All-on-4 vs. All-on-6 Dental Implants: Which One Is Right for You?
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Modern dentistry offers two options for full-arch teeth replacement: all on 4 vs all on 6 dental implants. The difference between these large-scale dental restorations is more than in numbers. It’s vital to consider their pros, cons, and cost factors to conduct a reasoned dialogue with your dental practitioner and choose the solution that perfectly correlates with your needs and preferences. We’ll help you navigate the informed choice. Let’s find out which is better: all-on-4 or all-on-6 dental implants!
What Are All-on-4 Dental Implants?
All-on-4 dental implants are a progressive treatment technology that provides patients with a full set of teeth supported by four implants. Two of these implants are positioned at an angle to securely anchor custom-made artificial teeth and replenish a functional bite. This is a great permanent option for people who have most of their natural teeth missing.
What Are All-on-6 Dental Implants?
All on six dental implants deliver six sturdy titanium posts to support a full arch of prosthetic teeth. These implants are placed directly into the jawbone for increased stability and strength, meaning a patient needs sufficient bone density for the procedure. It is a dependable and long-lasting solution for reconstructing full dental functionality and aesthetics.
Key Differences Between All-on-4 and All-on-6
You can’t solely choose between all on 4 dental implants vs all on 6, as only a comprehensive pre-surgical assessment performed by a reputable oral surgeon can help understand your current oral health situation. However, fathoming their differences can help evaluate your expectations and budget to conduct an all-encompassing consultation with a dental practitioner.
Number of Implants
All on 6 vs all on 4 constructions imply using a differential number of dental implants to support a full arch of teeth:
- With all-on-4 implants, a doctor embeds four implants in the jawbone, two of which are placed at an angle.
- All-on-6 implants offer extra support with six implants positioned vertically in the patient’s jawbone.
The accuracy of implant placement plays a crucial role in the procedure’s success. Ensure you address a credible cosmetic & implant dental office with well-versed specialists who adhere to the established standards in tooth implantation.
Stability and Load Distribution
Let’s compare all on 4 vs all on 6 implant alternatives in terms of stability and functionality:
- The all-on-4 solution serves as a robust foundation for a dental arch due to a strategic implant placement. You can freely speak, eat, and smile, as permanent implants won’t slip or move like it is possible with conventional removable dentures.
- All-on-6 implants boast better stability and strength than the previous option, especially for the upper jaw, distributing the pressure more evenly. The increased number of implants potentially prolongs the construction’s lifespan.
All-on-6 implants may be a better option for those prone to higher bite force, but they require a healthy jawbone condition.
Bone Density Requirements
A dental implant needs a sufficient amount and density of jawbone to be placed correctly and distribute chewing forces more evenly.
- 4 screw dental implants fit patients with moderate bone density, potentially sparing the need for bone grafting procedures.
- All-on-6 implants are perfect for patients with decent bone density or in need of extra support.
During a dental appointment, a doctor meticulously evaluates bone structure using panoramic X-rays, scans, and other methods. Based on the examination results, they can develop a customized treatment plan.
Procedure Time and Healing
The duration of treatment depends on the individual case and the extra procedures required.
- All-on-4 implants commonly require fewer surgical procedures than the placement of six implants, resulting in a shorter treatment time. They have a high success rate of 95.24%. Typically, the installation can be done in a day, and healing may take several months.
- The timeline for all-on-6 implants also seems promising: if the case is not severe, an oral surgeon can place them in a single day. It may take up to 6 months till they fuse with the patient’s jawbone.
The healing process is no less important than the surgical stage and requires following the comprehensive post-op guidelines of the lead specialist.
Cost Comparison
The price of dental implants varies based on the case complexity, clinic’s location, materials used, and the surgeon’s professional expertise.
- All-on-4 implants are more affordable than all-on-6 implants. The cost for a dental arch begins from $15,000.
- All-on-6 implants are more costly as the placement involves additional materials and surgical procedures. The estimated cost starts from $20,000 for an artificial tooth row.
Keep in mind these are rough numbers, so it’s reasonable to contact a dental clinic administration to find out their pricing policy and insurance-related issues.
All-on-4 vs. All-on-6 Dental Implants: Pros and Cons Analysis
Though we recommend making the final decision after an appointment with your doctor, acknowledging the advantages and drawbacks of both treatment types can help you gain insight into your individual needs.
| All-on-4 | All-on-6 | ||
| Pros | Cons | Pros | Cons |
| Less invasive as it involves fewer implants. | Not suitable for patients with severe bone loss. | Six implants distributed across the jawbone provide enhanced stability and a more secure bite. | More expensive than all-on-4. |
| Reduced recovery time. | 2. Minor risk of unsuccessful osseointegration. | 2. Better chewing functionality, meaning you can enjoy a wider food assortment. | 2. Placement of six implants involves a more complex surgical intervention and may lead to a longer healing time. |
| One-day placement (on average). | 3. Needs diligent oral hygiene to last long. | 3. Prevents further deterioration of facial structure. | 3. Higher cost compared to all-on-4 implants. |
| Averts further bone loss. | 4. Jawbone preservation. | 4. Enhanced pressure on the jawbone may lead to its resorption. | |
| More affordable. | 5. Improves appearance and self-esteem. | ||
Besides the aforementioned advantages, both dental procedures are designed to last for years, improve chewing and speech clarity, contribute to oral health, and boost an overall quality of life. Their success and satisfaction rates are commonly high.
Choosing the Right Full-Mouth Implant Solution for You
Selecting between all-on-4 and all-on-6 dental technologies requires considering diverse factors, including the patient’s oral health and budget. Both procedures have been proven effective in providing new teeth that not only look natural but also excel in functionality and comfort of maintenance. Advancements in dental digitalization enable precise implant placement and remarkable success rates.
These permanent solutions for lost teeth are straightforward to care for with regular brushing, flossing, and scheduled dental appointments. If you hesitate about which procedure is right for you, our qualified dentists in Forest Hills, NY, can assess the current state of your oral cavity and offer a personalized treatment plan for further negotiation. At the consultation, you can express your concerns and understand the risks and benefits of each dental technique.
Additional Resources
- If you are interested in how placing implants at an angle impacts their stability, read this study on the all-on-4 technique.
- Explore the intricacies of rehabilitation and the success rate for the all-on-six treatment approach.
