Side by side
| All-on-4 | All-on-6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Implants per jaw | 4 | 6 |
| Back implants | Angled, to avoid the sinus or nerve | Usually straight |
| Bone needed at the back | Less | More |
| Bone grafting | Often avoided | More often needed if bone is thin |
| Load sharing | Good | Wider |
| If one implant fails | Bridge may need to come out while it’s replaced | Often still supported by the other five |
| Same-day fixed temporary | Often | Often |
| Relative cost | Lower | Higher |
When All-on-4 is the better choice
- Bone at the back of the jaw is thin, or the sinus sits low.
- You’d like to avoid bone grafting and a longer treatment time.
- The bite is average and you don’t grind heavily.
- Budget matters.
When All-on-6 is the better choice
- There’s enough bone for six well-spaced implants.
- You have a strong bite or grind your teeth.
- The upper jaw has soft bone that benefits from more support.
- You want extra reserve in case an implant has a problem years later.
What the research says
A systematic review of All-on-4 treatment found 94% to 98% of implants still working after six to eleven years, with angled implants doing as well as straight ones. That’s why four implants, placed well, are enough for most people. Six are an advantage when there’s bone to place them and a reason to spread the load.
How the number is chosen
The deciding test is a 3D CBCT scan. Prosthodontist Dr. Adish Chaudhary designs the final teeth, then plans where implants can go safely with our implantologist, often with a surgical guide. If bone is too thin for either, basal or zygomatic implants may avoid grafting. You’ll get the options and fees in writing. See full-mouth implants.
Questions patients ask us
Is All-on-6 stronger than All-on-4?
Six implants share the biting force more widely, and if one implant has a problem, the others can often keep the bridge in place. With good planning, four implants are enough for most jaws.
Which is cheaper, All-on-4 or All-on-6?
All-on-4, because it uses two fewer implants and their parts. It can also avoid the cost of bone grafting.
Can I get same-day teeth with both?
Yes, when the implants are stable enough. A fixed temporary arch is often fitted within a day or so, and the final teeth a few months later.
What about All-on-8?
Eight implants are sometimes used in the upper jaw, where bone is softer. The principle is the same; more implants means more support and more cost.
Which lasts longer?
Both last well with good cleaning and check-ups. Long-term results depend more on planning, bone quality, cleaning and grinding than on four versus six.
Sources
Gaonkar et al., axial and tilted implants with the All-on-four concept: systematic review, J Indian Prosthodont Soc, 2021 ↗ADA MouthHealthy: dental implants ↗Last updated 14 October 2026.