All-on-4 and All-on-6 Implants
If you’re missing a substantial number of teeth, you may be considering All-on-4 and all-on-6 dental implants. While both these treatments are similar and provide the same function, there are some major differences that might be the deciding factor between the two.
As always, it’s important to talk it over in detail with your dentist to decide which treatment is better suited for your unique case. Your dentist will also be able to provide more detailed information and diagnosis at the consultation.
So what do these treatments involve, and how are they different?
What are all-on-4 and all-on-6 implants?
All-on-4 and all-on-6 implants are transformative cosmetic dental treatments used to restore the smile of patients who have lost a substantial number of teeth.
In the procedure, the dentist surgically places implants into your jaw bone. The implants are then protected by either fixed or removable dentures.
The purpose of the implants is to mimic the pressure of your natural teeth to maintain the strength and structure of your jaw.
Have you noticed that people who have worn dentures for a long time have a sunken jaw that makes them look old? That’s because your jaw bone actually deteriorates without the strength of your natural teeth.
The implants replace the roots of your original teeth and keep your jaw strong, stable, and young-looking. This is vital in maintaining the strength of your jaw structure.
What does “all-on” mean?
In the past, a lost tooth was replaced by a single implant. This meant that patients needed many more implants and, in some cases, jaw bone grafting as well. The patient would have to wait for up to 6 months before their jaw had healed enough for crowns or dentures to be installed.
With all-on-4 and all-on-6, however, the denture is fixed to your jaw through either 4 or 6 implants, instead of as many implants as the teeth you lost. The entire denture arch is supported by those 4 or 6 implants, hence “all-on”.
This means that the healing process is much faster. In fact, the dentures are installed on the same day - so no 6 month wait. You can walk out of the clinic with a new smile 2-3 hours later.
Treatment length:
Both treatments usually take 2-3 hours to complete. If you’re busy, getting your new smile in one sitting is ideal.
Anesthesia:
Both implant procedures require the patient to be under general anesthesia. This is ideal for you if you typically experience anxiety at the dentist.
Dentures:
The type of denture is up to you, and your dentist. There is a choice between fixed or removable dentures. The removable dentures can be taken out for cleaning.
All-on-4 and all-on-6 cost:
The cost of all-on-4 and all-on-6 ranges between $17,000 to $30,000+.
Although the price range is confusing, bear in mind that the quality and durability of the procedure and the materials you opt to use affect the price.
The first part of the treatment involves surgically planting the implants, while the second part involves creating the dentures placed on the implants. The second part of the treatment is arguably the most important part, as it gives you the smile you’ve always wanted - and is where the price varies.
The lower-cost option, typically around $20,000 or under, is a temporary denture bridge that will need replacing with a permanent bridge a year or two down the road.
The higher-cost option, typically around $25,000+, is a permanent bridge that is customized, aesthetic, and built to last longer.
If you're simply looking for the cheapest option, you’ll have to be prepared to risk:
Cheap and unreputable materials.
Higher risk of harm due to the inexperience of the practitioner
A poorly designed smile.
In conclusion, not every all-on-4 or all-on-6 treatment will cost the same as the next. The treatment is customized to your particular case, and this may be affected by factors that only your dentist can bring to your attention during the consultation.
We recommend discussing each of the points above with your dentist to avoid any surprises down the road!
The difference between all-on-4 and all-on-6:
The biggest difference between all-on-4 and all-on-6 implants is the number of implants supporting the dentures: 4 or 6.
The difference in numbers impacts the effectiveness of the treatments.
Because your jaw is supported and strengthened by the implants, the more implants you have the more your jaw is supported. And the more your jaw is supported, the less it will start to break down and the younger you will look.
Many dentists recommend all-on-6 as 6 implants will ensure that the pressure from when you bite and chew is more evenly distributed over your jaw. But the additional implants don’t only support your entire jaw - they also reinforce the bone they’re planted into. This hidden purpose is vital in maintaining a long-lasting and comfortable smile.
As always, make sure to discuss with your dentist what is required in your particular case as no two mouths are the same.
Conclusion:
All-on-4 and all-on-6 treatments are similar in that both involve a set number of implants surgically planted into your jaw to support the dentures.
Both treatments require the patient to be under general anesthesia, and both take 2-3 hours to complete.
However, all-on-6 implants give more support to your jaw and are more sustainable in the long run.
If you’re wondering if you need implants, and which treatment is the best for you, treat this sensitive issue with care. Feel free to call Pain Free Dentist on (02) 9558 8988 or contact us on info@painfreedentistsydney.com.au.