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Which is Better: All-on-4 or All-on-6 Dental Implants?

Better All on 4 or All on 6 Dental Implants

Most patients can use All-on-4 dental implants, but if you want more artificial teeth or have a strong bite, All-on-6 might be a better choice. All-on-6 implants can handle biting and chewing pressure better because they distribute the force across more implants. However, the amount of bone you have in your jaw could be the deciding factor, as All-on-4 implants need less bone than All-on-6. Also, keep in mind that All-on-6 implants cost more than All-on-4.

Are you thinking about getting dental implants to replace your teeth? You may have been wondering what the difference between All-on-4 and All-on-6 dental implants is – look no further. 

In this article, we’ll explore the similarities and differences between these implants, the factors that you and your dentist will consider making the choice, and the cost difference between these implants.  

What are All-on-4 Dental Implants? 

Developed by Dr. Paulo Malo and Nobel Biocare, All-on-4 implants are a type of dental prosthesis that provide patients with a fixed and near-permanent solution to replace their missing teeth. The implants form the foundation for the upper or lower arch (row) of artificial teeth, supporting the dental implant bridge. This treatment is aimed at individuals who have no teeth or many teeth that need to be replaced.

The All-on-4 procedure involves titanium implants (aka anchors or posts) being placed directly into the jawbone. As they are inserted directly into the bone, the implants will stay in position for at least the next 20 years (if the proper care is followed). 

Before the implants can be placed into the jawbone, all of the teeth and any infected gum or bone tissue will need to be extracted. Four implants are placed in either the upper or lower jaw, depending on where replacements are required. Two straight implants will usually be placed in the front, and two angled or tilted implants will be placed at the back. On the upper jawbone, implants are inserted at an angle to avoid hitting the sinus cavities, whereas implants are angled on the lower jawbone to avoid hitting a major nerve. Angled implants can also be used to extend your smile. 

Your dentist will place abutments, called Multiunit abutments on top of the implants – abutments act as connectors between the implants and the artificial teeth. You will then have tailor-made, temporary artificial teeth fitted onto your abutments. This temporary set of teeth is used to give your jawbone and implants time to heal and osseointegrate (fuse together). Finally, 3 to 6 months later, you’ll get your stronger, permanent teeth fitted to your implants.

Better All on 4 or All on 6 Dental Implants

All-on-4 vs. All-on-6: Differences

There are a few differences between these procedures, but the main difference is the number of implants: an All-on-6 procedure will use six dental implants instead of four. Notably, All-on-4 dental implants are suitable for the majority of patients. 

We’ve summarised the key differences between All-on-4 and All-on-6 dental implants in the table below. 

All-on-4 All-on-6
Number of implants 4 6
Average number of teeth supported 5 to 6 per quadrant /
10 to 12 per arch
6 or 7 per quadrant /
12 or 14 per arch
Biting and chewing Good force distribution Excellent force distribution
Bone grafting* Rarely on bottom jaw /
5% of cases need bone grafting
Rarely on bottom jaw /
5–7% of cases need bone grafting

*Bone grafting is often necessary for single implants, but rarely necessary for All-on-4 or All-on-6.

All-on-4 vs. All-on-6: How Do You choose?

Bone mass and bone density are critical determining factors; however, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The choice and number of implants required are tied to several factors that impact your individual dental health situation, such as how many of your natural teeth are missing, and whether you have gum disease (as well as its severity if you do). If necessary, your dentist will work out a personalised plan to treat your gum disease to get your gums into a healthy, optimum condition for your implants. 

Your dentist may also suggest top implants if your jawbone is insufficient or too soft to support your implants.These implants engage different bones to support your implants; zygomatic implants engage the cheekbone, whereas pterygoid implants engage the pterygoid plates at the very back of the jaw. Due to the success of these extra maxillary implants, they are becoming more popular. 

Other factors to consider include whether you have diabetes or osteoporosis. Your dentist will take a cone beam CT (CBCT) scan to investigate each of these. If there is another condition that has affected the underlying structure of your jaw, you may not be able to get All-on-4 or All-on-6 implants to replace a full arch. Such conditions include extreme skeletal malalignments, insufficient bone volume, or a bimaxillary joint disorder. 

