If you are considering a full-arch implant restoration in Littleton, CO, you have likely encountered the terms "All-on-4" and "All-on-6." Both procedures replace an entire set of upper or lower teeth with a permanently fixed prosthetic supported by dental implants — but they differ in the number of implants used and the clinical situations where each is most appropriate.

The decision between All-on-4 and All-on-6 is not one-size-fits-all. It depends on your bone density, jaw anatomy, bite forces, and long-term goals. At Advanced Dentistry & Implants in Littleton, Dr. Mohager uses CBCT 3D imaging to evaluate every patient individually and recommend the optimal approach — not a predetermined protocol.

What Is All-on-4?

All-on-4 uses exactly four implants to support a full arch of prosthetic teeth. The two front implants are placed vertically, while the two rear implants are angled at approximately 45 degrees. This angling allows the implants to anchor into denser bone at the front of the jaw, often eliminating the need for bone grafting in patients with moderate bone loss in the posterior regions.

All-on-4 was pioneered by Dr. Paulo Maló and has been used successfully for over two decades. It is one of the most well-researched and documented implant procedures in modern dentistry — with long-term clinical data supporting its outcomes across a wide range of patient profiles.

What Is All-on-6?

All-on-6 follows the same principle but uses six implants per arch. The additional two implants are typically placed in the mid-arch area, providing extra support and distributing bite forces more evenly across the prosthetic. At Advanced Dentistry & Implants, most cases that qualify use six implants per arch when bone volume allows — the additional stability benefits are meaningful for long-term outcomes.

All-on-6 is particularly recommended for patients with strong bite forces, adequate bone density throughout the jaw, or those who simply want maximum long-term stability from their restoration.

All-on-4 vs All-on-6 — Which Patients Are Better Candidates?

All-on-4 may be recommended when:

• There is moderate bone loss in the posterior jaw
• Avoiding bone grafting is a priority
• Budget is a primary consideration
• Bone density in the anterior jaw is sufficient for angled placement

All-on-6 may be recommended when:

• Adequate bone density exists throughout the jaw
• The patient has strong bite forces — particularly in the lower jaw
• Maximum long-term stability is the priority
• Additional support points are clinically beneficial for the prosthetic design

Bone Density — The Most Important Factor

Bone density is the single most important factor in determining whether All-on-4 or All-on-6 is right for you. This is why a 3D CBCT scan and thorough clinical evaluation are essential before any treatment recommendation is made. At Advanced Dentistry & Implants in Littleton, Dr. Mohager uses computer-guided planning to map your bone structure precisely — ensuring implants are placed where your anatomy supports them best, not where a protocol assumes they should go.

Cost Differences Between All-on-4 and All-on-6

All-on-6 generally costs more than All-on-4 due to the additional implants and surgical time. However, the cost difference is often modest relative to the total investment in a full-arch restoration. At Advanced Dentistry & Implants, full-arch restoration starts at $20,000 per arch — with the exact number of implants and final price determined after your clinical evaluation. Both options are available with financing through Cherry, CareCredit, LendingClub, and Proceed Finance, including 0% APR options subject to credit approval and eligibility.

Recovery — Is There a Difference?

Recovery timelines are similar for both procedures. Most patients experience moderate swelling and discomfort for the first week, with significant improvement by day 7 to 10. A 3D-printed temporary prosthetic is placed the same day as surgery — you leave with functional teeth before the day is over. The permanent zirconia restoration is delivered once osseointegration is confirmed, typically 3 to 5 months after surgery.

Why Computer-Guided Placement Matters for Both

Whether you receive 4 or 6 implants, the precision of placement directly affects long-term success. Computer-guided surgery — which Dr. Mohager uses for every case at ADI — allows the surgical plan to be designed digitally before the first incision is made. A precision surgical guide directs each implant to its exact planned position. This results in more accurate placement, reduced surgical time, less trauma, and more predictable outcomes than freehand techniques.

The Bottom Line

All-on-4 and All-on-6 are both excellent full-arch solutions — the right choice depends entirely on your specific anatomy and goals. The only way to know which is right for you is a proper clinical evaluation with 3D imaging. At Advanced Dentistry & Implants in Littleton, that evaluation is free.