At Lidums Dental, we know that losing teeth is never easy. Whether it has happened gradually over the years or more suddenly, it affects more than just your smile. It can change the way you eat, the way you speak, and the way you feel about yourself. If you have been looking into full arch dental implants and come across the terms All on 4 and All on 6, you are not alone in wondering what the difference actually is. This guide is here to walk you through both options in plain language so you feel informed and ready when you come in for your consultation.
What Are Full Arch Dental Implants?
Full arch dental implants are a permanent, fixed alternative to removable dentures. Instead of replacing each missing tooth one by one, a small number of implants are placed into the jawbone to anchor a complete set of prosthetic teeth. This is called an implant supported bridge. One of the important benefits of this approach is that the implants help preserve the jawbone, which naturally begins to shrink once teeth are lost. Protecting the jawbone means protecting the shape of your face and your long term oral health.
How Do All on 4 Implants Work?
All on 4 places four implants into the jaw. Two sit straight at the front and two are angled toward the back at around 45 degrees. That angle is actually quite smart in the way it works. It allows the implants to make use of the strongest available bone and means that bone grafting is rarely needed, even for patients who have already experienced some bone loss. In many cases a temporary set of teeth can be fitted on the very same day as surgery. That is why you will often hear All on 4 described as a teeth in a day solution. It is a technique with a strong track record and has helped patients all over the world get their smiles back.
How Do All on 6 Implants Work?
All on 6 works on the same principle but uses six implants rather than four. The two extra implants provide additional anchor points and spread the load of chewing more evenly across the jaw. This makes All on 6 a great choice for patients who want the highest level of stability or who have good bone density to support the additional implants. Like All on 4, it is often possible to have provisional teeth placed on the same day as surgery.
Lidums Dental All on 4 vs All on 6: Key Differences
Here is how the two treatments compare across the factors that matter most.
Number of Implants and Placement
All on 4 uses four implants per arch, with the two at the back angled at 45 degrees to make the most of available bone. All on 6 uses six implants, typically placed in a more even vertical distribution across the jaw. This difference in placement affects both the complexity of the procedure and who is the best candidate for each option.
Bone Density Requirements
This is one of the most important differences between the two treatments. All on 4 was specifically designed to work with patients who have reduced bone volume. The angled rear implants are placed in areas of stronger bone, which means that bone grafting is usually not required. All on 6 generally requires a greater volume of healthy jawbone and in some cases grafting may be needed where density is lower. Your bone health is often the single biggest factor in determining which treatment is right for you.
Stability and Chewing Force
Both treatments will restore your ability to eat comfortably and enjoy a wide range of foods. All on 6 does distribute bite force across more points, which gives it a slight advantage when it comes to handling heavier chewing loads. All on 4 is still highly effective for the vast majority of patients and the difference is most relevant for people with particularly strong biting forces or who grind their teeth at night.
Cost Comparison
All on 4 is generally the more affordable option because it uses fewer implants and tends to involve a less complex surgical process. All on 6 is a higher initial investment, though for the right patient it can offer additional long term stability. The best treatment is the one that is right for your jaw, your health and your life. Get in touch with Lidums Dental to book a consultation and we can provide you with a personalised quote.
Recovery Time
The recovery timeline for both procedures is broadly similar. Most patients experience some tenderness and mild swelling in the first few days, which settles with the right care and rest. Full osseointegration, which is the process of the implants bonding with the jawbone, takes several months in both cases. All on 4 may involve a slightly simpler surgical experience for straightforward cases. At Lidums Dental we provide full aftercare guidance and check in with you throughout your recovery to make sure everything is tracking well.
Quick Comparison
| Factor | All on 4 | All on 6 |
| Number of implants | 4 | 6 |
| Rear implant angle | 45 degrees angled | Vertical |
| Bone grafting needed | Rarely | Sometimes |
| Bone density required | Lower | Higher |
| Chewing force distribution | Good | Excellent |
| Suited for heavy grinders | Less ideal | Better suited |
| Relative cost | More affordable | Higher investment |
| Recovery timeline | Similar | Similar |
| Teeth in a day | Often possible | Often possible |
All on 4 Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Fewer implants means a less invasive procedure
- More affordable than All on 6
- Bone grafting is rarely required
- Teeth in a day is often possible
- Strong long term track record worldwide
Cons:
- Slightly less load distribution compared to All on 6
- May not be the best fit for patients with heavy grinding habits
- Fewer anchor points than a six implant solution
All on 6 Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Greater overall stability and more even chewing force distribution
- Well suited to patients with good bone density
- Reduced risk of implant overload over time
- A strong option for patients with heavier biting forces
Cons:
- Higher cost than All on 4
- May require bone grafting in some cases
- A more involved surgical process
- More implants to care for over the long term
It is worth knowing that Lidums Dental offers flexible payment plan options to help make treatment more accessible. We do not want cost to be the reason someone misses out on a solution that could genuinely change their life.
Who Is a Good Candidate for All on 4?
All on 4 is a wonderful option for patients who are missing most or all of their teeth and have experienced some bone loss in the jaw. Because the angled rear implants are designed to work with reduced density, most patients with bone loss are still very good candidates and bone grafting is often not needed at all. Good general health is an important baseline. If you are after a permanent fixed solution that is more cost effective and less invasive, All on 4 could be exactly what you have been looking for.
Who Is a Good Candidate for All on 6?
All on 6 is best suited to patients who have good jawbone density and are looking for the maximum level of long term stability. It is particularly worth considering if you have a strong bite, a history of teeth grinding, or simply want the most solid full arch solution available. Patients who are ready to make a higher initial investment and are committed to great ongoing oral hygiene tend to get outstanding results with All on 6.
All on 4 and All on 6 Dental Implants at Lidums Dental
Our team at Lidums Dental has helped many patients rediscover what it feels like to smile with confidence. We take a thorough and individualised approach to every full arch case. It starts with a detailed consultation and advanced diagnostic imaging so we can properly assess your bone structure, bite and overall oral health. From there we build a treatment plan around you specifically, not a generic template.
Advanced Technology for Precise Implant Placement
We use cone beam CT scanning and digital smile design to plan every implant case with a high level of precision. This technology lets us map your jaw in three dimensions before surgery, find the ideal implant positions and reduce both surgical time and risk. The end result is more predictable outcomes and a more comfortable experience for you.
A Comfortable Experience From Consultation to Final Smile
We know that committing to full arch implant treatment is a big decision and we want you to feel genuinely supported throughout the whole process. From your very first appointment through to your final bridge fitting and beyond, our team is here to answer your questions, explain what is happening at every stage and make sure you feel at ease. Sedation options are also available for patients who feel anxious about dental procedures.
Restore Your Smile at Lidums Dental
Both All on 4 and All on 6 have the genuine ability to change lives. They restore far more than just the practical function of a full set of teeth. They give people back their confidence, their comfort and so much of what they may have felt they had lost. The right choice between the two comes down to your individual bone health, lifestyle and goals and that is exactly what we are here to help you figure out together. When you are ready to take the next step, we would love to hear from you. Book a consultation with the team at Lidums Dental today and let us start planning your new smile.