When you’ve lost several teeth or are dealing with badly damaged ones, you may have come across two popular options: All-on-4 and All-on-6 dental implant procedures. This procedure is commonly referred to new teeth in one day procedure.
While they both offer long-term solutions for replacing teeth, it's important to understand how they work, what’s involved, and their pros and cons before making a decision.
Fees would generally range anywhere from $20,000 ~$80,000 depending on number of implants and arches.
What Are All-on-4 and All-on-6 Dental Implants?
Both procedures provide a permanent set of replacement teeth by anchoring them on four or six implants. Instead of replacing each missing tooth with an individual implant, a full arch of teeth (upper or lower) is supported by just a few implants strategically placed in your jaw.
All-on-4: Uses four implants in total—two in the front and two in the back of your jaw. This is a faster and often more affordable solution.
All-on-6: Involves six implants, giving the arch more support and distributing the load more evenly. This might be recommended for people with good bone density or those seeking extra stability.
The Process: What to Expect
Consultation & Planning: X-rays or 3D scans of your mouth and jaw are taken to plan the placement of the implants.
Implant Placement: The dentist surgically places the implants into your jawbone. In the All-on-4 procedure, the back implants are typically angled to maximize the use of available bone.
Temporary Dentures: After surgery, temporary dentures are attached to the implants, so you leave with a new smile right away!
Healing & Final Restoration: Over the next few months, the implants fuse to your jawbone in a process called osseointegration. Once healed, your permanent set of teeth will be attached.
The Pros of All-on-4 and All-on-6 Implants
Quicker Treatment Time: With these procedures, you can have teeth the same day or soon after surgery. No need to wait months for healing before getting new teeth.
Natural-Looking Teeth: The final set of teeth looks and feels like your own, making eating and smiling feel more natural.
Fewer Implants: Instead of placing an implant for every tooth, you only need four or six, reducing surgery time and cost.
The Cons of All-on-4 and All-on-6 Implants
Bone Removal: A significant drawback is that both procedures often require removal of a substantial amount of healthy bone to make room for the implants and the prosthetic teeth. This means you might lose bone you didn’t need to remove, which is important if you ever need future treatments.
One Implant Fails—Everything Fails: One of the biggest risks is that if even one implant fails, the entire arch can be compromised. Since the prosthetic teeth are supported by just a few implants, one failure means you’ll need to remove the full set of teeth and start over, which can be costly and time-consuming.
Less Flexibility: Once you go through with an All-on-4 or All-on-6 procedure, you’re locked into that solution. Should you decide to switch to individual implants later on, it would require a more invasive procedure to restore the bone and place new implants.
Potential for Wear: While the implants themselves are durable, the prosthetic teeth may wear down over time, requiring adjustments or replacements.
Is It Right for You?
All-on-4 and All-on-6 implants can be life-changing for people who need to replace multiple teeth, but they’re not perfect. While they offer a quick, efficient solution, it’s essential to understand the long-term commitment involved. Make sure to have a thorough conversation with your dentist, weigh the pros and cons, and consider your overall oral health before making a decision.
By understanding the procedure fully, you’ll be better equipped to choose the right treatment for your smile!