Dental prosthetics are artificial restorations made from various materials, used to replace missing or damaged teeth with artificial ones. These devices are specially designed to fit the patient’s mouth and restore both the function of the teeth and the beauty of the smile.
Tooth loss does not only affect the aesthetics of the smile — it also impacts chewing, speech, and overall oral health. In the past, dentures were the main solution for tooth replacement, but they were not always the most comfortable or stable option. With the advancement of dental implant technology, modern solutions such as All-on-6 dental implants have emerged, offering a fixed, strong, and natural-feeling alternative for missing teeth.
This technique relies on six dental implants that are strategically placed in the jawbone to support a fixed bridge of teeth, preventing movement or slipping, and giving the patient a stable and natural sensation.
Types of Dental Restorations
1- Dental Crowns:
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps placed over damaged or weak teeth to restore their shape, size, and strength — and can also improve their appearance.
2- Dental Bridges:
Dental bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth. They consist of artificial teeth, usually made of porcelain, attached to adjacent natural teeth or dental implants. Bridges help restore chewing function and improve aesthetics, especially in the front area of the mouth.
3- Dentures:
Dentures are removable artificial devices used to replace multiple missing teeth. There are two main types — complete dentures (for all missing teeth) and partial dentures (for a few missing teeth).
4- Dental Implants:
Dental implants are surgically placed into the jawbone to act as artificial tooth roots. They provide a stable foundation for crowns, bridges, or dentures, making them a long-term and highly practical solution for tooth replacement.
5- Veneers:
Veneers are thin shells, often made of porcelain, bonded to the front surface of the teeth to enhance appearance. They are used to cover stains or improve tooth shape.
6- Inlay, Onlay, and Overlay:
These are restorations made of porcelain or resin to cover damaged areas of the tooth affected by decay or fracture, especially when direct fillings are insufficient.
What is the All-on-6 Technique?
It is a fixed dental restoration supported by six dental implants, designed to replace all missing teeth in either the upper or lower jaw.
The All-on-6 technique involves attaching a full arch of artificial teeth to only six implants instead of one implant per tooth. The dentist examines the jawbone using CT scans to ensure implant placement in optimal positions.
During surgery, six titanium implants are inserted into the jawbone. These implants act as a solid foundation for a fixed dental bridge holding a full set of artificial teeth — ensuring no movement and complete stability.
This provides exceptional stability and better chewing performance compared to removable dentures, while also helping reduce jawbone resorption.
Difference Between All-on-4 and All-on-6: Which is Right for You?
The main difference between All-on-6 and All-on-4 dental prosthetics lies in the number of implants used to support the full arch of artificial teeth.
Number of Implants:
All-on-6: Supported by six implants, strategically placed in the jawbone to distribute bite forces evenly and provide greater stability.
All-on-4: Uses four implants only, also placed strategically to support a full arch of teeth.
Implant Placement:
All-on-6: Allows for more balanced load distribution — ideal when bone density and quantity are adequate.
All-on-4: Designed for cases with limited bone quantity or density.
Stability and Load Distribution:
All-on-6: Provides more stability and uniform load distribution during chewing.
All-on-4: May have slightly different load distribution due to fewer implants.
Bone Grafting:
All-on-6: Usually does not require bone grafting when sufficient bone quantity and quality are available.
All-on-4: May need bone grafting for better implant stability.
Bone Density Suitability:
All-on-6: Requires moderate to good bone density.
All-on-4: Used in cases with weaker bone density.
Cost:
All-on-6: Slightly higher in cost due to more implants.
All-on-4: Lower cost but still provides reliable long-term stability.
Suitability:
For maximum stability and longevity, All-on-6 is considered the superior choice.
Reasons to Choose All-on-6 Dental Implants
- Enhanced stability: Six implants provide a high level of prosthetic stability.
- Even load distribution: Chewing forces are evenly distributed across the jawbone.
- Durability: The fixed prosthesis is designed to be long-lasting, reducing the need for frequent adjustments or replacements.
- Aesthetic improvement: Fixed restorations provide a natural-looking smile without visible clasps or hooks.
- Bone preservation: Stimulates the jawbone and prevents bone loss, maintaining facial structure and oral health.
- Comfort and confidence: Patients enjoy a high level of comfort and security compared to removable dentures.
