If you’re missing most or all of the teeth in an arch, replacing them one at a time with individual implants isn’t always realistic — it can mean eight, ten, or more separate implant sites, plus a long healing period for each. All-on-4 and All-on-6 were developed to solve exactly this problem: a full arch of fixed teeth, supported by just four or six implants. This guide compares the two techniques so you know what to ask about at your consultation.
What All-on-4 and All-on-6 Actually Involve
Both techniques replace an entire upper or lower arch of teeth using a small number of strategically placed implants rather than one implant per missing tooth. A fixed prosthetic arch — a full row of teeth, custom-made and non-removable — is then attached to those implants, either as a temporary version the same day or as a permanent one after a healing period. This is different from getting individual dental implants for a handful of missing teeth, and it’s usually the more efficient route once you’re missing most of an arch rather than a few isolated teeth.
The core difference between the two techniques is simply the number of implants used to anchor the arch, and that number is decided almost entirely by one factor: how much healthy bone you have to work with.
Planning a full-arch case is more involved than planning for a single missing tooth. Your dentist needs to map out not just where each implant goes, but how the whole arch will sit, how your bite will feel, and how the final result will look alongside your remaining teeth if you’re only treating one arch rather than both. This is typically done using 3D imaging and a digital mock-up before any surgery takes place, so you have a clear sense of the planned outcome in advance.
Who’s a Candidate for All-on-4, and Who Needs All-on-6
All-on-4 uses four implants, with the back two angled to make the most of bone that’s often present even in patients with some bone loss — this is part of why it was originally designed for people who might otherwise be told they don’t have enough bone for implants at all. It’s a strong option for patients wanting a fixed full-arch solution with fewer implant sites and, generally, a shorter surgical appointment.
All-on-6 adds two additional implants, spreading the biting load across more support points. It’s often recommended for patients with better bone density, for the lower jaw where bite forces are higher, or simply where a dentist wants extra long-term stability built in from the start. Neither technique is universally “better” — it comes down to your bone density, your bite, and your dentist’s assessment of your jaw structure on x-rays and a 3D scan. Where a patient’s bone has thinned significantly, a bone graft may be recommended before either option, or a dentist may lean toward All-on-4’s angled placement specifically to avoid grafting.
Your matched clinic’s specialist will only confirm which technique suits you after reviewing your imaging in detail — this is a decision made case by case, not a one-size-fits-all recommendation.
There’s also a difference between upper and lower jaw cases. The upper jaw generally has softer bone and sits closer to the sinus cavity, which can make bone availability more of a factor, while the lower jaw tends to have denser bone but higher bite forces. Some patients end up with different techniques recommended for their upper and lower arch for exactly this reason, rather than the same solution applied to both.
Fixed vs Removable: What You Actually Walk Away With
Both All-on-4 and All-on-6 are fixed solutions — the arch is attached to the implants and isn’t designed to come out for daily cleaning the way a denture is. This is a meaningful difference from a removable denture sitting on the gum: a fixed arch functions much closer to natural teeth, doesn’t shift while eating or speaking, and doesn’t need to be soaked overnight. Some patients considering more extensive dental work, including a full rebuild of both arches, look at these techniques as part of a broader full mouth rehabilitation plan rather than in isolation.
It’s worth comparing both techniques against the option many patients are more familiar with: a traditional removable denture. Dentures sit on the gum, typically need to be removed for cleaning, can shift while eating or speaking, and are usually relined or replaced every several years as your jawbone gradually changes shape. All-on-4 and All-on-6 avoid most of these drawbacks because they’re anchored directly to the jawbone rather than resting on the gum, which is also part of why implants help preserve bone density that would otherwise continue to shrink around missing teeth. This is generally the appeal for patients weighing a full-arch implant solution against sticking with dentures.
The Timeline: What to Expect Trip by Trip
Both techniques generally follow a similar pattern to standard implants: the implants are placed first, often with a temporary fixed arch fitted the same visit so you’re not left without teeth, followed by a healing period for osseointegration before the final, permanent arch is fitted on a return trip. That healing window typically runs several months, which is why most patients plan on two visits to Istanbul rather than completing everything in one. Your coordinator will build a specific itinerary around your case, including how long each trip needs to be. For more on how implant healing timelines work more generally, see our dental implants cost and timeline guide.
Cost Differences and What’s Included
All-on-6 typically costs somewhat more than All-on-4, largely because of the additional implants and any extra planning involved, though the gap is often smaller than patients expect relative to the overall value of a full-arch solution. In either case, patients from the UK, US, Canada and Australia are typically looking at savings of up to 70–80% compared with equivalent treatment at home — a gap driven by lower overheads and cost of living in Turkey, not lower-grade materials or less experienced surgeons.
Key takeaway: The choice between All-on-4 and All-on-6 isn’t about which is “better” in general — it’s about which matches your bone density and bite, and that’s a clinical decision your specialist makes from your own scans.
A full package should include your consultation and imaging, the surgery, temporary and final prosthetics, accommodation across both trips, transfers, and follow-up support. See the All-on-4 & All-on-6 treatment page for what’s typically included, or request a free, personalised quote to see how the numbers apply to your own case. For more on why the pricing and quality gap exists at all, Turkey vs UK/US: Comparing Dental & Cosmetic Surgery Quality is a useful next read.
It’s worth asking for a detailed, itemised quote rather than a single headline number, so you can see exactly what’s covered, implant brand, prosthetic material, number of visits, and aftercare, before comparing across clinics.
Recovery and Long-Term Care
Recovery after full-arch implant surgery is more involved than a single implant — expect some swelling and a soft-food diet for the first couple of weeks while your temporary arch settles in. Good oral hygiene around the implant sites is essential for long-term success, and your aftercare pack should include clear instructions for the healing period and for maintenance once your permanent arch is fitted, including how to coordinate follow-up checkups with your local dentist between visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need All-on-4 or All-on-6?
It comes down to bone density and bite force, assessed from x-rays and a 3D scan. Your matched clinic’s specialist will recommend one over the other based on your own imaging, not a generic preference.
Will I be without teeth at any point during treatment?
Generally no — most patients receive a temporary fixed arch on the same day the implants are placed, so you fly home with a full set of teeth even while healing is ongoing underneath.
Can I get All-on-4 if I’ve been told I don’t have enough bone for implants?
Possibly — All-on-4’s angled back implants were specifically designed to make use of bone that’s often still available even after some loss, which is why it’s frequently offered to patients who’ve been turned away elsewhere. A grafting procedure may still be recommended in more severe cases.
How long does the whole process take from start to finish?
Typically two trips spread across several months, to allow proper healing between the temporary and permanent arch. Your coordinator will map out exact dates once your treatment plan is confirmed.
Do All-on-4 and All-on-6 arches need special cleaning?
Yes — while the arch itself is fixed in place, you’ll be shown how to clean around and underneath it using tools like a water flosser or interdental brushes, alongside a normal brushing routine. Your dentist will walk you through this before you leave.
Can I switch from All-on-4 to All-on-6 later if needed?
In some cases, yes — if your dentist determines additional support would help, an implant can sometimes be added to an existing All-on-4 arch. This isn’t guaranteed for every case and depends on your original implant placement and bone structure, so it’s best discussed directly with your specialist rather than assumed as a default option.