All-on-4 vs All-on-6 Dental Implants in Turkey — Which Is Right for You? (2025)

Introduction

All-on-4 and All-on-6 are fixed full-arch implant solutions that replace a complete row of missing or failing teeth with a bridge supported by four or six implants. The idea was popularised as a way to restore function and aesthetics with fewer surgeries and a shorter total timeline compared to traditional approaches.

In Antalya, Smile Center Turkey performs full-arch cases daily for international guests, especially from the UK. This guide explains the differences, who is a candidate for each system, and how our digital workflow increases predictability.

1. What Are Full-Arch Dental Implants?

“Full-arch” means restoring the entire upper or lower jaw with a fixed bridge anchored to implants. Compared to removable dentures, fixed bridges offer better bite stability, speech clarity and chewing efficiency. Success depends on bone volume/quality, surgical technique and long-term hygiene.

• Fixed, non-removable bridge anchored to implants.
• Immediate temporaries may be possible if insertion torque and bone quality permit.
• Final prosthesis (e.g., monolithic zirconia) fitted after healing and occlusal refinement.

2. Understanding All-on-4

All-on-4 uses four implants per arch. Posterior implants are placed at an angle to maximise bone contact and avoid anatomical structures. It’s efficient when bone volume is limited and can reduce grafting needs.

Pros

• Fewer implants → shorter surgery time and lower cost.
• Angled posterior implants can bypass sinuses/nerve paths.
• High success in well-selected cases with precise planning.

Considerations

• Fewer support points than All-on-6 → load distribution is more critical.
• Occlusion and parafunction (e.g., bruxism) need careful control.

3. Understanding All-on-6

All-on-6 adds two extra support points per arch, improving load distribution and sometimes allowing longer spans with less flex. It’s preferred when bone allows, especially for powerful bites or heavy functional demands.

Pros

• More implants → better load sharing and redundancy.
• Potentially more favourable biomechanics for strong biters.

Considerations

• Longer surgery, higher cost vs All-on-4.
• May require grafting if bone volume is insufficient.

4. All-on-4 vs All-on-6 — Comparison Table

5. Digital Planning & Guided Surgery

We use CBCT (cone-beam CT) and intraoral scans to create a prosthetic-driven plan. Surgical guides translate the digital plan to the mouth with millimetre-level accuracy, reducing trauma and chair time.

• CBCT + IOS: precise mapping of bone, sinuses and nerves.
• CAD/CAM: provisional bridges made in-house for immediate function (if torque permits).
• Documentation: you receive scans, photos and material specs for your UK records.

6. Bone Grafting & Sinus Lift Options

If bone is insufficient, we combine angled implants with sinus lift or grafting to create a stable foundation. This choice is personalised after CBCT analysis.

• Lateral or crestal sinus lift for posterior maxilla.
• Particulate grafts and membranes as indicated.
• Healing windows built into the schedule for predictable results.

Learn more: Dental Implants in Turkey • Meet the Doctors

7. Framework & Material Choices

Final full-arch bridges are typically made from zirconia (strength + translucency) or zirconia on titanium bars, depending on design needs. For anterior aesthetics, lithium disilicate may be used strategically in hybrid designs.

• Monolithic zirconia: durable, stain-resistant; great for function and natural looks.
• Titanium frameworks: excellent strength for long spans.
• Premium implant systems: Straumann, Nobel, Dentsply — serviceable in the UK.

We discuss aesthetics (shade, texture, translucency) and phonetics before fabrication so you know what to expect.

8. Case Examples

Case A — All-on-4 with Immediate Temporaries

Patient with limited posterior bone. Extractions and four implants placed with a guided workflow; immediate provisional bridge fitted the same day. Final zirconia delivered after healing.

Case B — All-on-6 for Heavy Function

Strong biter with adequate bone volume. Six implants distributed for load sharing; occlusion refined for parafunction control. Final hybrid zirconia on titanium framework.

See more transformations in our blog and contact us for a private gallery preview.

9. Costs for UK Patients

Indicative 2025 ranges in GBP. Quotes are fixed after diagnostics on Day-1.

10. Aftercare & Longevity

Longevity depends on hygiene, occlusion, material choice and maintenance. We issue a records pack (scans, component list, shade, photos) and a clear hygiene protocol. UK hygiene visits every 3–6 months are recommended.

• Nightguard for bruxism when indicated.
• Interdental brushes and water flossers support bridge hygiene.
• Periodic occlusal checks reduce overload on components.

11. Verdict — Which Is Right for You?

All-on-4 works beautifully when bone is limited and grafting should be minimised. All-on-6 shines when bone allows and functional demands are higher. The best choice emerges from CBCT-based planning, your bite profile and aesthetic goals.

FAQs

Can All-on-4 be upgraded to All-on-6 later?

Sometimes yes, if bone allows and the bridge design supports it. This is assessed case-by-case via CBCT and occlusal analysis.

Do I always need bone grafting?

No. Angled posterior implants can often avoid grafts. If grafting is needed for long-term stability, we plan healing windows into your schedule.

How soon can I get teeth after surgery?

Immediate temporaries may be possible if torque thresholds are met. Definitive zirconia is placed after healing and functional refinement.

Which materials last longer?

Monolithic zirconia on quality implant systems is highly durable. Longevity still depends on hygiene and bite forces.

Will UK dentists maintain my implants?

Yes — we use global systems (e.g., Straumann, Nobel, Dentsply) with components and support networks available in the UK.