When people compare All-on-4 vs All-on-6, they’re really asking one question: how many implants does it take to hold a full arch of teeth? For many patients, four well-placed implants are enough. Others do better with six, depending on their bone, bite, and which jaw is being treated. Both approaches support a fixed set of teeth you don’t take out.
At Signature Smile Arts in Homewood, IL, we typically use four to six implants per arch. Dr. Alex Shore plans each case with 3D imaging so the number of implants matches your mouth, not a one-size-fits-all formula. Here’s how All-on-4® dental implants compare to a six-implant approach.
All-on-4 vs All-on-6: What’s the Difference?
Both use the same idea: a full arch of teeth attached to implants in your jawbone. The difference is how many implants share the work.
- All-on-4® uses four implants per arch
- All-on-6 uses six implants per arch
- Both support one fixed bridge of teeth
- Both are designed to replace a full upper or lower set of teeth
At our office, All-on-4® uses the Nobel Biocare system. When a patient needs a different number of implants, such as six, we use the same system through our All-on-X approach.
Why Can Four Implants Be Enough?
It comes down to placement. According to Nobel Biocare, All-on-4® places two implants straight in the front of the jaw and two angled implants in the back, tilted up to 45 degrees.
Those angled back implants reach into stronger bone and spread support across the arch. Nobel Biocare notes that this design is meant to help many patients avoid bone grafting, which can shorten treatment.
For many people, especially in the lower jaw, four implants provide plenty of support for everyday eating and talking.
When Might Six Implants Be Better?
Some mouths benefit from extra support. Six implants may be recommended when:
- The bone is softer, which is common in the upper jaw
- You have a strong bite or grind your teeth at night
- The arch is larger and needs support spread over more points
- Extra backup would help protect the bridge over time
More implants aren’t automatically better. Each implant needs enough healthy bone around it, and more implants can mean a longer procedure. The goal is the right number for you.
Does the Number of Implants Change How Your Teeth Look or Feel?
For most patients, no. Whether you have four implants or six, the teeth on top are custom designed during your Smile Design Visit. The implants sit under your gums, so no one can see how many you have.
Day to day, both options let you eat, laugh, and talk without worrying about your teeth slipping. We also offer FP1 zirconia restorations at our Homewood office for a strong, natural-looking result.
How Does Dr. Shore Decide How Many Implants You Need?
It starts with your consultation. We take a 3D Cone Beam (CBCT) scan to measure your bone in detail and look at the shape of your arch. Dr. Shore also considers your bite, your health history, and whether you clench or grind.
From there, he recommends the number of implants that will give you a stable, long-lasting result. Dr. Shore holds Fellowship and Mastership certification from the International Dental Implant Association and places both the implants and your new teeth in our office.
If you’d like a deeper look at how implant count fits into the bigger picture, our post on All-on-X vs. All-on-4® walks through it.
Full Arch Care Close to Home
Patients from Homewood, Flossmoor, and Olympia Fields come to our office for full-arch treatment because they can do everything in one place, from 3D planning to their new smile. Sedation is available, including IV sedation provided in our office by an outside anesthesiologist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have four implants on top and six on the bottom?
Yes. Your upper and lower jaws often have different bone, so the best number can be different for each arch. Dr. Shore will plan each arch separately for your case.
Will I need a bone graft with six implants?
Not always. It depends on how much healthy bone you have where each implant needs to go. Your 3D scan shows this clearly, and Dr. Shore will explain whether grafting is part of your plan.
Is the recovery different with four implants vs. six?
Recovery is similar for most patients, with some swelling and soreness for the first few days. Placing more implants can mean a bit more healing in the first week. Our team will give you aftercare instructions, and Dr. Shore will tell you what to expect for your case.
Does insurance cover All-on-4® or six-implant treatment?
Coverage depends on your plan, so call our office at 708-799-5353 and our team will help you understand your benefits. We also offer financing through CareCredit®, Proceed Finance, Sunbit, AcceptCare, and Cherry, plus a flexible in-office payment plan.
Find Out How Many Implants Your Smile Needs
You don’t have to guess whether four or six implants is right for you. A consultation with 3D imaging gives you a clear answer and a plan built around your mouth. Learn whether All-on-4® implants in Homewood are the right fit for you.
Contact Signature Smile Arts in Homewood by calling 708-799-5353 today, or book your consultation online.
