All-on-4 vs All-on-6: Which One Is Better?

The short answer

Neither option is better in every case. All-on-4 uses four implants, two of

them angled, and is often chosen when bone volume is limited — it can sometimes

avoid the need for grafting. All-on-6 uses six implants and distributes

chewing forces across more points, which may be preferred where bone allows.

The decision is made from a CT scan, not from a preference stated in advance.

How they compare

When All-on-4 is usually considered

Reduced bone height, particularly in the back of the jaw

A preference to avoid sinus lifting or extensive grafting

Shorter surgery and a lower overall cost

Angled posterior implants can anchor in denser available bone

When All-on-6 is usually considered

Adequate bone volume across the arch

Patients with strong chewing forces or a history of grinding

A wish for more redundancy — if one implant were lost, five remain

Longer arch spans where extra support is helpful

What actually decides it

The choice depends on measurable factors, not marketing:

1. Bone volume and density, assessed on a 3D CT scan

2. Which jaw — the upper jaw is softer and often benefits from more implants

3. Bite forces and any grinding habit

4. General health and healing capacity

5. The condition of the opposing arch

Is one more durable than the other?

Both are well-documented full-arch approaches with good long-term results in

suitable patients. Published survival rates for both are high when cases are

selected carefully and maintained properly. The strongest predictors of success

are not the number of implants but case selection, surgical accuracy, oral

hygiene and attending maintenance appointments. Smoking measurably reduces

success rates in both.

What about the teeth themselves?

In both designs a fixed prosthesis is screwed onto the implants. A temporary set

is usually fitted at surgery and replaced with the permanent one after healing.

Material options — acrylic, composite, zirconia — affect appearance, weight,

wear resistance and cost, and are chosen separately from the number of implants.

Getting an answer for your case

You cannot reliably determine which option suits you from an article. A CT scan

shows the available bone, and the plan follows from that.

[Contact Atlas Dental](/contact) for a free consultation, or read more about

[All-on-4](/treatments/all-on-4-dental-implants) and

[All-on-6](/treatments/all-on-6-dental-implants).