All-on-6 uses six implants per arch instead of four, offering enhanced stability and load distribution for full-arch rehabilitation. This guide explains when six implants are clinically necessary, when they are not, and how to evaluate whether your clinic is recommending the right protocol for your anatomy.
Both protocols replace a full arch of teeth with a fixed implant-supported bridge. The fundamental difference is the number of implants anchoring the prosthetic and how forces are distributed across the jaw.
Four implants per arch: two placed vertically at the front, two angled at up to 45 degrees at the back. The angulation maximizes bone contact and avoids grafting in many cases. Well-established with over 20 years of clinical data.
Six implants per arch provide additional anchor points and more even force distribution. The extra two implants are typically placed in the premolar region, creating a wider support base for the prosthetic bridge.
Not every patient needs six implants. The decision should be driven by your CBCT scan, bone density measurements, jaw size, and bite force profile. Some clinics default to All-on-6 because it generates higher revenue. Others default to All-on-4 because it is simpler. Neither approach is correct without individual clinical assessment.
All-on-6 is particularly suited for patients whose clinical situation requires additional implant support beyond what four implants can provide.
The process closely mirrors All-on-4 but with additional surgical considerations due to the extra implant sites.
A CBCT scan is essential for All-on-6 planning. The surgeon must identify six viable implant sites with adequate bone density and proper spacing. Digital treatment planning software maps implant positions, angulations, and depth to ensure optimal placement.
Many experienced All-on-6 surgeons use digitally planned surgical guides. These 3D-printed templates fit over the jaw and direct each drill to the exact planned position. This precision is particularly valuable with six implants, where accurate spacing is critical for prosthetic design.
Remaining teeth are extracted and six implants are placed in a single surgical session. Surgery typically takes 2.5 to 4 hours per arch, slightly longer than All-on-4 due to the additional implant sites. Local anesthesia with sedation is standard.
A temporary acrylic or PMMA bridge is secured to the six implants. This immediate loading protocol gives you functional teeth during the healing period. The temporary is designed to be lightweight and to distribute forces evenly across all six implants.
The implants fuse with the jawbone during this period. With six implants, even if one encounters a healing issue, the remaining five can often still support the prosthetic. Follow a modified soft diet and maintain rigorous oral hygiene.
After confirmed osseointegration, impressions are taken for the final zirconia bridge. The prosthetic is designed to leverage all six implant positions for maximum stability. This trip typically requires 5-7 days for fabrication, try-in, and final placement.
All prices in euros. Ranges include implant placement, temporary prosthetic, and final prosthetic unless noted. Travel and accommodation not included.
| Procedure | Turkey | UK | US | Australia |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All-on-6 (per arch, acrylic/PMMA temp) | 4,500 - 7,500 | 12,000 - 18,000 | 18,000 - 30,000 | 18,000 - 28,000 |
| All-on-6 (per arch, zirconia final) | 6,000 - 11,000 | 18,000 - 25,000 | 25,000 - 40,000 | 22,000 - 35,000 |
| Both arches All-on-6 (zirconia) | 12,000 - 22,000 | 34,000 - 48,000 | 48,000 - 78,000 | 42,000 - 68,000 |
| All-on-6 with zygomatic implants | 8,000 - 14,000 | 20,000 - 30,000 | 30,000 - 50,000 | 28,000 - 45,000 |
| Bone grafting (if needed per site) | 200 - 600 | 500 - 1,500 | 800 - 3,000 | 600 - 2,000 |
| Extractions (full mouth) | 200 - 600 | 500 - 2,000 | 1,000 - 3,000 | 800 - 2,500 |
For a personalized estimate, use our Cost Calculator. Always confirm whether quoted prices include the final zirconia prosthetic or just the temporary.
Understanding the clinical advantages and practical considerations helps you make an informed decision.
Six implants spread chewing forces more evenly, reducing stress on individual implants and the surrounding bone.
If one implant fails during healing, the remaining five can often still support the prosthetic without requiring the entire treatment to be redone.
The additional implants extend the support base further back, reducing cantilever length on the prosthetic bridge and improving long-term stability.
Six anchor points give the dental laboratory more design options for achieving a natural-looking and well-supported final bridge.
Two additional implants add 1,500 to 3,000 euros to the treatment cost in Turkey. Ensure the clinical benefit justifies the extra expense for your specific case.
Six sites need adequate bone volume. Some patients may require bone grafting at one or more sites, adding cost and healing time.
Placing six implants takes 30-60 minutes longer than four, increasing time under anesthesia and extending immediate post-operative recovery.
For patients with good bone density and normal jaw dimensions, four implants often achieve equivalent long-term outcomes at lower cost.
The All-on-6 timeline is virtually identical to All-on-4. Be cautious of clinics promising to complete the entire process in a single trip.
The surgical visit (7-10 days) includes extractions, implant placement, and temporary bridge attachment. The final prosthetic visit (5-7 days) occurs 3-6 months later, after the implants have fully integrated with the bone. Rushing the final prosthetic onto implants that have not healed is one of the leading causes of All-on-6 failure.
7-10 days in Turkey
3-6 months at home
5-7 days in Turkey
Based on Dr. Taslidere's experience reviewing All-on-6 treatment plans, these warning signs indicate a clinic may not be providing a sound treatment approach.
No clinic should recommend a specific protocol without first reviewing a CBCT scan. If a clinic tells you that you need All-on-6 based solely on a panoramic X-ray or photos, they are making assumptions about your bone anatomy that may be incorrect.
Some clinics routinely push patients from All-on-4 to All-on-6 to increase revenue. Ask specifically why six implants are recommended for your case and what clinical evidence supports this decision. A legitimate reason will reference your bone density, jaw dimensions, or bite characteristics.
A clinic promising a permanent zirconia All-on-6 bridge in a single visit is compressing the healing timeline. Six implants need 3-6 months to osseointegrate before they can support a heavy zirconia prosthetic. Immediate permanent loading risks catastrophic failure.
All-on-6 requires implants with proven long-term data. Ask for the specific brand and model. Established brands like Straumann, Nobel Biocare, and Osstem have extensive clinical documentation. Unknown brands save the clinic money but transfer the risk to you.
While not absolutely required, guided surgery significantly improves implant placement accuracy, especially with six implants. If a clinic does not offer or discuss guided surgery for All-on-6, ask why and understand the alternative approach.
Get specific, written answers about what happens if an implant fails at 1, 2, or 5 years. Does the warranty cover implant replacement, a new prosthetic, and travel costs? A clinic confident in its work will have clear warranty documentation.
These specific questions help you evaluate whether All-on-6 is genuinely the right protocol for your case.
All-on-6 costs more, takes longer in surgery, and requires more bone than All-on-4. Sometimes these trade-offs are clinically justified. Sometimes they are not. Dr. Taslidere independently reviews your CBCT scans, treatment plan, and pricing to determine whether All-on-6 is genuinely the right protocol for your case.
With no clinic affiliations and no referral commissions, the recommendation is based solely on your clinical needs and best interests.
Explore our comprehensive guides on other popular dental treatments in Turkey.
Before committing to All-on-6, ensure it is the right protocol for your anatomy and not just a more expensive option. An independent clinical review can confirm whether six implants are genuinely necessary for your case.
Chat with Dr. Taslidere