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All‑on‑4 vs All‑on‑6: Key Differences

Full-arch dental implants have transformed how we treat extensive tooth loss, and two protocols dominate the field: All-on-4® and All-on-6. Both anchor a fixed bridge to titanium implants, restoring function and aesthetics in a single procedure, yet each follows a distinct strategy. Below is a clear, clinic-level breakdown to help you decide which option best suits your goals at Elf’s Smiles Dental Clinic in Antalya.

All-on-4 uses four implants per jaw—two placed vertically in the front and two angled up to 45 degrees in the back. Tilting the posterior implants allows us to avoid the sinus in the upper jaw and the nerve canal in the lower, which means little to no bone grafting for most patients. The surgery is shorter, post-operative swelling is minimal, and overall cost remains lower because fewer components are involved. This makes All-on-4 ideal for patients with limited bone volume, time constraints, or budget considerations.

All-on-6, by contrast, secures the bridge on six implants—usually two anterior, two premolar and two molar positions. The extra fixtures create a wider “footprint,” distributing chewing forces across a larger surface area. For patients with high bite pressure, bruxism, or denser bone, this added support reduces stress on each implant, shortens cantilevers, and provides a safety buffer: if one implant fails years down the line, the bridge can often stay functional while we replace the missing fixture.

From a biomechanical standpoint, the choice comes down to load management. Four implants are more than adequate for everyday chewing, but six implants lower the per-implant load by roughly 30–40 percent. This can translate into fewer technical complications—such as porcelain chipping or screw loosening—over a 10- to 20-year horizon, especially in patients who grind their teeth at night.

Surgical complexity differs as well. All-on-4 is usually graft-free and finished in about two hours per arch. All-on-6 may take 30–45 minutes longer and occasionally requires localized bone grafting when posterior bone height is insufficient. Healing protocols, however, remain similar: both solutions support an immediate provisional bridge within 24 hours, allowing you to leave our clinic with fixed teeth on the same day.

Cost structure follows implant count. At today’s rates, All-on-4 at Elf’s Smiles starts around £4 500 per arch, while All-on-6 begins at about £5 500. Though All-on-6 is roughly 15–20 percent more expensive upfront, its lower mechanical risk can reduce future repair costs, particularly in patients with stronger bites.

Aesthetically, there is no difference; both protocols allow us to craft a natural-looking smile with individual zirconia crowns layered in lifelike porcelain. What changes is the engineering under the surface. Maintenance is also identical: meticulous home hygiene, use of a water flosser, and two professional cleanings per year.

Which option is right for you?
Choose All-on-4 if you have limited bone, wish to avoid grafting, or need a cost-effective, rapid solution. Opt for All-on-6 if you possess adequate bone, clench or grind, or simply prefer an extra margin of safety for the decades ahead.

The definitive answer comes from a personalized consultation. Our implant team will review a cone-beam CT scan, assess your bite dynamics and discuss lifestyle factors—then recommend the protocol that promises the greatest long-term success.

Ready to find out which full-arch solution fits your needs? Contact Elf’s Smiles Dental Clinic in Antalya for a complimentary virtual assessment and start your journey toward a confident, permanent smile.