Choosing full-arch dental restoration can feel overwhelming, especially when preparing for dental travel to a hub like Turkey. You’ve likely heard the terms all on 4 vs all on 6 dental implants, but what do they truly mean for your smile, budget, and long-term bone health? The decision often boils down to stability, bone density, and cost-effectiveness.
This detailed guide will break down the mechanics, pros, and cons of both All-on-4 and All-on-6 systems. We’ll help you understand which option provides the ideal foundation for your new, permanent smile, ensuring your journey with aestheticairways is successful. By the end, you will know exactly what to discuss with your specialist in Turkey.
Understanding All-on-4 Dental Implants
The All-on-4 concept is a revolutionary, immediate-function solution designed to replace an entire arch of missing teeth. It uses only four strategically placed implants to anchor a fixed full-arch prosthesis. The key innovation lies in placing the two posterior (back) implants at an angle.
This angling technique bypasses areas of insufficient bone density, particularly in the back of the jaw. By using fewer implants, the treatment is typically less invasive and more cost-effective. It often allows patients to receive temporary fixed teeth shortly after the surgery.
Pros of All-on-4
The primary advantage of All-on-4 is its surgical efficiency and ability to serve patients with bone loss. This technique often negates the need for extensive and costly bone grafting procedures. For many people traveling for dental care, this speeds up the process significantly. Furthermore, studies indicate the success rate for All-on-4 systems consistently exceeds 95% over several years of follow-up .
The design allows the restoration to be loaded immediately, meaning you don’t have to wait months with removable dentures. Finally, since only four implants are required per arch, the overall cost of the procedure is lower than traditional methods.
Cons of All-on-4
The main downside of the All-on-4 system relates to bite force distribution. Because the entire arch is supported by only four points, the prosthetic often has cantilevered ends (overhanging sections). This design can sometimes put greater stress on the front two implants.
Another potential drawback is the prosthetic design, which sometimes requires a hybrid structure that covers part of the gum line. This design can make oral hygiene slightly more challenging than the All-on-6 system. Long-term success relies heavily on strict patient adherence to cleaning protocols.
Understanding All-on-6 Dental Implants
The All-on-6 protocol is a similar full-arch restoration concept, but it uses six dental implants per jaw instead of four. Like the All-on-4, the implants are strategically placed, often with some angling, to maximize the use of available bone. The addition of two extra implants is a significant factor in stability and longevity.
All-on-6 is considered the gold standard for patients with adequate bone volume who prioritize maximum strength and stability. These six points of contact distribute the chewing forces more evenly across the jaw. This extra support allows for less cantilever, resulting in a more comfortable and durable prosthetic.
Pros of All-on-6
The greatest benefit of All-on-6 is the enhanced stability and biomechanical advantage provided by the two additional implants. With six anchors, the pressure from chewing is distributed across a wider surface area. This distribution reduces the risk of stress fractures and long-term implant failure.
The superior support also means the resulting prosthetic bridge is often stronger and less prone to movement. Clinically, survival rates for All-on-6 procedures performed by experienced specialists are extremely high, often reaching around 98% over a five-year period . This option is highly recommended if you have sufficient jawbone structure.
Cons of All-on-6
The primary requirement for All-on-6 is adequate bone density in the back molar area, more so than for All-on-4. Patients with moderate to severe bone resorption may require bone grafting or sinus lift surgeries. These prerequisite procedures add time, cost, and complexity to the overall treatment plan.
Since two extra implants are used, the surgical procedure is slightly more involved. Naturally, the increased number of implants, components, and surgical time also translates into a higher final cost. This is the main reason All-on-6 packages in Turkey are typically priced higher than their All-on-4 counterparts.
All on 4 vs All on 6 Dental Implants: A Direct Comparison
The choice between these two advanced techniques depends entirely on your unique clinical profile, particularly the quality and quantity of your jawbone. Your Turkish dental specialist will use CBCT 3D scans to accurately measure your bone density.
| Feature | All-on-4 Dental Implants | All-on-6 Dental Implants |
| Number of Implants | 4 (per arch) | 6 (per arch) |
| Bone Density Need | Minimal to Moderate (Tilted implants avoid poor bone) | Good to Adequate (Sufficient volume often required) |
| Need for Bone Grafting | Rare; usually avoided | Possible, but less common than traditional methods |
| Stability & Support | Very Good; suitable for fixed bridge | Excellent; superior load distribution |
| Cost in Turkey | Lower (e.g., typically €3,000–€6,000 per arch) | Higher (due to two extra implants and components) |
| Ideal Candidate | Patients with significant bone loss or budget focus | Patients with good bone who prioritize maximum strength |
Choosing the Right Option for Your Dental Trip to Turkey
Turkey has become a global leader in dental tourism due to competitive pricing and high-quality services. The cost of a full All-on-4 package in Turkey can be up to 70% less than in Western countries . However, choosing your treatment should never be driven by price alone.
Clinical Suitability is Key
The most crucial factor is the recommendation of your experienced Turkish implantologist. If your 3D scan shows you have ample, healthy bone, the All-on-6 may be recommended for its optimal long-term support. If you have experienced significant bone resorption, the All-on-4 system is a highly reliable choice that simplifies the procedure.
Focusing on Longevity
The two extra implants in the All-on-6 provide a safety net. If one of the six implants were to fail years down the line, the remaining five could potentially still support the prosthesis. If one of the four implants in the All-on-4 system fails, it often requires a complex conversion or redesign. Always discuss the long-term warranty and support provided by your clinic.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which is better, All-on-4 or All-on-6?
Neither option is universally “better”; the optimal choice is based on your specific anatomical needs. All-on-6 is better for stability and force distribution, provided you have sufficient jawbone. All-on-4 is better for patients with significant bone loss who want to avoid grafting.
What are the disadvantages of All-on-6?
The main disadvantages are the higher cost due to more implants and the greater requirement for existing bone structure. If bone is lacking, preparatory procedures like bone grafts become necessary, extending the treatment timeline.
Are All-on-6 dental implants good?
Yes, All-on-6 dental implants are considered an excellent, durable, and reliable solution for full-arch restoration. They offer superior stability and distribute chewing forces across six points, maximizing the lifespan of the prosthetic bridge.
What are the downsides of All-on-4 dental implants?
The primary downside is the increased stress on the four implants, which can be significant, especially with heavy biting habits. The cantilevered prosthetic structure can also create slight challenges for meticulous cleaning underneath the bridge.
Conclusion
Both the All-on-4 and All-on-6 systems offer permanent, life-changing alternatives to traditional dentures. The best choice depends on a careful assessment of your bone volume and health. Discuss the results of your CBCT scan openly with your dental professional in Turkey.
Ready to take the first step toward a complete and confident smile without the stress of planning? Let aestheticairways handle your entire dental journey, from consultation to recovery. Contact us today to schedule a personalized consultation with a top Turkish implant specialist and determine whether the All-on-4 or All-on-6 is your perfect smile solution!