All-on-6 Implants: Reinventing Full-Arch Restoration with Extra Support and Stability
Imagine restoring your entire smile with something that doesn’t wiggle, doesn’t need adhesive, and doesn’t come out at night. Now add in enhanced support, better chewing power, and long-term bone health. That’s the promise of All-on-6 implants—a full-mouth solution designed to feel and function like the real thing.
If you’ve been exploring your options and wondering what makes All-on-6 stand out, you’re in the right place. Let’s walk through why this approach is changing lives, one full-arch smile at a time.
What Are All-on-6 Dental Implants?
All-on-6 implants are a full-arch restoration method that uses six dental implants to anchor a permanent bridge of replacement teeth. These implants are strategically placed into your jawbone to provide a secure base for a new smile that won’t slip, slide, or fall out.
Here’s how it works:
- Six titanium posts are inserted into the jawbone (upper, lower, or both).
- After healing, a custom-made bridge of artificial teeth is attached to the implants.
- The result is a natural-looking, fully functional smile that stays put—no need to take it out or rely on adhesives.
While All-on-4 and All-on-5 are similar in concept, All-on-6 provides additional anchorage, making it especially beneficial for patients who want enhanced durability or have sufficient bone density to support more implants.
Why Six Implants?
Think of your jaw like the foundation of a house—the more support beams you use, the sturdier the structure. That’s the principle behind All-on-6.
By using six implants instead of four or five:
- Biting pressure is spread out more evenly across the jaw
- Stress on each implant is reduced, which can increase longevity
- There’s a lower risk of failure if one implant ever has complications
- It’s ideal for patients with stronger jawbones who want long-term reinforcement
According to the International Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Implants, increasing the number of implants in full-arch restorations can enhance overall stability and reduce complications related to wear and tear.
The Process: What to Expect with All-on-6
Let’s take the guesswork out of it. Getting All-on-6 implants usually follows this step-by-step path:
1. Initial Consultation and Imaging
Using panoramic X-rays and 3D scans, your dentist will evaluate your jawbone and oral health to create a customized treatment plan. This planning phase is key to placing the implants in exactly the right position.
2. Implant Placement Surgery
Six titanium implants are placed into the jawbone during a single procedure. Sedation is often available, so patients stay comfortable throughout the process.
3. Temporary Teeth
In many cases, you’ll leave the office the same day with temporary teeth attached to the implants. These look natural and let you smile and function while you heal.
4. Healing and Osseointegration
Over the next few months (typically 3–6), your bone fuses with the implants. This healing phase is what gives the implants their strength.
5. Final Bridge Placement
Once the implants are fully healed, your final set of custom-designed teeth is permanently attached—crafted to match your facial structure, preferences, and natural smile.
Why Patients Choose All-on-6 Implants
There’s a reason so many people are shifting from traditional dentures to fixed implant options like All-on-6. It’s not just about looks—it’s about lifestyle.
With All-on-6 implants, you can:
- Eat almost anything, from crisp apples to juicy steaks
- Speak clearly, with no clicking or slippage
- Smile confidently with natural-looking results
- Ditch adhesives, pastes, and nightly removal routines
- Maintain jawbone health and avoid facial collapse over time
According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, dental implants help maintain facial structure and chewing function, which makes options like All-on-6 a top-tier choice for full-arch replacement.
The Benefits of All-on-6 (Backed by Research)
Beyond comfort and convenience, All-on-6 implants provide serious health and functional perks, including:
1. Improved Chewing Efficiency
With more support than four implants alone, All-on-6 restorations handle greater bite force, allowing for better nutrition and easier eating.
2. Jawbone Preservation
Implants stimulate the jawbone, helping prevent the bone loss that occurs when teeth are missing. Research in the Journal of Prosthodontics shows significant long-term benefits for bone density.
3. Enhanced Durability
More implants mean less wear and tear on each one—especially helpful for patients who clench or grind their teeth.
4. Reduced Risk of Complications
With a broader foundation, the restoration remains stable even if one implant faces challenges, reducing the chance of needing major rework.
5. Natural Appearance
Custom bridges are designed to look just like real teeth—and they stay in place 24/7.
Is All-on-6 Right for You?
You might be a great candidate if:
- You’re missing most or all of your teeth on one arch
- You want a permanent, non-removable solution
- You have healthy gums and adequate bone (or are open to bone grafting)
- You’re in good general health and ready for oral surgery
- You want something that feels like your natural teeth again
Even if you’ve worn dentures for years, don’t count yourself out. Many long-term denture wearers still qualify for All-on-6 with the help of bone regeneration techniques or angled implant placement.
Caring for Your All-on-6 Implants
Once your All-on-6 restoration is in place, daily care is simple and familiar:
- Brush twice a day with a non-abrasive toothpaste
- Use floss threaders or a water flosser to clean beneath the bridge
- Avoid smoking, which can hinder healing and long-term implant success
- See your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings
With consistent care, All-on-6 implants can last 20 years or more—making them one of the most durable dental solutions available.
What About the Cost?
Yes, All-on-6 implants are an investment—but they offer incredible value in return. Compared to traditional dentures, they:
- Require fewer replacements
- Offer better function
- Preserve bone and facial aesthetics
- Support a higher quality of life
Many dental offices offer financing options, in-house payment plans, or work with healthcare lenders to help make the treatment more accessible.
When you're ready to move beyond the limitations of dentures and toward a more stable, natural smile, All-on-6 implants could be the right fit. To learn more, call Best Value Dentures & Implants at 813-358-1225 or stop by our Tampa office at 5420 Webb Rd a2 to schedule a consultation. We’re here to help you smile with confidence again.