All-on-4® vs All-on-6: four implants or six?
Both give you a full arch of fixed teeth that doesn't come out. The difference is how many implants hold it, and that depends mostly on your bone. Here's how to tell what fits you.
Medically reviewed by Dt. Hüseyin Yavuz Özbek, implant surgeon · Updated October 2026The short version
4 Four implants may be considered when…
- bone at the back of the jaw is thin or low
- you'd like to avoid a bone graft or sinus lift if possible
- the jaw is a lower jaw with dense bone at the front
- keeping surgery shorter matters to you
6 Six implants may be considered when…
- there's enough bone along the whole jaw
- it's an upper jaw, where bone is usually softer
- you have a strong bite or grind your teeth
- you'd like more implants in reserve if one ever has a problem
Our honest view as a clinic: neither is better for everyone. Large reviews of the research found no significant difference in survival between four and six implants. The right number is the one your bone and bite can support well, and a dentist should show you why on your own 3D scan.
The complete comparison
Typical differences. Your own plan can differ, because it follows your scan.
| What differs | All-on-4®: four implants | All-on-6: six implants |
|---|---|---|
| Implants per jaw | Four | Six |
| Where they go | Two upright at the front, two tilted at the back to reach better bone | Spread along the arch, usually more upright |
| Bone needed | Less. Designed to make the most of the bone at the front | More, including towards the back of the jaw |
| Bone graft or sinus lift | Often avoided by angling the back implants | Sometimes needed in the upper back jaw |
| Load sharing | Four supports share the biting force | Six supports share it, so each carries less |
| If one implant fails | The bridge usually can't be used on three until the implant is replaced | The bridge may stay in use on five while it's dealt with |
| Surgery | Slightly shorter, fewer implant sites | Slightly longer, two more implant sites |
| Temporary teeth the same week | Often possible | Often possible |
| Research | High survival; no significant difference from six in large reviews | High survival; less bone loss than four in one upper-jaw review |
| Cleaning | Fewer implants to clean around | Two more to clean around, same daily routine |
| Our price | £6,000 (both jaws (upper and lower), in total) | £6,500 (both jaws (upper and lower), in total) |
"Our price" is Precious Dental's own price, October 2026, not a market average. Research: what the studies show.
Read the detail that applies to you
Bone and grafting
Why the bone you have decides most plans, and when a graft, sinus lift or zygomatic implant comes in.
Bone loss and grafting → 02Upper or lower jaw
Upper jaws usually have softer bone and a sinus above. That changes the maths.
Upper vs lower jaw → 03If one implant fails
What happens to your teeth with four, and with six, and how often it happens.
What if an implant fails? → 04Surgery and recovery
Two extra implants, slightly longer surgery. Is recovery any different?
Surgery and recovery → 05What research shows
Three systematic reviews, in plain English, with their limits.
Success rates and research → 06Five, eight, or zygomatic?
"All-on-X" explained: why some plans use five or eight implants.
All-on-X explained →Six usually costs a little more than four
Two more implants means two more sets of parts and a little more surgical time. The bridge on top is similar. At our clinic the difference between the two is £500.
Precious Dental, our price, October 2026. The difference is £500. Both include implants, zirconia teeth, titanium bar, temporary teeth, free extractions, hotel (4 + 5 nights), airport and clinic transfers, X-rays and medication. Flights are not included. Your final price is confirmed in writing after we see your X-ray or scan. These are our prices as a clinic, not a market average. Work out your full cost →
Similar survival, with a few real differences
- 93 studies, 2018No significant difference in implant or bridge survival between fewer than five and five or more implants per jaw.
- 53 studies, 2024Upper jaws: no significant survival difference between four and six, but more bone loss around implants with four.
- CaveatFew studies compared four and six head to head, so the evidence isn't the final word.
Written by a clinic that offers both
This site is published by Precious Dental, a dental clinic in Antalya. We place both four- and six-implant bridges, so we have no reason to push one over the other, but we do benefit if you choose us, and we'd rather say so.
Medical content is reviewed by Dt. Hüseyin Yavuz Özbek, Dentist — Implant Surgery & Prosthetics, registered with the Turkish Dental Association (no. 49105). Our UK company is Precious Teeth Ltd, Companies House no. 14018597.
How we research and review this guide →
Quick answers
Which is better, All-on-4 or All-on-6?
Neither is better for everyone. Large reviews of the research found no significant difference in implant or bridge survival between four and six implants. Six spreads the load over more supports and may suit jaws with plenty of bone; four, often with angled back implants, can avoid bone grafts when bone is limited. Your 3D scan decides.
Is All-on-6 stronger than All-on-4?
Six implants share the biting load between more supports, and one review of upper-jaw cases found less bone loss around implants with six. That doesn't make four weak: four well-placed implants have a long research record. What matters most is bone quality, implant position and the bridge design.
Does All-on-6 cost more than All-on-4?
Usually a little more, because there are two more implants and their parts. At Precious Dental the difference is £500 for both jaws. Elsewhere, ask for itemised quotes for both options.
Can I choose four or six myself?
You can tell your dentist what matters to you, but the number of implants should follow your bone, your bite and your health. A good dentist will explain from your scan why they suggest four or six.
Only a scan can settle it.
Send us an X-ray or scan if you have one. A dentist will tell you which option suits your bone, and say so honestly if neither is the right step.