Do All-on-4 or All-on-6 Implants Last Longer?

With the proper care, both All-on-4 and All-on-6 implants can last for 20 years or more. This longevity is aided by osseointegration, where the bone and implant posts fuse together. The implant posts will rarely need to be replaced, but the denture will wear out over time and may need to be replaced after 15 to 20 years. As you age, your teeth and gums can continue to change and move, so some dentists also recommend going in for check-ups every one to two years to ensure that the implants are still functioning and positioned as intended. 

All-on-4 vs. All-on-6: Cost in Australia

After your first consultation, our clinic will send you a quote for your specific treatment requirements. We’ve summarised the costs of All-on-4 and All-on-6 implants in the table below; however, note that these are only intended to serve as a guideline and do not include any additional dental procedures that you may require, such as bone grafting or gum disease treatment. 

All-on-4 All-on-6
Upper arch  From $19,000 per jaw $19,000
Lower arch From $19,000 per jaw $19,000
Upper and lower arches From $38,000 $50,000

You should also have a look at our payment plans for dental implants

At My Implant Dentist, our dentists have years of experience and extensive training. Your dental implants will always start with a thorough examination, detailed consultation, and an individualised treatment plan. 

Contact our clinic on (08) 9361 5544 in Perth or (07) 3130 0077 in Brisbane today to book a consultation and get a quote for your treatment.

Written By: Dr Kent Tan
Edited By: Dr Zaheer Kadwa
Reviewed By: Dr Ealin Lee

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Dr. Kent Tan - Author Bio

Dr Kent Tan is the top dental implant and cosmetic treatment expert. On average, he performs 500 to 1000 dental implants yearly, making him one of the most experienced dental implant surgeons in Perth, Western Australia.

Dr Kent is a certified Invisalign provider and has helped many patients achieve straighter teeth with a transparent braces system. In addition, he is skilled in performing a wide range of cosmetic dental treatments such as teeth whitening, dental veneers and bonding.

Dr Kent graduated from the University of Queensland and then went on to lecture in dental implants. He furthered his qualifications by graduating from the Master Clinician Programme in Implant Dentistry in Los Angeles, USA. This additional education allows him to provide his patients with the best possible care.

