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4Complete All-on-4 guide
Learn how the four-implant concept, posterior angulation, immediate provisional teeth and maintenance fit together.
Explore All-on-4 ↗Treatment comparison
All-on-4 vs All-on-6: compare the plan, not only the number.
Both concepts can support a fixed full-arch bridge. Neither is automatically superior. The right design is the one a dentist can justify for your anatomy, restoration and long-term care.
The short answer
The better option is the better-designed option for the patient.
Implant count is one planning variable. Position, bone, bridge shape, force distribution, hygiene access, component choice, clinician experience and aftercare all affect the result.
4Four implants may be sufficient and strategically positioned for a complete arch.
6Six implants may offer additional support positions when those positions add real clinical value.
Planning dimension
All-on-4
All-on-6
Planned implant number
Four implants supporting one full arch
Six implants supporting one full arch
Common design idea
Often uses posterior angulation to make use of available bone and extend support
May distribute support across more implant positions when anatomy and restorative design allow
Bone and grafting
May reduce the need for some augmentation, but never guarantees graft-free care
May require adequate bone across more sites; grafting still depends on the case
Immediate provisional bridge
May be possible when stability and clinical factors are suitable
May be possible when stability and clinical factors are suitable
Hygiene and maintenance
Bridge contours and access must permit effective cleaning around every implant
More implant sites also mean more areas requiring consistent cleaning and review
Best suited to
A patient whose anatomy and restorative plan can be predictably served by four supports
A patient whose anatomy and restorative plan justify six planned supports
How to decide
Dentist-led assessment, imaging and prosthetic planning
Dentist-led assessment, imaging and prosthetic planning
What should drive the decision?
A prosthetic plan built from the final teeth backwards.
- 01Which natural teeth, if any, should be retained?
- 02Where is adequate bone and what anatomical structures must be protected?
- 03Where must the final teeth sit for appearance, speech and bite?
- 04Can the bridge be cleaned around every planned implant?
- 05How will reviews, components, repairs and complications be managed?
Read next
6Complete All-on-6 guide
Learn when six implant positions may be considered and why more supports are not an automatic upgrade.
Explore All-on-6 ↗A considered next step
Bring both options to a dentist—and ask for the reason behind the recommendation.
Start with information, not a sales promise. We will explain what a dentist needs to assess and what your written plan should include.
Ask on WhatsApp Please do not send medical records or sensitive health information in your first WhatsApp message.