All-on-4 vs All-on-6: which full-arch implant is right for you?
Both All-on-4 and All-on-6 replace a whole arch of teeth with a fixed bridge anchored on dental implants — no plate, no nightly removal. The number in the name is the number of implants, and choosing between them is less about “more is better” and more about your bone, your bite and your plan.
What full-arch implants actually are
A full-arch implant restoration replaces all the teeth in an upper or lower jaw with a single fixed bridge, anchored on a small number of implants rather than one implant per tooth. The result is a set of teeth that stay put — you clean them, but you do not take them out.
All-on-4 uses four implants per arch; All-on-6 uses six. Both can often carry a temporary fixed bridge on the same day, with the final bridge fitted after healing.
How four and six implants differ
The extra two implants in All-on-6 spread the load across more anchor points and add redundancy — if one implant ever had a problem, more remain to support the bridge. In jaws with softer or less dense bone, that extra support can make the restoration more predictable, and it suits longer or heavier bridges.
All-on-4 places two implants straight and two angled to make the most of available bone, often avoiding the need for grafting — which keeps treatment simpler and lower-cost where the bone allows it.
Who each option suits
The honest answer is that it depends on your jaw, not on a brochure. All-on-4 often suits patients with adequate bone who want a streamlined, lower-cost fixed solution. All-on-6 tends to suit those with more bone available, a heavier bite, or who want the extra margin of support — particularly in the upper jaw, where bone is naturally softer.
A 3D (CBCT) scan of your bone is what actually decides this — which is why a real plan beats a one-size package.
Cost and value
All-on-4 costs less, simply because there are fewer implants and often no graft. All-on-6 costs more but buys extra support and redundancy. Neither is automatically “better value” — the better value is whichever matches your bone and bite, because an over-specified plan wastes money and an under-specified one risks the result.
At Tantalya, full-arch pricing is set out per arch in a written plan, so you see exactly what the implants, the temporary and the final bridge cost before deciding.
The bottom line
More implants are not automatically better. All-on-6 adds support and redundancy that genuinely help some jaws; All-on-4 is simpler, lower-cost and entirely sufficient for many others. The right choice is the one your bone, bite and goals point to — and a clinic willing to tell you when four is enough is usually one worth trusting.
Frequently asked questions
Is All-on-6 better than All-on-4?
Not automatically. All-on-6 adds two more implants, spreading the load and adding redundancy, which helps in softer bone or heavier bites — often the upper jaw. But All-on-4 is simpler, lower-cost and entirely sufficient for many jaws. “Better” is whichever matches your bone and bite, which a 3D scan decides.
What is the cost difference between All-on-4 and All-on-6?
All-on-6 costs more because it uses two extra implants, while All-on-4 is lower-cost and often avoids bone grafting. The exact figures depend on your jaw and the materials; at Tantalya the price is set out per arch in a written plan before you commit.
Can I get teeth on the same day with full-arch implants?
Often yes — both All-on-4 and All-on-6 can usually carry a fixed temporary bridge on the day of surgery, so you do not leave without teeth. The final, definitive bridge is fitted after the implants have healed, typically a few months later.
How long do full-arch implants last?
With good hygiene and regular reviews, the implants themselves can last many years — often decades. The bridge on top may need maintenance or eventual replacement over that time. Not smoking, cleaning well and attending check-ups are the biggest factors in how long they last.
Do I need a bone graft for All-on-4 or All-on-6?
All-on-4 is specifically designed to make the most of existing bone, often avoiding a graft. All-on-6 needs enough bone for six implants, which sometimes means grafting. A 3D scan shows what your jaw can take, and an honest plan tells you whether grafting is genuinely needed.
Not a substitute for professional advice. This article is general patient information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Always consult a qualified dentist about your own situation.
References & sources
Illustrations © Tantalya Dental Clinic — original diagrams created for this article. Educational content references public-domain health information from the U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). Not affiliated with or endorsed by any third party.
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