Implants: All on 4 versus All on 6

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If you are among the millions of Americans that have lost most or all of your teeth, you don’t have to live with tooth loss. You do have options. The “all-on” system is one of the best options to consider. This solution replaces all of the teeth in one arch by anchoring a hybrid denture to dental implants.

The “all-on-4” system is the most popular, but some of our patients at A Dental Care choose the “all-on-6” instead. In this article, we’ll explain more about dental implants in general, as well as specifics of the “all-on-4” and “all-on-6” systems. We’ll also explain the differences between the two and the costs associated with each. Hopefully, this can help you come to a decision about which one is right for you.

Dental Implants Explained

A dental implant replaces a missing tooth. While most people use the term to describe the whole thing, it is actually made of three pieces:

When patients have an infection below the root or the tooth has broken down due to decay or trauma, it may need to be removed. Also, some patients have chronic gum disease and other dental issues, and all of their teeth must be removed. In these cases, the all-on-4 or all-on-6 implants can help. In fact, dental implants in general have become the #1 approach to replacing missing teeth.

All-on-4 Dental Implants

If you are missing all of your teeth, you may want to consider the All-on-4 technique. In this method of  TEETH replacement, instead of replacing each tooth with its own implant, the dentist will insert 4 implants per arch into your jawbone (two in the back and two in the front). This will provide you with a long-lasting, functional, and aesthetic prosthesis.

The four posts OR IMPLANTS are ,PLACED and the denture is created and attached to the IMPLANTS permanently. It can only be removed by the dentist with special tools during your annual dental visits.

This is an ideal solution for patients who are missing all of their teeth, as well as patients who are losing their teeth for various reasons. However, it’s important to remember that you need sufficient bone density in order for you to qualify for dental implants. So, if you do have any issues, you will want to begin your treatment with bone grafting

All-on-6 Dental Implants

The All-on-6 concept is very similar to the All-on-4 concept- except there are 6 implants involved instead of 4. This increases the stability of the permanent denture. This is also often referred to as a full set of dental implants and are made to replace a whole arch of teeth in one set.

As mentioned, this concept involves 6 dental implants for the prosthesis to be attached to and- over time, the your jawbone will fuse around the implants, mimicking your natural tooth roots.

Either of these procedures are great for patients who are missing all of their teeth or who are planning to have their teeth removed and replaced. It is a long-term solution for patients who have trouble smiling, eating/chewing, and talking.

What is the Difference between the All-on-4 and All-on-6 Concepts?

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Both of these concepts are similar, except the All-on-6 uses six implants instead of four, increasing stability of the FIXED denture. Both of these options solve similar issues, including being a permanent tooth replacement solution and allowing you to function without having to worry about dentures slipping around or falling out of your mouth while you’re eating or talking.

Both procedures take 2 to 3 hours and, in most cases, IV SEDATION OR CONSCIOUS SEDATION is used. For both options, a prosthetic denture instead of a single tooth implant will be attached to the implants.

There are three primary differences between these two:

Two women smiling with perfect teeth after visiting Dentist in Houston, TX

Cost of All-on-4 versus All-on-6 Dental Implants

One of the major differences between these two tooth replacement options is the cost.

All-on-4 is typically less expensive since there are fewer implants, mainly because there are only 4 implants. The average cost is around $59,000, which includes restoration of both arches with a set of permanent dentures attached to the implants.

The procedure may be less expensive (around $35,000) or it may be much more (around $120,000) and may take up to 12 months to complete- depending on the quality of your jawbone and whether you require additional procedures, such as bone grafting or sinus lifting.

The All-on-6 implants are more expensive since there are two additional implants. The average cost ranges from $40,000 to $140,000. Cost vary based on the requirement of additional procedures and whether or not your dental insurance will cover any of the costs.

At A Dental Care, we know that this is a major financial commitment, so we will work with your insurance company to determine coverage. We also offer several options for financing, even if your credit isn’t the best. We are here to help you receive the dental treatment you need to get you back to feeling good about yourself and being able to eat without struggling.

Conclusion

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Both All-on-4 and All-on-6 are viable options for tooth replacement. They are very similar but also have a few differences. Ultimately, you will want to work with your dental team to determine which option is best for you. Schedule your consultation today at your local A Dental Care office so we can help you with your tooth replacement and restoration needs.

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