All-on-4 vs All-on-6: the real differences
You'll see clinics argue for one or the other. In truth, both work well for the right mouth. The question is which suits yours.
Medically reviewed by Dt. Hüseyin Yavuz Özbek, implant surgeon · Updated October 2026Both fix a full arch of teeth onto implants. All-on-4 uses four, with the back two angled to make the most of limited bone, which can sometimes avoid a bone graft. All-on-6 uses six, spreading the load across more supports and leaving more in reserve if one implant fails, but it needs more bone and costs more. A 3D scan of your jaw decides which is realistic.
Side by side
| All-on-4 | All-on-6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Implants per jaw | 4 | 6 |
| Back implants | Usually angled | Usually upright |
| Bone needed | Less; may avoid a graft | More, along the jaw |
| Load on each implant | Shared by four | Shared by six |
| If one implant fails | Bridge may need re-planning | More supports remain |
| Surgery | Fewer implants | More implants |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
What really decides it
- How much bone you have, and where. Long-term tooth loss shrinks the jaw. A 3D scan shows what's there.
- Upper or lower jaw. Upper bone is often softer, which can favour more implants.
- Your bite. Strong biting forces, or grinding, may favour more support.
- Your health, including smoking and diabetes.
- Your priorities: avoiding a bone graft, keeping surgery smaller, or having more in reserve.
The right number is the one your scan supports and your dentist can explain clearly.
Five questions to ask your dentist
- Can you show me on my scan why you recommend four or six?
- Which implant brand and system will you use?
- Will I need a bone graft or sinus lift with either option?
- What happens if one implant doesn't integrate?
- What will the temporary and final teeth be made of?
A note on names
All-on-4® is Nobel Biocare's registered trademark for its concept. Some clinics use "All-on-4" for any full arch on four implants, whatever the brand. That's why the brand and system should be written on your plan. This site is not affiliated with Nobel Biocare.
Our approach at Precious Dental: we plan full arches from a 3D scan and tell you in writing how many implants we recommend, which brand, and why. Ask us about your case →
Common questions
Is All-on-6 always better because it has more implants?
No. More implants means more support, but also more surgery, more bone needed and higher cost. Where bone is limited, four well-placed implants can be the better plan.
Can I choose, or does the dentist decide?
You decide, but your bone sets the limits. Ask your dentist to show you your scan and explain what's possible and why they recommend one option.
Why are the back implants angled in All-on-4?
Angling the back implants lets them use more of the available bone and support the bridge further back, which can avoid a bone graft in some patients.
Is All-on-4 a brand?
All-on-4® is a registered trademark of Nobel Biocare for its treatment concept. Many clinics use the name loosely. Ask which implant brand will actually be used.
Sources
- Nobel Biocare — All-on-4® treatment concept
- Oral Health Foundation — Understanding dental implants
- NHS — Dental treatments
Checked October 2026. Where we give our own view as a clinic, we say so.
Questions about your own mouth?
Tell us what you're considering. A real person replies, in plain English, and will tell you honestly if full-arch treatment isn't the right step.