If you're missing all or most of your teeth and exploring full-arch implants, you've likely encountered two options: All-on-4 and All-on-6. Both replace an entire arch of teeth with a fixed, permanent prosthetic supported by dental implants — but they differ in the number of implants used, cost, candidacy requirements, and long-term stability.
This guide explains both procedures clearly so you can have an informed conversation with your prosthodontist.
Quick answer: All-on-4 uses 4 implants per arch (from $14,999). All-on-6 uses 6 implants per arch (from $17,999). All-on-6 is better for patients with more available bone who want maximum stability. All-on-4 requires less bone and suits most patients well. Only a 3D CT scan can determine which is right for you.
At a Glance: All-on-4 vs All-on-6
| Feature | All-on-4 | All-on-6 |
|---|---|---|
| Implants per arch | 4 | 6 |
| Starting price (per arch) | $14,999 | $17,999 |
| Bone volume required | Lower — works with less bone | Higher — needs more available bone |
| Same-day teeth | Yes | Yes |
| Stability level | Excellent | Superior |
| Force distribution | Good (4 points) | Better (6 points) |
| Bone preservation | Good | Excellent |
| Best candidate | Most edentulous patients | Patients with adequate bone + higher bite demands |
What Is All-on-4?
All-on-4 (also called "teeth in a day" or "full arch implants") is a surgical procedure where 4 titanium implants are placed in the jawbone to support a full arch of fixed, non-removable teeth. Two implants are placed vertically at the front of the jaw; two are angled (up to 45°) at the rear to maximize contact with available bone.
The angled rear implants are what make All-on-4 work with less bone — a key advantage for patients who have experienced significant bone loss after years of missing teeth or denture use.
How the All-on-4 process works:
- Free consultation with 3D cone beam CT scan to map bone volume
- Treatment planning and prosthetic design
- Surgery day: extractions (if needed), 4 implants placed, temporary bridge attached same day
- Healing period: 4–6 months for osseointegration (implants fuse to bone)
- Final restoration: permanent zirconia bridge placed
What Is All-on-6?
All-on-6 follows the same concept as All-on-4 but uses 6 implants per arch. The two additional implants distribute the load of biting and chewing across more anchor points, reducing mechanical stress on each individual implant.
All-on-6 is typically recommended for patients who:
- Have sufficient bone volume in the posterior jaw
- Have higher bite forces (e.g., bruxism / teeth grinding history)
- Want maximum long-term stability and bone preservation
- Are replacing teeth in the lower jaw (where bite forces are generally greater)
Cost: All-on-4 vs All-on-6
At Chicago Elite Implant Center in Woodridge, IL:
| Procedure | Starting Price (per arch) | Monthly Financing (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| All-on-4 | $14,999 | From ~$208/month |
| All-on-6 | $17,999 | From ~$250/month |
Both prices include: implant placement surgery, all necessary abutments, the same-day temporary prosthetic, and follow-up visits. The final permanent zirconia bridge is typically placed 4–6 months after surgery and is included in the quoted price at our practice.
Financing available: We offer 0% APR financing through CareCredit, Cherry Finance, and PatientFi. Applications are approved in minutes. See financing options →
Which Is Right for You?
The decision between All-on-4 and All-on-6 depends on your specific bone anatomy, revealed through a 3D cone beam CT scan. However, here are general guidelines:
All-on-4 may be better if you:
- Have limited bone volume in the posterior jaw
- Want to avoid bone grafting (All-on-4 is designed to work with limited bone)
- Are on a tighter budget
- Have normal or light bite forces
All-on-6 may be better if you:
- Have good bone volume throughout the arch
- Have a history of bruxism (grinding)
- Want maximum long-term stability
- Are replacing the lower arch (subject to stronger bite forces)
- Want the best possible bone preservation over time
Many patients get All-on-4 in one arch and All-on-6 in another based on their bone anatomy — this is common and perfectly appropriate.
Similarities: What All-on-4 and All-on-6 Have in Common
- Same-day teeth — both procedures provide a fixed temporary prosthetic the day of surgery
- Permanent and non-removable — unlike dentures, you don't take them out
- Full chewing function — you can eat most foods including hard and crunchy items
- No more bone loss from no teeth — implants stimulate the jawbone just like natural tooth roots
- Natural appearance — zirconia final bridge is custom-shaded to match skin tone and aesthetic goals
- Long-term durability — titanium implants are designed to last decades or a lifetime
About Dr. Naser's All-on-4 and All-on-6 Procedures
Dr. Ashraf M. Naser is a prosthodontist at Chicago Elite Implant Center in Woodridge, IL who performs All-on-4 and All-on-6 entirely in-house — from 3D imaging and surgical planning to implant placement and final zirconia bridge. No referrals to outside oral surgeons, no multiple offices to coordinate between.
Free consultations include 3D cone beam CT imaging at no additional charge. Same-week appointments are often available.