All-on-6 Dental Implants — what you should know in 2026
How six implants support a full fixed arch, when it is chosen over All-on-4, and what cost, recovery and risk look like in practice.
Written by our medical board, reviewed quarterlyUpdated 21 January 19709 min read
Who All-on-6 is for
All-on-6 replaces a full arch of teeth with a fixed bridge supported on six implants rather than four. The two extra implants spread the load more evenly and add redundancy, which makes the technique a strong choice for patients with more bone available or for the upper jaw, where bone is naturally softer and benefits from additional support.
Like All-on-4, it suits people who have lost most or all of their teeth in an arch or whose remaining teeth are failing, and who want fixed teeth rather than a removable denture. Patients travel for it for the same reasons as other implant work: the cost of full-arch rehabilitation in high-cost markets is substantial, and the procedure plans cleanly from imaging.
Good candidates have sufficient bone for six implants, or are willing to undergo grafting or a sinus lift to achieve it, and are committed to the hygiene a fixed bridge demands.
How All-on-6 compares with All-on-4
The headline difference is support: six implants distribute biting forces across more anchor points than four, which many clinicians prefer for larger arches, heavier bite forces, or the upper jaw. The extra implants also provide a safety margin; losing one of six is less catastrophic than losing one of four.
The trade-off is that All-on-6 requires more bone and more surgery, which can mean grafting or a sinus lift where All-on-4's angled approach might have avoided it. It is therefore not universally better; the right number of implants is dictated by your bone, jaw and bite, not by a belief that more is always superior.
As with All-on-4, immediate loading with a fixed temporary bridge is common, and a definitive bridge in acrylic, composite or zirconia follows after the implants integrate. A good clinic explains honestly why six implants suit your case rather than four.
What is included and what it costs
All-on-6 is priced per arch and generally costs more than All-on-4 because of the two additional implants and any grafting they require. As with all full-arch work, the material of the final bridge is the largest single cost driver, with zirconia at the top of the range. In popular destinations a full arch typically runs into several thousand euros, commonly less than half the price charged in high-cost markets.
A complete quote should include any extractions, the six implants, the immediate temporary bridge, CBCT imaging, and the definitive bridge plus follow-up. Confirm whether grafting, a sinus lift, the final bridge and a second fitting visit are part of the quoted price or billed separately.
Because integration takes months, the permanent bridge is fitted on a later visit, so plan for two trips or a long stay, and budget for both arches if you are restoring upper and lower.
Choosing a clinic for All-on-6
This is complex implant surgery combined with demanding prosthetics, so prioritise a clinic and implantologist who perform full-arch cases routinely, ideally with guided digital surgery and an in-house or closely partnered laboratory. Confirm recognised facility accreditation such as JCI, TEMOS or ISO, and that the treating dentist is board-certified in implantology.
Insist on a CBCT-based plan that justifies six implants for your bone and explains whether grafting or a sinus lift is needed. The plan should name the implant brand and the materials of both the temporary and final bridge, and set out the full timeline rather than just the surgery date.
Because a fixed full arch is hard to service from a distance, settle warranty and aftercare in writing: what is covered, how a chipped tooth or loose screw is handled, and whether a home dentist can maintain the bridge between reviews.
Recovery and timeline
Surgery for All-on-6 often includes extractions and the placement of six implants in one session per arch, under local anaesthetic with optional sedation. Expect swelling, bruising and soreness for several days and a soft or liquid diet for a few weeks while the gums settle and the implants begin to integrate.
Most patients receive a fixed temporary bridge promptly, so they are not left without teeth. Over the next three to six months the implants fuse with the bone, during which careful cleaning and a soft diet protect the new fixtures.
Once integration is confirmed, the definitive bridge is made and fitted, usually on a return visit. The whole process spans several months, after which the arch functions much like natural teeth provided daily hygiene and regular reviews are maintained.
Risks and what if something goes wrong
The risks are those of implant surgery generally: infection, nerve injury, sinus complications in the upper jaw, and failure of one or more implants to integrate. With six implants there is more redundancy than with four, but more surgical sites also mean more opportunities for localised complications. Mechanical wear, chips or screw loosening can affect the bridge over time.
Accurate CBCT planning, an experienced surgeon, honest medical screening and disciplined hygiene during healing are what keep these risks low. Smoking materially raises the chance of failure and should be openly discussed before treatment.
If an implant fails or the bridge is damaged, a reputable clinic repairs or remakes it under warranty, and the extra implants give more flexibility to recover the case. Keep your implant passport and records so any qualified clinic can help if returning is difficult.
Frequently asked
Is All-on-6 better than All-on-4?
Not automatically. All-on-6 offers more support and redundancy and is often preferred for the upper jaw or larger arches, but it needs more bone. The right choice depends on your anatomy, not a fixed rule.
Will I need bone grafting for All-on-6?
Sometimes, because six implants require more bone than four. A CBCT scan determines whether grafting or a sinus lift is needed, and a good clinic will tell you this before you commit.
How much does All-on-6 cost per arch?
It typically runs into several thousand euros per arch in popular destinations, usually a little more than All-on-4 and often less than half the price in high-cost markets. The final bridge material drives most of the variation.
Will I leave with fixed teeth on the day of surgery?
Usually a fixed temporary bridge is placed within a day or two, so you are not without teeth. The permanent bridge is fitted after the implants integrate, typically three to six months later.
How long is the recovery?
Swelling and a soft diet last a few weeks, while full integration takes three to six months before the definitive bridge is fitted. Most patients return to normal routines within days of surgery.
How long do All-on-6 restorations last?
The implants can last many years or decades with good hygiene and check-ups, while the bridge may need maintenance or replacement over time due to normal wear.
