All-on-4 vs All-on-6
Performed by Prof. Dr. Orçun Toptaş — Maxillo-Facial Surgeon
A side-by-side comparison to help you choose the right full-arch implant solution for your bone, bite and budget
What is the real difference?
Both All-on-4 and All-on-6 replace a full arch of failing or missing teeth with a fixed zirconia bridge supported by titanium implants. The only structural difference is the number of implants: four or six.
That single difference changes cost, surgery time, bone requirements and long-term stability. Neither is automatically "better" — the right choice depends on your jaw anatomy, bite force and whether you are treating the upper or lower arch.
Prof. Dr. Orçun Toptaş decides which protocol is safest for you after a 3D CBCT scan and clinical examination.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Use this table to compare the two protocols. The final recommendation always comes from your CBCT scan and bite analysis.
| Feature | All-on-4 | All-on-6 | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of implants | 4 titanium implants per arch | 6 titanium implants per arch | All-on-6 |
| Bone grafting need | Often avoided — posterior implants are tilted to use dense front bone | Sometimes needed — six implants require more supporting bone | All-on-4 |
| Stability & bite strength | Excellent for normal chewing loads | Maximum stability — ideal for heavy bites and upper jaw | All-on-6 |
| Surgery time | Shorter procedure | Slightly longer procedure | All-on-4 |
| Total cost | Lower — fewer implants and components | Higher — more implants and bridge work | All-on-4 |
| Healing time | 3–4 months before final zirconia bridge | 3–4 months before final zirconia bridge | Tie |
| Best for | Moderate bone loss, lower cost, faster surgery | Upper jaw, heavy bite, maximum long-term stability | Depends |
* Final zirconia bridges are fitted only after 3–4 months of confirmed osseointegration for both protocols.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose All-on-4 if...
- You want a fixed full-arch smile at a lower cost
- You have moderate bone loss and want to avoid grafting
- You prefer a shorter, less invasive surgery
- Your bite forces are average or light
Choose All-on-6 if...
- You want maximum stability and chewing strength
- You are treating the upper jaw, where bone is softer
- You have a heavy bite or grind your teeth
- You have enough bone to place six implants without grafting
Frequently Asked Questions
Is All-on-6 always better than All-on-4?
Not always. All-on-6 is stronger, but it requires more bone and costs more. If your bone is limited or you want a less invasive option, All-on-4 may be the safer choice.
Can I switch from All-on-4 to All-on-6 later?
Usually not without removing the bridge and adding implants. That is why the initial planning scan is so important — the right number of implants is chosen before surgery.
Do both options look the same?
Yes. The visible zirconia bridge is crafted the same way for both. The difference is underneath — how many implants support it.
How much can Canadian patients save?
Both protocols typically cost 50–70% less in Istanbul than in Canada or the US, using the same Straumann and Nobel Biocare implant systems and final zirconia bridges.
Why is the final bridge delayed 3–4 months?
That period is osseointegration — the biological bonding of bone to titanium. Loading implants too early can cause micromovement and bone loss, so the permanent bridge is fitted only after healing is confirmed.
Still Not Sure Which Is Right for You?
Send your panoramic X-ray or CBCT scan for a free assessment. Prof. Dr. Orçun Toptaş will recommend the safest protocol for your bone and bite.