If you’re comparing All-on-X vs All-on-4, here’s the short answer: they use the same Nobel Biocare implant system. The difference is the number of implants. All-on-4® uses four implants to support a full arch of teeth, while All-on-X uses the number of implants each patient needs.
Both options replace an entire upper or lower set of teeth with a fixed bridge you don’t take out. At Signature Smile Arts in Homewood, IL, Dr. Alex Shore offers All-on-X dental implants and helps each patient figure out which approach fits their mouth best.
All-on-X vs. All-on-4®: What’s the Difference?
Think of All-on-4® as one specific plan and All-on-X as a flexible version of that plan.
- All-on-4® always uses four implants per arch
- All-on-X uses the number of implants your bone and bite call for, often more than four
- Both support one fixed, full-arch bridge of teeth
- Both use the same Nobel Biocare system at our office
So the real question isn’t which one is “better.” It’s how many implants your mouth needs for a strong, stable result.
How Does All-on-4® Work?
All-on-4® places two implants straight in the front of the jaw and two implants at an angle in the back. According to Nobel Biocare, the back implants can be tilted up to 45 degrees, which helps them use the bone that’s available.
That angled design is a big reason All-on-4® is popular. Nobel Biocare notes that tilting the back implants is designed to help many patients avoid bone grafting, even when some bone has been lost.
For many patients, four well-placed implants provide plenty of support, which is why All-on-4® implants remain a popular choice at our office.
Why Would Someone Need More Than Four Implants?
Every jaw is different. Some patients do best with five or six implants per arch instead of four. Common reasons include:
- Bone density: softer bone may need more implants to share the load
- Bite strength: people with a strong bite or a grinding habit may benefit from extra support
- Jaw shape: the size and shape of your arch affects where implants can go
- Upper vs. lower jaw: each arch has different bone, so needs can differ
- Long-term planning: extra implants can add backup support over time
That’s the idea behind All-on-X. Instead of fitting every patient into the same number, the plan is built around your scans and your needs.
Do All-on-X and All-on-4® Look or Feel Different?
For most patients, no. Both options give you a full arch of fixed teeth designed to look natural and let you eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
The implants sit under your gums, so no one can tell how many you have. What changes is the support underneath. We also offer FP1 zirconia restorations at our Homewood office for patients who want a natural-looking, durable result.
How Does Dr. Shore Decide How Many Implants You Need?
It starts with detailed planning. 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.
Here’s how our full-arch process works:
- Consultation: We review your health history and take a 3D Cone Beam (CBCT) scan and digital 3Shape TRIOS® scan to see your bone in detail.
- Smile Design Visit: You’ll preview your new smile before treatment day.
- Procedure Date: Dr. Shore handles any extractions, treats infection, and places your implants. You leave with new teeth.
Sedation is available, including IV sedation provided in our office by an outside anesthesiologist.
Patients from Olympia Fields, Matteson, and nearby communities come to our Homewood office to find out whether All-on-X full arch treatment is right for them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is All-on-X the same as 3 on 6™?
No. All-on-X uses one continuous bridge across the full arch. 3 on 6™ dental implants use six implants to support three separate bridges. Dr. Shore is the first 3 on 6™ authorized provider in Illinois, so we can help you compare all of these options in one place.
Are more implants always better?
Not necessarily. The goal is the right number of implants for your bone, bite, and health. More implants can add support in some cases, while four well-placed implants may be all another patient needs. Your 3D scans guide that decision.
Can I choose between All-on-4® and All-on-X?
Your preferences matter, and we’ll talk through them at your consultation. In the end, the recommendation is based on what your scans show and what will give you the most stable result. Dr. Shore will explain the reasons behind his plan for your case.
Does insurance cover All-on-X or All-on-4®?
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 Which Full-Arch Option Fits You
Whether you end up with four implants or more, the goal is the same: a strong, natural-looking smile you can count on. A consultation is the best way to see what your mouth needs and whether All-on-X implants in Homewood are right for you.
Contact Signature Smile Arts in Homewood by calling 708-799-5353 today, or book your consultation online.
