
Do I need a bone graft for All-on-4 or All-on-6?
A bone graft may not be needed for All-on-4 in many cases, since the angled implants can work with reduced bone volume. All-on-6 may be more likely to require adequate existing bone, and a graft is sometimes still needed for either option depending on your scan results.
How long does recovery take after All-on-4 or All-on-6?
Initial healing generally takes a few days to a couple of weeks, while full osseointegration of the implants with the jawbone typically takes several months before the final restoration is fitted.
Will I have teeth on the same day as surgery?
A temporary fixed bridge can often be fitted on the same day as implant placement for both All-on-4 and All-on-6, though this depends on your individual case and your dentist’s assessment.
Choosing Between All-on-4 and All-on-6
Both All-on-4 dental implants and All-on-6 dental implants can provide a fixed, full-arch replacement for missing teeth, and the right choice depends on your bone volume, bite, and personal preferences. If you are missing teeth across only part of an arch rather than the whole arch, it may also be worth reading about multiple dental implants as an alternative approach, or comparing implants with dentures in our guide to implants vs dentures.
The most reliable way to know which option suits your case is a full consultation, including a scan of your jawbone, with our team. You can find out more about the full range of options on our dental implants page, or explore NHS guidance on dental implants for general background on the procedure.
If you would like to discuss whether All-on-4 or All-on-6 may be right for you, you are welcome to book a consultation with DigiSmile Group in Islington to have your case assessed individually.
This article is provided for general information only and does not constitute dental advice. Please consult a qualified dentist to discuss your individual circumstances before making any treatment decisions.
