All-on-4 vs All-on-6: Which Full-Arch Implant Is Right for You?
Get a Free EvaluationAt a Glance: All-on-4 vs All-on-6
All-on-4
- 4 implants support a full arch
- 2 back implants angled at 45 degrees
- Avoids bone grafting in most cases
- Lower overall cost
- Same-day teeth possible
- Best for adequate jawbone
- Starting at $18,000/arch
All-on-6
- 6 implants distribute force more evenly
- All implants placed vertically
- Better for higher bite forces
- Higher implant survival rate long-term
- Supports heavier prosthetic materials
- Ideal for bone loss or grinding
- Starting at $22,000/arch
Detailed Comparison: All-on-4 vs All-on-6
| Factor | All-on-4 | All-on-6 |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Implants | 4 per arch | 6 per arch |
| Starting Cost (per arch) | ~$18,000 | ~$22,000 |
| Procedure Time | 4–6 hours | 5–7 hours |
| Recovery Time | 3–6 months osseointegration | 4–6 months osseointegration |
| Same Day Teeth | Yes (temporary set) | Yes (temporary set) |
| Bone Graft Required | Rarely (angled implants avoid it) | Occasionally needed |
| Bite Force Capacity | Good (80% of natural) | Excellent (95% of natural) |
| Long-Term Stability | Very Good | Excellent |
| Ideal Candidate | Average bone density, normal bite | Heavy bite, bone loss, grinding |
| Prosthetic Material Options | Acrylic, zirconia | Acrylic, zirconia, full-arch zirconia |
| Implant Failure Risk | Low (1–3%) | Very Low (0.5–1.5%) |
| 10-Year Success Rate | 94–96% | 96–98% |
Who Is Each Option Best For?
All-on-4 Is Best If You…
- Have adequate bone density
- Want the lowest upfront cost
- Have a normal bite force
- Want to avoid bone grafting
- Are not a heavy bruxist (grinder)
- Prefer faster procedure time
- Need both arches replaced (budget)
All-on-6 Is Best If You…
- Have reduced bone density
- Grind your teeth at night
- Want maximum long-term stability
- Prefer a zirconia (porcelain) bridge
- Have experienced implant failure before
- Eat very hard or chewy foods regularly
- Want the highest 20-year success rate
Not sure which is right for you? Dr. Qiu performs a 3D CBCT bone scan at your free consultation and recommends the specific option based on your actual bone density, bite force, and goals.
The All-on-4 / All-on-6 Process at 5D Smiles
Free Consultation + 3D Scan
We evaluate bone density, gum health, and bite force to determine which option is right for you.
Custom Treatment Plan
You receive a written, itemized quote with no hidden fees before committing to anything.
Implant Placement Day
Extractions (if needed) and all implants placed in one appointment. You leave with temporary teeth.
Healing Period (3–6 months)
Implants fuse to bone. You wear your temporary teeth and eat soft foods during this phase.
Final Prosthetic Delivery
Your permanent zirconia or acrylic bridge is custom-fabricated and fitted. You leave with your final smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is All-on-6 better than All-on-4?
All-on-6 offers marginally better long-term stability and bite force capacity, but All-on-4 is the right choice for the majority of patients. For most people with adequate bone, All-on-4 delivers excellent 20-year outcomes at a lower cost. All-on-6 is specifically better for patients with bone loss, heavy bite forces, or who grind their teeth.
Can All-on-4 fail?
All-on-4 has a 94–96% 10-year success rate. The most common causes of failure are smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, severe bone loss, and bruxism (grinding). If you have risk factors, Dr. Qiu may recommend All-on-6 for better odds of long-term success.
How much more does All-on-6 cost than All-on-4?
At 5D Smiles, All-on-4 starts at $18,000/arch and All-on-6 at $22,000/arch — a $4,000 difference per arch. Both options are available with 0% financing through CareCredit and Sunbit, making the monthly payment difference roughly $55–$80/month.
Can I switch from All-on-4 to All-on-6 later?
In most cases, no — once implants are integrated, removing them to add more is a complex secondary procedure. This is why choosing the right option upfront (after proper evaluation) is critical. Attempting to “upgrade later” is far more expensive than choosing All-on-6 initially if that’s the right fit.
Which one does Dr. Qiu recommend most?
Dr. Qiu recommends All-on-4 for the majority of patients — it’s a proven, well-researched treatment with excellent outcomes. He recommends All-on-6 specifically when a 3D bone scan reveals low bone density, or when a patient has been diagnosed with bruxism. The recommendation is always data-driven, not upsell-driven.