All-on-4 vs All-on-6: What Is the Difference?

All-on-4 and All-on-6 describe fixed full-arch restorations supported by four or six implants. They are treatment concepts, not products. The right option depends on anatomy, implant position, bite forces, restorative space, hygiene access and the condition of the opposing teeth or restoration.

What All-on-4 means

An All-on-4 plan uses four implants to support a fixed arch. Angled posterior implants may help use available bone and may reduce the need for some grafting in selected cases. This does not mean grafting can always be avoided, and it does not guarantee immediate fixed teeth.

What All-on-6 means

An All-on-6 plan uses six implants. Additional implants may provide more support or distribute load differently when anatomy allows. Six implants are not automatically better than four. Poor positioning, limited bone, difficult hygiene or an unsuitable prosthetic design cannot be solved by implant count alone.

How the decision is made

The dentist evaluates 3D imaging, bone quality and volume, gum condition, smile line, jaw relationship, bite, medical risk and the planned final restoration. The design of the bridge and access for cleaning are part of the decision from the beginning.

Temporary teeth and final teeth

Some suitable patients may receive a fixed provisional restoration soon after surgery. It protects appearance and function during healing but is not the definitive restoration. The final zirconia restoration is fitted only after the required healing and restorative checks in the individual plan.

Questions for the written plan

Ask why four or six implants are recommended, which implant system and components will be used, whether immediate loading is expected, what happens if primary stability is insufficient, what the final restoration is made from and how many Beijing visits are planned.