Compare · procedure
All-on-4
vs All-on-6.
Both are full-arch fixed implant solutions. All-on-4: 4 implants supporting a full-arch bridge with two posterior implants angled to maximise bone use. All-on-6: 6 implants — more support distribution, better long-term prognosis in higher-load patients.
Verdict
The bottom line.
All-on-4 for: most patients, faster recovery, lower cost, sufficient support for normal chewing forces. All-on-6 for: heavy bruxism, large jaw / heavy chewing forces, those requesting maximum redundancy and longer expected implant life.
Side-by-side
All-on-4 vs All-on-6, by the numbers.
Verdict markers (↑) indicate where the listed option has a clear advantage based on aggregate evidence and pricing as of 2024–2025. Individual cases vary — request a personalized assessment for your specific situation.
FAQ
All-on-4 vs All-on-6, answered.
- Is all-on-6 worth the extra cost?
- For most patients — no. All-on-4 has 10+ years of evidence (Maló et al, Nobel Biocare protocol) and provides sufficient support for normal chewing forces. All-on-6 makes sense for: documented heavy bruxism (night-grinders), large jaws with high chewing forces, patients who want maximum redundancy if a single implant were ever to fail. The marginal cost adds $3,000–$6,000 per arch.
- Is all-on-4 strong enough for normal chewing?
- Yes. Multiple long-term studies show all-on-4 supports normal chewing forces with 10-year implant survival rates >95%. The two posterior implants are angled (typically 30–45°) to maximise bone-to-implant contact and distribute occlusal load. For patients without bruxism or extreme chewing demands, all-on-4 is the standard recommendation.
- Can I upgrade from all-on-4 to all-on-6 later?
- Yes — additional implants can be added later if needed (e.g. if a single all-on-4 implant fails, the remaining 3 can sometimes be augmented with 2 additional implants). Plan ahead: most patients commit to all-on-4 or all-on-6 at the outset based on their specific case.
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