All-on-4 or All-on-6: how to compare options beyond advertising
What changes between four and six implants: diagnostics, load distribution, provisional restoration, hygiene and total cost.
Key points
- All-on-4 and All-on-6 support a full-arch prosthesis on implants; support count is chosen after diagnostics.
- Six implants are not automatically better in every case, and four are not sufficient for every patient.
- A fair comparison includes provisional and definitive restorations, additional procedures, hygiene and the complete estimate.
How to use this guide
- Compare both plans by implant positions, future restoration and access for cleaning.
- Check the difference between provisional teeth and the definitive prosthesis.
- Compare complete estimates including extractions, grafting, components and maintenance.
What the approaches have in common
Both use several implants to support a full-arch prosthesis. The goal is a fixed restoration that supports chewing, speech and appearance.
Treatment combines surgical and restorative planning. Implant positions must suit the future prosthesis rather than simply follow available bone.
What the clinician assesses
3D imaging shows bone and important structures such as nerves and sinuses. The clinician also assesses the bite, space between jaws, gums, remaining teeth and access for hygiene.
Choosing four or six supports depends on restoration length, load distribution and prognosis of each implant. A removable implant-supported option may also be considered.
How to compare proposals
The label “All-on-4” can describe different implant systems, provisional materials and definitive restorations. The same name does not mean the same treatment scope.
The estimate should identify diagnostics, extractions, implants, grafting, abutments, provisional and definitive prostheses, anaesthesia and reviews.
Hygiene and maintenance
The space beneath a fixed full-arch prosthesis must be cleaned daily. Its shape should allow access with brushes, specialist floss or an irrigator.
Professional hygiene and checks of screws and the bite are planned. Bleeding, odour, pain or movement should be assessed promptly.
Making a decision after consultation
You should understand why each option is proposed, which teeth can be retained, what additional procedures may be required and how long a provisional restoration will be used.
The plan should balance risks, maintenance, repairability and total budget rather than focus on one number. A second opinion is reasonable when needed.
Questions to ask at your consultation
- What on my scan determines the choice of four or six implants?
- How would timing, the provisional prosthesis and future repairs differ?
- Which reviews and professional hygiene visits are needed afterward?
Frequently asked questions
Are six implants always more reliable than four?
No. Outcome depends on bone, positions, restoration design and maintenance.
Can the upper jaw use four implants and the lower jaw six?
It may be possible, but each jaw is assessed separately and planned as part of one bite.
Why do All-on-4 prices vary so widely?
Implant systems, surgery, provisional and definitive materials, and the items included can differ.
Which option is faster?
Timing depends on extractions, bone, initial stability and healing, not only on implant number.
Sources used to prepare this guide
Content updated: 2026-07-15