All-on-4 and All-on-6: Full-Arch Treatment and Aftercare

What Do All-on-4 and All-on-6 Mean?

These terms describe a full-arch fixed prosthesis supported by four or six implants in one jaw. The implant count is different from the number of replacement teeth. Neither four nor six implants is automatically the right choice for every patient.

Any remaining teeth should first be assessed for preservation. The availability of a full-arch implant treatment is not, by itself, a reason to extract treatable teeth. Our full-arch treatment page explains the general approach.

Short animation · 26 sec

All-on-4 and All-on-6

The video has no sound; all of its information is also given as text below.

Read the video as text

FULL ARCH

Four implants — The front implants are usually placed more upright and, where the anatomy allows, the back implants are angled.
Six implants — The basic difference is the number of supports; the right number depends on the bone, the jaw and the prosthetic plan.
Fixed prosthesis — A prosthesis carrying the whole arch is fixed to the implants; it is not removed by the patient day to day.

What to keep in mind

Natural teeth that could be saved are not extracted just for this treatment.
All-on-4 is not graft-free in every case.
Cleaning under the prosthesis and around the implants is needed every day.

Schematic illustration; it does not show real scale, a specific product or an individual result.

Open the video separately

Choosing the Support and Prosthesis

Bone, implant distribution, bite, space for the prosthesis, lip support and cleaning access are considered together. More implants do not automatically guarantee a better outcome. Tilted implants can use available bone in suitable cases, but do not eliminate every need for grafting.

A removable denture or implant-retained removable prosthesis may also be appropriate. A fixed prosthesis is not removed by the patient and requires access for daily cleaning underneath it.

Same-Day Teeth Are Conditional

Early fixed temporary teeth depend on implant stability and the prosthetic plan. Conditions found during surgery may change that plan. Temporary teeth are not the final prosthesis and do not mean unrestricted chewing is safe. Discuss an alternative provisional solution before treatment.

Final teeth are planned after review of healing and tissue conditions. Materials are selected for the available space, loading, appearance, repair options and maintenance. No material has a guaranteed lifespan for every patient.

Maintenance and Possible Problems

Implant loss, tissue disease, loose screws and prosthesis fractures can occur. If an implant is lost, the remaining support must be reassessed; the bridge cannot be assumed to have sufficient backup support. Repair, a different prosthesis or further treatment may be needed.

Report new pain, movement or persistent bleeding. Do not tighten or glue the prosthesis yourself. Follow-up continues after the final teeth are fitted, and cleaning methods should be demonstrated for your particular design.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a long-term denture wearer have fixed teeth?

Possibly, but suitability depends on current anatomy, health and maintenance needs. Removable options remain part of the discussion.

How many visits will I need?

Surgery, reviews and prosthetic stages are planned individually. Do not rely on a standard two-trip or fixed-day promise before assessment. Clarify arrangements for problems after returning home.

Does the price cover both jaws?

This must be stated explicitly. The quote should distinguish each jaw, implant system, extractions, temporary and final prostheses, additional surgery and follow-up. Travel services, if arranged, should have their own confirmed scope.

Questions and Appointments

Write to us on WhatsApp to speak directly with Dr. Aykut Gürel about an assessment. International patient appointments are planned at Dentopol Ümraniye on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, 09:00–18:00 Istanbul time.

Dr. Gürel speaks English. Written messages in other languages can be supported by translation; please confirm availability of a spoken-language interpreter before your appointment. Treatment, follow-up and any transfer or accommodation arrangements are confirmed individually before booking travel.

References

ITI — Number of implants for complete-arch fixed prostheses

ITI — Loading protocols for fixed prostheses in edentulous jaws