All-on-4 vs All-on-6 Dental Implants
CLINICAL CONTENT REVIEWED BY
Kalmar Implant Dentistry
Last Modified: July 10, 2024
There is a new way to replace a whole set of teeth using only four implants. The treatment is referred to as the
All on four implant. This method gives you a new smile quickly with little downtime.
The implants are placed at an angle of 45 degrees in the jaw. It is a good option for people facing issues like bone loss. This often means you won't need a bone graft.
Who Can Get All-on-4 Dental Implants?
Feeling shy in smiling due to multiple missing teeth? Don’t do this. Just go for a prosthodontics treatment called “
All on four implant” and laugh openly without any feeling of discomfort.
This is a revolutionary approach or a standout choice for people who have lost many teeth. Also, it is beneficial for individuals with badly damaged or broken teeth. With the
All on 4 treatment they will get a new set of natural-looking teeth. This is an excellent replacement for lost and decayed teeth.
This method also works well for those with low jaw bone density. The implants help stop further bone loss and give a strong base for new teeth.
Is All-on-4 Dental Implants Really Good? Check out Benefits
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They are better than removable dentures that need regular upkeep.
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The look and feel of these implants are just like real teeth. In brief, you can get a fully functioning new set of teeth.
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It helps maintain good oral hygiene.
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They make eating more comfortable and functional.
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They help keep your jaw bone healthy and provide excellent support from significant bone loss.
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They prevent the bone loss that often happens with traditional dentures.
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The treatment takes a short time to complete.
And the last and most important benefit of
all on 4 implants is that they provide a healthier and more youthful facial structure.
What is the downside or shortcoming of All-on-4 dental implants?
Though rare, some risks come with All-on-4 implants:
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Implants may fail if the bone doesn’t grow well around them.
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Some patients might have trouble speaking after surgery.
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All-on-4 implants can be expensive.
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The surgery can cause tender gums and make eating difficult during healing.
*Note: Despite these issues, most of the patients, around 98% feel the benefits are worth it and would recommend the procedure to others.
What to Expect During All-on-4 Implant Surgery?
You will have a consultation with a dentist or oral surgeon to see if an
All-on-four implant is right for you. If you're only missing a few teeth and the rest are healthy, traditional implants might be suggested. But if you have several missing teeth or decayed teeth, you need to think something different. In that case, the best option is an
all-on-four implant.
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The surgeon starts the treatment with local or general anesthesia.
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Afterward, they will remove any rotten teeth and infected gum tissue.
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Then, they placed two screws in the jaw; two in the front and two in the back. These screws are made with titanium. They will act as strong roots for your new teeth.
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Finally, the dentist will attach a full arch of acrylic or porcelain teeth to these screws.
A Brief on All-on-6 Implants
In this method, the dental expert uses six implants in place of 4 to hold a fixed dental bridge. This is the major difference between the all-on-6 dental and all-on-4 dental implant.
This will provide a stable and strong foundation. It's ideal for those who need extra support and strength in their mouth.
Benefits of All-on-6 Implants
The main benefit of these implants is they are more stable. This makes them perfect for people who need more support for chewing or have lost a lot of bone. All-on-6 implants provide the same look and function as all-on-four implants. But they do this with even more security and the ability to support more teeth.
Drawbacks of All-on-6 Dental Implants
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More Invasive Surgery: All-on-6 implants require a more complex procedure than All-on-4, which can mean a longer recovery time.
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Higher Cost: Because more implants are used, All-on-6 can be more expensive.
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Bone Pressure: Having more implants can put extra pressure on the jawbone. This might cause bone loss over time.
All-on-4 vs. All-on-6 Dental Implants
Choosing between All-on-4 and All-on-6 dental implants depends on various factors like
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oral health
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bone condition
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jaw size
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health status, and
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budget
All-on-four implants: It uses four implants. Hence, this treatment is more cost-effective. Moreover, it usually involves less invasive surgery. Also, it has a faster recovery time. However, this method might limit the number of teeth in the bridge.
All on-six dental implants: They offer more stability and are ideal for those with sufficient jaw bone density. It can handle greater chewing demands and is a more secure option.
More Details on The Key Difference Between Both the Implants
• Number of Implants
The most obvious difference is the number of implants used. All-on-four uses four implants to support a full arch of teeth. In contrast, All-on-6 utilizes six implants, providing added stability and support.
• Bone Density Requirements
All-on-four implant is suitable for patients with moderate bone density. This method most of the time eliminates the need for bone grafting. That means it is a less invasive option.
On the other hand, All-on-6 implants are recommended for patients with lower bone density. It can be used for those requiring increased support for their prosthesis. The additional implants can provide extra stability. They are beneficial for those with significant bone loss.
• Structural Integrity and Strength
With two extra implants, All-on-6 offers greater stability and strength. This is particularly advantageous for patients who have experienced bone loss or have a higher bite force. The additional implants help distribute the chewing forces more evenly. It reduces the risk of implant failure.
• Treatment Time
All-on-4 implant generally requires fewer surgical procedures. So it has a shorter treatment time compared to All-on-6.
However, the overall duration can vary based on individual cases. Also, it depends on the healing time and any additional procedures required. Patients who prefer a quicker recovery might find All-on-four more appealing.
• Cost
Cost is a significant factor for many patients.
All-on-four implants tend to be more cost-effective due to the fewer implants required. In contrast, All-on-6 implants involve additional materials and surgical procedures. This makes them slightly more expensive. The estimated cost per arch for
All on six dental implants is slightly high.
These estimates can vary based on
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Location
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case complexity
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materials used
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expertise of the dental professionals involved.
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Both methods improve oral function and appearance. During your consultation with your dental surgeon, they will assess your needs to recommend the best option for you.
• Caring for Your All-on-4 and All-on-6 Implants
Taking care of your dental implants is essential for their success. Follow these steps:
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Brush and floss regularly: It is necessary to maintain good oral hygiene.
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Schedule regular dental check-ups: It helps in monitoring your implants.
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Eat Healthy: Important for your oral health.
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Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption: This can harm the implants.
Proper care ensures your implants last long and stay healthy.
Wrap Up:
Dental Implants are one of the best replacements for missing or damaged teeth. They are a natural-looking and strong option for those with multiple tooth loss. If you wear removable dentures or have many missing teeth, we, at Kalmar Implant Dentistry are here to help.
Our experienced professionals see to it that your smile makeover is successful.
To schedule an appointment, call us now. Regain confidence and enjoy the benefits of a healthy, beautiful smile with All-on-4 or All-on-6 dental implants.
FAQs
Which is better, All-on-4 or all on 6 dental implants?
Choosing between All-on-4 and All-on-6 dental implants depends on individual needs and dental health. All-on-4 uses four implants to support teeth. This is a quicker procedure. It has a lower cost.
All-on-6 uses six implants for added stability and support. They are suitable for those needing stronger bite support. Discuss with your dentist to determine which is the best option as per your specific situation and goals for good dental health.
How long do all-on-6 implants last?
It can last for decades. But this is possible when the patient takes proper care and maintenance. They have to go through regular dental check-ups. Also, the patient has to maintain good oral hygiene. They should avoid habits like smoking.
How painful is all on 6 dental implants?
This is a painless treatment. You may feel some discomfort during and after the procedure. But it is generally manageable. Take the pain-relieving medicine prescribed by the dentist. Most people report mild to moderate soreness and swelling for a few days after the surgery. Our dentist will provide instructions to help minimize discomfort and promote healing.
