What is Right for You: All on 6 or All on 4?

If you are looking for replacing many of the missing teeth or all the teeth in either of the jaws or both the jaws, "All on 4" and "All on 6" treatment procedures will be the point of discussion with the Dentist most of the times. Though both the treatment concepts appear to be very similar and look to achieve similar results, they have some key difference in the procedures. The present article is written with a view to highlight the similarities and differences between the two treatment concepts.

The Treatment Basics

Both All on 6 and All on 4 are treatment solutions for patients looking to replace almost all the teeth in a single jaw or both the jaws. Both treatment protocols involve surgical placements of Dental Implants in the jaw.  The Dental Implants placed are the foundations for support to fixed teeth. As the name denotes the term "All on" denotes replacement of all the teeth (generally first molar to first molar). Imagine all your Implants connected to each other to support the missing teeth, which is essentially more important than replacing each missing tooth with an Implant. All on 6 works on the same basis replacing the missing teeth, joined together over 6 Implants instead of 4 Implants in All on 4.

Time Taken

Both treatment procedures may take 45 minutes to 60 minutes to be completed for a single jaw. Fixed teeth or Crowns over both the treatment procedures requires separate appointments.

Anesthesia

Both All on 6 and All on 4 can be done under local anesthesia on most occasions, however general anesthesia and conscious sedation can also be chosen for patients who have great dental anxiety.

Difference Between Both Procedures

One of the obvious difference is the number of Implants placed in the jaw. All on 6 utilizes 6 Implants while All on 4 utilizes 4 Implants. The decision to choose a particular procedure is often based on clinical and radiological expertise of a Dental practice.

We at Avance Dental Care, believe and recommend that All on 6 procedures definitely provides better strength and stability. Patients report of comfort and better longevity with 6 Implants instead of 4. Patients must understand that every time they bite, the pressure has to be evenly dispersed on Implants for which placement of additional 2 Implants provides significant strength, retention, stability and long term benefit. 4 is the minimum number but definitely not the best.

Patients with compromised bone structure in the posterior region (Back tooth region) are often the preferred choices for All on 4 procedure to avoid extensive bone grafting procedure which can be expensive and time consuming.

Which One is Best for You?

Both All on 6 and All on 4 Treatment Protocols offer great permanent solutions to people to replace and regain their lost smiles. Ask your dentist which procedure does he/she recommend "All on 6" or "All on 4"? Do not hesitate in asking the question "Why"?

If you have any more questions or look to learn more about "All on 6" or "All on 4" procedures, please write back to us.