Customers Review

Mark TaylorMark Taylor
03:15 12 Mar 24
Rob SmithRob Smith
12:33 24 Feb 24
I was at a really low point in my life, had an accident 2 years ago which broke 3 of my teeth and a bridge in between my 2 front top teeth. From that moment I became extremely conscious of going out,socialising and found my self withdrawn and depressed as I didn't know what to do.Then a friend told me about My Implant Dentist. I plucked up the courage and went for my first consultation at Mindarie Quinns dental practice with Dr Zaheer who explained all my options and advised all on 4 top and bottom.Not only Dr Zaheer but all the staff and doctors at both Mindarie and South Perth were amazing and extremely professional and made the whole process seemless.Having the treatment has given me back confidence and enabled me to socalise and do things with my family and friends that I couldn't do before.I would like to thank Dr Zaheer and all the team at My Implant Dentist for everything they have done for me and recommended them to everyone I speak to.I just can't stop smiling!!!
Vicki DatsonVicki Datson
22:00 16 Feb 24
From the lovely girls at the front desk through to the dentist and his off sider I couldn’t be more happy with the treatment and the service provided. So incredibly satisfied with the end result it’s taken a while but we got there. Thank you so much.
Toby HawkesToby Hawkes
12:19 02 Feb 24
From start to Finnish i felt very comfortable. The whole experience for me was more than just new teeth.For me it was a journey of self discovery that changed my whole life.I found that everyone that I encountered was very professional &friendly &made my experience so pleasant.They deserve more than 5 stars.Thank you so much🥰
Selina HansonSelina Hanson
09:19 01 Feb 24
My experience with My Implant Dentist has been excellent from start to finish. The staff at the front desk were incredibly kind and helpful. The medical treatments throughout were professional and pain free. I would definitely recommend them to anyone considering this service
SherrySherry
08:14 30 Jan 24
So grateful to have found this place. I needed a wisdom tooth out. They were able to x-ray and fit me in promptly. Extremely high quality and professional service at an affordable price! I feel lucky to have found an honest and helpful Dentist especially in today's economy. Lovely staff all round. I will be coming here from now on.Thanks again :)
Catalina Te MaroCatalina Te Maro
12:02 21 Nov 23
From the moment I walked in the door My Implant dentist were very caring and professional. As a dental nurse myself I knew I would be a very hard case as other specialists said they could not help me. After my first consultation with Dr Kent he was confident that he could help me and I was provided with a clear plan for my top and bottom all on four procedure. My new teeth are perfect and so natural looking. He has made the impossible possible for me. I can smile and eat the foods I love again and this has changed my life. Thank you so much to all staff and especially Dr Kent Tan who I can say is the best implant dentist in Perth.
Bec SmithBec Smith
11:30 14 Aug 23
I can’t thank the team and dentists at My Implant dentist enough! From the girls working the front desk to the dental nurses assisting the dentist’s, Dr Kent Tan and Dr Ealin. I had the All on four implants and I can’t explain how much this has transformed my life in such a great way.I will always be thankful to be able to have this treatment!Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
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Adam ByersAdam Byers
02:39 20 Feb 24
Great service and very professional both admin and Dentists
Mussie KirosMussie Kiros
23:09 12 Feb 24
My implant Dentist Mooorooka is an amazing team. The receptionist staff are very welcoming and super lovely to talk to. The dentists are very experienced and knowledgeable. The assistants are very lovely. The service 10/10. Highly recommend!
moonira Bassamoonira Bassa
03:55 25 Nov 23
Dr Zaheer is an amazing dentist, very knowledgeable and very detailed. He’s an amazing dentist. Definitely recommend My Implant Dentist Brisbane
Yacoob BassaYacoob Bassa
03:42 25 Nov 23
Dr Zaheer is an excellent dentist, very experienced and very detailed. Highly recommend My Implant Dentist Brisbane
solomon issaksolomon issak
00:27 18 Nov 23
The receptionist team have been very helpful, helped me organise early super release for my implant treatment. Dr Zaheer is an amazing implant dentist, discussed with me on what type of surgery I needed and have also treated the surgery on me. Dr Reza is very kind. The dental assistants are very friendly. Highly recommend My Implant Dentist Brisbane
Tan Binh NgoTan Binh Ngo
02:59 31 Oct 23
I picked up”Moorooka Dental Care” contact details from the web. I rang for a few questions and the happy voice of Frances had calmed my anxiety down quickly!Dr Kadwa greeted me from the front bench, took me in for the X-ray, dental assessment, carefully explaining the procedure, answered my questions and quoted for the works. He offered to breakdown work items to suit with my needs. The quote was surprisingly very compatible with my previous quote from overseas. (I know I am going to have my dental treatment in the safe zone, most medical advances in Australia).The implant work went smoothly, so smooth that the team had to remind me “Done!”, well beyond my imagination.When he saw me off with the aftercare instructions, I could feel his professional manners with caring characters. I know he has done a few thousand implants but I still received the care of his first. Thanks Zaheer!I requested X-ray images, Fatimatu responded promptly with friendly chatting.I also would like to thank Dr Linh Trần who was in the operation team at the treatment and follow up cares.
Melrey LudivicoMelrey Ludivico
05:10 26 Oct 23
My implant dentist brisbane 5/5. Dr Linh, Dr Zaheer and Dr Reza have been amazing and have looked after me in my procedures. Frances the receptionist was the first person to contact me to get me to come in since I have been looking around. Excellent service and friendly staff
Matthew WinkelmannMatthew Winkelmann
22:33 17 Oct 23
Moorooka dental have been a pleasure to deal with. I did a bit of research into dental implants and most companies had hidden fees. I booked a consult and was contacted within a few hrs to get me in and get the ball rolling. I choose to go with he implants using my super. They helped me to do all the paperwork to release the money. Definitely a good dental clinic.
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