All-on-6
All-on-6 is a dental treatment method for edentulous patients to secure a fixed dental prosthesis on six implants. Titanium implants are used for this purpose. A fixed All-on-6 is not yet recommended with ceramic implants.
Procedure for All-on-6
Patients without teeth receive six dental implants in each jaw. A horseshoe-shaped dental prosthesis or ceramic bridge is firmly screwed or cemented onto the inserted implants. If the restoration is screwed, it remains firmly anchored in the mouth and can be reversibly removed by the dentist.
Advantages
- Lower costs than All-on-8, as fewer implants are used
- Slightly shorter surgery duration compared to eight implants
Disadvantages
- Only possible with titanium implants
- Slightly unfavorable loading of the bone. Forces are better distributed and absorbed with 8 implants.
- Possible bone resorption between the implants
- Food residues can become trapped under the prosthesis or ceramic bridge, leading to bad breath, gum inflammation, and peri-implantitis.
- Gaps can form between the fixed dental prosthesis/ceramic bridge and the gums, affecting speech.
- With only 6 implants, the different bone sutures are blocked, preventing their natural movement.
- Often unnatural aesthetics.
- Patients frequently complain of a foreign body sensation in the mouth.
Do we recommend the traditional All-on-6 concept?
No. In our opinion, the All-on-6 method has almost as many drawbacks as All-on-4 and should not be used for fixed dental restorations. Therefore, we do not offer the traditional All-on-6 in our practice.
For a high-quality and stable fixed restoration, a minimum of 8 implants per jaw is necessary (All-on-8).
Alternatives to All-on-6
Alternatives always depend on whether a removable or fixed restoration is desired. Long-term, a fixed dental prosthesis should always be aimed for, as it provides the patient with the highest quality of life.
- All-on-8
- Removable dental prosthesis with a dental prosthesis on 4 to 6 ceramic implants.
Dr. Tobias Steinherr M. Sc.
The All-on-6 concept enables a dental restoration on six implants. You should be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of this method.
Further information
The listed information includes relevant topics and is intended for better understanding.