For patients suffering from significant tooth loss or failing dentition, full-mouth restoration is a life-changing step. At Valuedent Clinic, we specialize in advanced surgical techniques that return both function and aesthetics to our patients. Two of the most effective methods are the All-on-4 and All-on-6 techniques.
While both procedures provide a fixed, non-removable set of teeth, the mechanical and biological differences are vital to understand. Choosing between All on 4 Implant Technique and All on 6 depends on your bone structure, bite force, and long-term health goals.
Understanding the Basics: Full Mouth Restoration
In the past, replacing an entire arch of teeth required 8 to 10 implants and often significant bone grafting. Modern advancements have revolutionized this. By strategically angling implants, we can now support a full bridge with fewer posts. Whether you opt for All on 4 in Istanbul or All on 6 in Istanbul, the goal is a stable, permanent, and natural-looking smile.
What is the All-on-4 Technique?
The All on 4 Implant Technique was pioneered to help patients with limited bone density in the back of the jaw.
- Placement: Two implants are placed vertically in the front, and İwo are placed at an angle (up to 45 degrees) in the back.
- Key Advantage: The angling allows us to utilize the denser bone available in the anterior (front) part of the jaw, often eliminating the need for a sinus lift or bone graft.
- Ideal For: Patients who want a faster result and those who have been told they lack the bone for traditional implants.
What is the All-on-6 Technique?
The All-on-6 method follows a similar logic but adds two additional implants for increased stability.
- Placement: Implants are distributed across the entire arch, providing more direct support to the back teeth (molars).
- Key Advantage: It creates a more “even” distribution of pressure. If you have a very strong bite or a larger jaw, All-on-6 provides extra insurance.
- Ideal For: Patients with sufficient bone density who desire the highest possible level of prosthetic stability.
Biomechanical Differences: Force Distribution
The fundamental difference between the All on 4 Implant Technique and All-on-6 lies in how your jaw handles the pressure of chewing.
In an All-on-4 setup, the bridge essentially “overhangs” the last implants. This is known as a cantilever. While perfectly safe, it requires high-quality components to manage the stress. With All on 6, the extra two implants reduce the cantilever length. This means the pressure you apply while eating is distributed over 50% more surface area, reducing the mechanical stress on each individual implant.
Bone Density and Grafting Requirements
At Valuedent Clinic, we use 3D CBCT scans to measure your bone down to the millimeter.
- All-on-4: Specifically designed to avoid bone grafting. It is the “go-to” for patients with moderate bone atrophy.
- All-on-6: Requires more bone volume in the posterior (back) regions. If your bone has receded significantly, you might need a bone graft or sinus lift before we can safely place six implants.
Quick Note: Even if you need grafting, our surgeons utilize minimally invasive techniques to ensure your comfort during dental implant procedures.
| Funcție | All-on-4 Technique | All-on-6 Technique |
| Implants per Arch | 4 | 6 |
| Bone Grafting | Rarely needed | Often required |
| Stability | High | Maximum |
| Cost | More affordable | Higher investment |
| Cleaning | Easier (fewer posts) | Requires more detail |
| Procedure Time | Shorter | Longer |
Regarding the financial aspect, dental treatment costs in Turkey make both options significantly more accessible than in Europe or North America. Generally, All-on-6 is about 20-30% more expensive due to the extra hardware and potential grafting.
The Procedure at Valuedent Clinic
Your journey to a new smile follows a precise, technology-driven path:
- Digital Consultation: We review your X-rays and design your smile digitally.
- Implant Placement: Under local anesthesia or sedation, the titanium posts are placed.
- Temporary Bridge: You leave the clinic with a “fixed” temporary bridge. You are never without teeth.
- Osseointegration: Over 3-6 months, your bone fuses with the implants.
Maintenance and Longevity
Both systems are designed to last a lifetime, but they require care. Since the bridge is fixed, you cannot remove it to clean. You must use a water flosser (like a Waterpik) and follow specific oral hygiene tips to prevent “peri-implantitis,” which is gum disease around an implant.
For clinical data on the 10-year success rates of these techniques, refer to the Journal of Oral Implantology.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is All-on-6 always better than All-on-4?
Not necessarily. If your bone is thin in the back, forcing an All-on-6 can actually be less stable than a perfectly placed All-on-4. The “best” choice is the one that fits your specific anatomy.
2. Can I eat normally with these implants?
Yes. Unlike removable dentures, which only provide about 20% of original biting force, All-on-4/6 systems restore about 80-95% of your natural biting strength.
3. How long does the surgery take?
The surgery for one arch usually takes about 2 to 3 hours.
4. What if one implant fails in an All-on-4?
Because the system relies on only four points, an failure can be more complex to fix than in an All-on-6. However, at Valuedent Clinic, our success rates are exceptionally high due to our strict sterilization and planning protocols.
5. Why is Istanbul the best place for this?
Experience and technology. We perform these surgeries daily for patients from all over the world, using the highest-tier global implant brands at Turkish local prices.
Conclusion: Which One Is Best for You?
The All on 4 Implant Technique is an incredible solution for efficiency and avoiding bone grafts. The All-on-6 is the “heavy-duty” alternative for those with the bone to support it and the desire for maximum bite force.
At Valuedent Clinic, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. We believe in a smile that is custom-engineered for your life.