It is important to note that the suitability of All-on-6 depends on the individual’s oral health condition and bone structure. A thorough evaluation by a dentist or prosthodontist is essential to determine whether this treatment option is the right choice for a particular patient.
Ideal Candidates for All-on-6
- Loss of all teeth in one or both jaws: Individuals who have lost all of their teeth, whether due to advanced tooth decay or gum disease.
- Presence of jawbone with moderate to good density: Because the technique requires bone strong enough to support six implants.
- Desire for a permanent and fixed solution away from removable dentures: Ideal for patients seeking greater comfort and stability than traditional dentures.
- Patients experiencing problems with their current dentures: Such as instability, irritation, or difficulty chewing.
Exceptions:
- Heavy smokers.
- Patients with uncontrolled diabetes.
- Cases of severe osteoporosis or bone diseases.
Treatment Journey at Wonders Dentistry
Initial examination: Includes clinical evaluation, X-rays, and general oral health assessment.
Treatment planning: Precise distribution and positioning of implants.
Surgical procedure: All-on-6 implantation performed under local or general anesthesia.
Temporary restoration: A temporary bridge is fixed for use during healing.
Final restoration: After osseointegration (3–6 months), the final fixed teeth are attached.
Advantages and Disadvantages of All-on-6
Advantages:
- Stability: Using six dental implants provides a high level of stability and support for the prosthesis. This stability enhances chewing function and reduces the risk of denture movement or dislodgement.
- Durability: The All-on-6 prosthesis is designed to be long-lasting and durable, offering patients a reliable solution.
- Improved chewing function: Patients find that All-on-6 restorations allow them to eat a wide variety of foods confidently, as they provide better chewing efficiency compared to removable dentures.
- Aesthetics: Since it is a fixed restoration, the All-on-6 prosthesis can provide a more natural-looking smile.
- Bone preservation: The implants used in the All-on-6 technique can help preserve the jawbone structure.
- High stability of teeth with no movement.
- Significant improvement in chewing efficiency.
- Natural appearance similar to original teeth.
- Prevents jawbone loss caused by missing teeth.
- Long-term solution compared to dentures.
Disadvantages:
- Cost: All-on-6 can be a significant investment due to the use of multiple dental implants.
- Surgical procedure: It involves placing six dental implants surgically, requiring a longer healing period compared to other tooth replacement options.
- Suitability: The All-on-6 approach may not be suitable for all patients, especially those with certain medical conditions or insufficient bone density.
- Requires good bone density.
- Higher cost than removable dentures.
- Needs regular maintenance and periodic checkups with the dentist.
It is important to consult a qualified dentist or prosthodontist to determine whether All-on-6 is the right option for your specific dental needs, taking into account your oral health condition, budget, and treatment goals.
Caring for All-on-6: How to Maintain Them Long-Term?
Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste twice daily.
Use dental floss or a water flosser around the implants.
Visit the dentist every six months for a professional check-up.
Avoid smoking, as it negatively affects implant health.
Are There Alternatives to All-on-6 Dental Implants?
Yes, there are several alternatives to the All-on-6 system depending on the patient’s oral health, budget, and treatment goals:
- All-on-4 Implants: Similar method but uses only four implants per jaw — suitable for limited bone mass.
- Implant-supported dentures: Removable dentures attached to implants for greater stability.
- Conventional removable dentures: More affordable but less stable.
- Mini dental implants: Smaller in diameter, ideal for patients with minimal bone structure.
How Long Do All-on-6 Restorations Last?
With proper care, All-on-6 restorations can last 15–20 years or more without complications.
Is the Procedure Painful?
It is performed under anesthesia to minimize pain. After surgery, mild discomfort may occur but can be managed with painkillers prescribed by the dentist.
Can All-on-6 Dental Implants Be Removed?
All-on-6 restorations are fixed and cannot be removed by the patient, but your dentist can detach them when needed for cleaning or maintenance.
Conclusion
The All-on-6 dental implant technique is one of the best modern solutions for permanently replacing missing teeth. It combines the strength of implants with the comfort of fixed restorations — giving patients a natural-looking smile and an improved quality of life.
If you suffer from tooth loss or issues with removable dentures, consult your dentist to determine if the All-on-6 technique is suitable for you.
Restore your smile with confidence — start your journey today with Wonders Dentistry. Book your consultation now.
