All-on-4 vs All-on-6: Which Is Right for You? 2026 Comparison Guide

Bravodent Blog • Implantology

The main difference between All-on-4 and All-on-6 is the number of implants per jaw: All-on-4 uses 4 implants; All-on-6 uses 6. All-on-6 offers higher stability and chewing strength; All-on-4 can be placed with less bone volume and is usually more cost-effective. Which protocol is right depends on bone volume, bite force and treatment goals, assessed with 3D tomography (CBCT). There is no single “better” method for everyone.

All-on-4 Treatment

All-on-4 is a full-mouth rehabilitation method that places a fixed full-arch prosthesis on 4 titanium implants per jaw for patients who have lost all their teeth or whose remaining teeth need extraction. A separate implant is not placed for every tooth. Implants are angled to use available bone as efficiently as possible; posterior implants are often tilted. This means additional surgery such as sinus lifting or extensive bone grafting is unnecessary in many cases.

All-on-4 is often preferred by patients with moderate bone volume who want a shorter, more cost-effective path to fixed teeth. In suitable cases, a fixed temporary prosthesis is fitted on the day of surgery; the permanent prosthesis is placed after osseointegration (fusion of the implant with the bone). Treatment page: All-on-4 and All-on-6 implant treatment.

All-on-6 Treatment

All-on-6 applies the same full-arch concept with 6 implants per jaw. The two extra implants spread chewing load over a wider area. The aim is a more stable prosthesis over time, higher chewing force, and less stress on any single implant.

All-on-6 stands out for patients who have enough bone and want maximum security. The process is similar to All-on-4: digital planning, extraction and implant placement in the same session, same-day temporary fixed teeth in suitable cases, then a permanent prosthesis after 3–6 months. For a closer look at All-on-6, see All-on-6 dental implants in Istanbul.

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

Both methods aim for fixed, non-removable full-arch teeth. The difference is in the number of supports, bone requirement, load distribution and cost:

Which Should You Choose: A Short Decision Guide

The decision is not “pick the more modern option”. It is which protocol matches your bone and your expectations:

If there is advanced bone loss in the upper jaw, neither All-on-4 nor All-on-6 may be enough. In those cases, a zygomatic implant protocol is considered, with implants placed in the cheekbone instead of the jawbone.

Who Are All-on-4 and All-on-6 Suitable For

Both methods differ from a classic single-tooth implant. The goal is to rebuild an edentulous jaw, or a jaw whose teeth cannot be saved, with a fixed prosthesis. Typical candidates:

• Patients who have lost all teeth or whose remaining teeth need extraction
• Patients who do not want a removable denture and want fixed teeth
• Full-arch cases with loss of speech, chewing and confidence
• Patients whose general health is suitable for surgery and healing
• Patients who will follow oral hygiene and regular check-ups after treatment

Uncontrolled diabetes, active gum infection, heavy smoking or insufficient bone can change or postpone the plan. A definitive decision is made only after examination and CBCT. Conventional dental implant options are also reviewed in the same assessment.

How the Treatment Process Works

All-on-4 and All-on-6 follow the same framework. The difference is the number of implants placed and the digital plan built around that number.

Same-Day Fixed Teeth

In suitable cases, yes, for both All-on-4 and All-on-6. The condition is that the implants have enough primary stability at placement. The teeth fitted on the same day are not the permanent prosthesis; they are a fixed temporary prosthesis that provides function and aesthetics during healing. The permanent prosthesis is made after bone–implant fusion. “Same-day teeth” is not automatic for every anatomy.

What Affects the Cost

All-on-6 costs more than All-on-4 because of two extra implants, a more extensive surgical plan and the prosthesis design. The main factors that set the final price:

• Number of jaws (one jaw or both)
• Whether All-on-4 or All-on-6 is selected
• Implant brand and prosthesis material (temporary + permanent)
• Need for extractions, grafting or additional surgery
• Sedation / anaesthesia preference and follow-up protocol

Longevity, Care and Success

With correct case selection, an experienced surgical team and regular care, All-on-4 and All-on-6 implants can last 15–25 years, and often longer. The prosthesis surface can wear or be renewed over time; the infrastructure is preserved as long as the implants remain integrated in bone. Longevity depends on a night guard when needed, cleaning around the prosthesis, peri-implant gum health and six-monthly check-ups. The extra implants in All-on-6 share the load; that does not mean All-on-4 is “short-lived”.

All-on-4 and All-on-6 Planning at Bravodent

At Bravodent in Kadıköy / Bostancı, Istanbul, full-mouth rehabilitations are planned by a team experienced in periodontology, implantology and oral surgery, together with CBCT and digital impression technology. Under clinical supervision, Dr. Ümit Sait Yavuz is actively involved in dental implant, All-on-4, All-on-6 and zygomatic implant cases. The goal is not to sell “6 implants for everyone” or “4 implants for everyone”; it is to choose the protocol that matches the bone and the function. Same-day fixed temporary prostheses and a transparent treatment plan are offered, including for patients travelling from Europe.

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Why Is This Content Reliable?

This content is for informational purposes. We recommend visiting our clinic for a personal assessment.