How All-on-6 Works
Six implants are positioned across the arch, spreading support across more points than a four-implant approach. As with any full-arch technique, exact positioning is planned individually around the bone available and the shape of the jaw. A complete arch of replacement teeth is then supported by these six implants, generally as a fixed restoration.
Who Might Consider All-on-6
All-on-6 is generally considered by patients missing all or most of the teeth in one arch, in cases where an assessment suggests six implants would be a more appropriate structure than four — for example, depending on bone distribution or bite forces. Whether that applies to your own case is something only an assessment can establish, not this page.
All-on-6 Compared with All-on-4
The core difference is implant count: six implants versus four. The additional two implants in All-on-6 spread the load across more points in the jaw, which an assessment might favour for some patients' bone structure or bite, while others may be assessed as suitable for All-on-4's fewer implants. Neither technique is presented as generally better here — see All-on-4 for the equivalent detail on that approach.
All-on-6 Compared with Implant-Supported Dentures
The key distinction is the restoration type rather than the technique itself: All-on-6 is designed to be fixed in place and maintained by a dentist, while implant-supported dentures specifically include a design you can take out yourself. Neither is presented as better here — it comes down to how you'd prefer to look after the result, alongside what an assessment finds. See Implant-Supported Dentures for that option in full.
Assessment and Planning Considerations
All-on-6 planning involves a clinical examination and imaging to assess bone availability at the six proposed implant positions, your bite, and your general oral health. The use of six implants does not, by itself, establish suitability or remove the possible need for preparatory treatment.
What to Expect in General Terms
As with other full-arch approaches, treatment moves through assessment and planning, placement of the implants, a healing and integration period, and finally fitting of the restoration. How that plays out for you — including timing and the number of visits — is confirmed as part of your own individual plan, not generalised here.
Considerations and Limitations
Using six implants generally means six sites need to be assessed for adequate bone, so bone grafting may be more, or in some cases less, likely to be relevant compared with a four-implant approach — this varies by individual and is not generalised here (see Bone Grafting). As with any implant treatment, outcomes and healing vary between individuals.
Looking After an All-on-6 Restoration
As a fixed restoration, an All-on-6 arch is cleaned differently from natural teeth or a removable denture, using a routine your dental team would show you. Alongside this, regular dental check-ups remain part of general care.
Related Options
Full Mouth Dental Implants gives the wider picture of full-arch options. All-on-4 uses fewer implants, if you'd like to compare. If a removable design appeals to you more, Implant-Supported Dentures covers that route instead.
General information only — every treatment decision follows an individual clinical assessment.