Both All-on-4 and All-on-6 are full-arch implant solutions that replace an entire row of teeth (upper or lower) on just 4 or 6 implants. They are designed to give patients who have lost most or all of their teeth a fixed, permanent solution — not a removable denture.
The choice between them comes down to your bone density, budget, and how much load your new teeth will need to bear. Here is everything you need to know.
What is All-on-4?
All-on-4 places four titanium implants in each jaw — two straight at the front and two angled at 45° at the back. The angled posterior implants engage denser bone and allow longer implants to be placed, bypassing areas with poor bone density near the back of the jaw.
All-on-4 was pioneered by Nobel Biocare and is backed by 20+ years of clinical evidence. It is one of the most-researched full-arch solutions in implant dentistry.
What is All-on-6?
All-on-6 uses six implants per jaw — the extra two are placed in the posterior (back) region. The six implants share the load of the full arch more evenly and may offer additional stability for patients with stronger bite forces or who need a longer-span bridge.
All-on-4 vs All-on-6: Key Differences
| Factor | All-on-4 | All-on-6 |
|---|---|---|
| No. of implants per jaw | 4 | 6 |
| Posterior implant angle | Up to 45° (angled) | Mostly straight |
| Bone graft often needed? | Rarely — designed to avoid it | Sometimes — needs more bone |
| Cost in UK (per jaw) | £10,000–£15,000 | £12,000–£18,000 |
| Cost in Turkey (per jaw) | £3,500–£5,500 | £4,500–£7,000 |
| Cost in Dubai (per jaw) | £4,300–£6,500 | £5,500–£8,000 |
| Treatment time | 1–2 trips (5–10 days total) | 1–2 trips (5–10 days total) |
| Clinical evidence base | 20+ years (extensive) | 15+ years (good) |
Who is All-on-4 Best For?
- Patients with moderate to significant bone loss — the angled implants bypass the need for bone grafting in many cases
- Those who want to minimise cost — two fewer implants means a lower overall price
- Patients wanting the fastest treatment path — immediate loading (teeth fitted same day) is well-established for All-on-4
- Good candidates who don’t need extra bite strength (average diet)
Who is All-on-6 Best For?
- Patients with good bone density who don’t need angled implants
- Those with heavy bite forces (bruxism / grinding) — the extra implants distribute load better
- Patients where the treating dentist recommends additional support for the bridge design
- Those willing to invest slightly more for additional implant support
Can I Choose Between Them?
In many cases, the decision is made primarily by your bone anatomy after a CT scan — your implant surgeon will recommend which technique is clinically appropriate. If both are viable, the choice often comes down to budget and whether your bite places heavy demands on the prosthesis.
Do not insist on All-on-6 purely because it “sounds better” — All-on-4 has an excellent long-term track record and is the right choice for many patients.
What Happens if an Implant Fails?
Both systems have implant survival rates above 95% at 10 years in published studies. The consequence of a single implant failing differs:
- All-on-4: Losing one implant compromises the entire arch — the bridge must be supported temporarily while replacement is planned
- All-on-6: In some designs, losing one implant can be managed while the bridge is still supported by the remaining five
This is one genuine advantage of All-on-6, though failure rates are low for both systems with proper planning.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is All-on-6 better than All-on-4?
Not necessarily — both have excellent long-term success rates. All-on-4 is better for patients with bone loss, while All-on-6 may offer additional stability for patients with heavy bite forces and good bone density. Your implant surgeon will recommend the right option after a CT scan.
How much more does All-on-6 cost than All-on-4?
All-on-6 typically costs 20–30% more than All-on-4 due to the two additional implants and abutments. In Turkey, All-on-4 per jaw starts at £3,500 while All-on-6 starts at £4,500. In Dubai, All-on-4 starts at £4,300 vs £5,500 for All-on-6.
Can All-on-4 last a lifetime?
The titanium implant fixtures in All-on-4 are designed to be permanent and have 20+ year follow-up data showing high survival rates. The prosthetic bridge (the teeth part) typically needs replacement or relining every 10–15 years due to normal wear.