If you’re missing all of your teeth from your upper and lower jaw, then you might consider getting All-on-4 or All-on-6 implant treatment to rebuild your smile. These titanium posts can serve as new tooth roots, providing incredible stability for your prosthetics. But are four implants necessarily better than six? Not always! Keep reading to learn the differences between these two treatments and what to expect from either.
Pros & Cons of All-on-4 Dental Implants
With All-on-4 dental implants, your dentist can essentially rebuild an entire arch of missing teeth by utilizing only four metal posts in the jawbone. With this solution, you can typically receive the implants without needing bone grafting, meaning you can expect a minimally invasive procedure while appreciating reduced recovery time.
Of course, since you’d only have a minimal amount of metal posts in the jawbone, this option may not be viable for patients who have experienced severe bone loss or have compromised bone density.
Pros & Cons of All-on-6 Dental Implants
Similar to the aforementioned treatment, All-on-6 utilizes two additional implants to offer even greater stability and strength for your brand-new smile. Additionally, this option can provide more flexibility since it can help patients with a variety of bone conditions, such as those with compromised bone density. Your ability to chew more efficiently will also be greatly improved with this treatment, allowing you to enjoy a wider range of food choices.
All-on-6 dental implants also do come with a more complex procedure, as you’ll need additional posts which may require a longer healing process. Since this solution involves more metal posts, you can expect this treatment to also come with a higher price.
Factors That Can Affect Your Decision
When deciding between All-on-4 and All-on-6 treatment, you’ll need to consider factors like your smile goals, budget, and your dentist’s recommendations. Depending on the severity of bone loss, you might require All-on-6 for more stability. If you need to work within your budget, All-on-4 implants may be the more viable option. And if you currently have underlying issues, such as gum disease or tooth decay, then you’ll certainly need preliminary services before moving forward.
Choosing between All-on-4 and All-on-6 dental implants doesn’t have to be a complicated matter. Speak with your dentist about your situation and goals, and they’ll work hard to develop the proper plan to rebuild your bite.
About the Author
Dr. Natalya Ramsay graduated from the Oregon Health and Science University School of Dentistry, and she’s undergone extensive training in various areas, such as surgical treatments. She also provides multiple tooth-replacement options, including All-on-4 and All-on-6 dental implants. If you wish to learn more about these treatment solutions or want to schedule a consultation, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call our office at 503-472-1402.