All-on-6 implants consists of fixing all the teeth in a single dental arch. It is suitable for people with no teeth in their jawbone.
Although this treatment is very similar to the All-on-4 system and has similar results, or in other words, it provides people with total edentulism with a functional and aesthetically attractive new set of teeth, there are a number of major differences we should mention.
Dentists recommend one or the other technique depending on the need for rehabilitation in each case. The patient is not advised to choose the protocol. It is up to the dentist to recommend the best of the two solutions. And why? Because they are designed for totally different purposes.
Six implants and all the teeth
The All-on-Six technique consists of providing patients suffering from the total loss of their teeth with a fixed prosthesis in the upper or lower dental arch.
The main similarities between the “All-on-6” and “All-on-4” systems
Both systems require surgical intervention to insert the screws into the jaw bone. The length of the surgery varies from two to four hours depending on the complexity of the case. Both procedures can be completed in one day if the immediate loading option exists. Both techniques use a local anesthetic or conscious sedation for more anxious patients.
Hybrid prostheses made of ceramic or acrylic are fixed to the dental arch. In other words, the new teeth are fixed in 4, 5 or 6 implants. This procedure eliminates the need for a single implant for each missing tooth. An internal bar will support all the artificial teeth. This bar is fixed to 4 or 5 or 6 metal screws.
The main goal of these techniques is always to rehabilitate a toothless person, providing them with a comfortable, attractive and functional option almost identical to their missing teeth.
The main indications and differences between the techniques
1. The number: The most obvious difference is the number of titanium screws. Some dentists believe that more implants means better fixation. Others disagree completely and prefer to use the All-on-4 technique. Both techniques are valid and can be adapted to different solutions.
2. The lower price: The price of the “All-in-Six” system is slightly higher than that of the “All-in-4” and “All-in-5” systems. This, of course, is due to the fact the number of implants is higher. The cost is always calculated in accordance with each one. Moreover, the cost of the aforementioned techniques is always much lower when compared to individual tooth implants.
3. Lack of bone: Treatment using the All-on-Four technique is generally indicated for people with a deficient bone structure. The use of this procedure avoids grafting and sinus lift.
Both procedures are excellent options for providing edentulous people with a new set of teeth. These techniques enable patients to recover their smile with a guarantee of stability, aesthetics and the chewing function. Fixed treatment ensures the permanent reconstruction of the teeth with safe results.
Ask your dentist which procedure is best suited to you. Discuss the matter and ask any questions you may have with regard to time, duration, price and recovery. Bear in mind that it is up to the healthcare professional to choose the technique that best meets your needs.
