Reviewed by Dr Kolade Orungbemi, Principal Dentist at Globe Dental Practice | Published 2 March 2026
Most people who’ve lost the majority of their teeth – or are facing that prospect – have heard of dental implants. Fewer have heard of All-on-4 or All-on-6. And almost nobody, until they start researching, understands the difference between them. So if you’re trying to make sense of All-on-4 vs All-on-6 and what either of them actually means for you, this is the place to start.
No jargon. No pressure. Just a clear explanation of what these treatments involve, who they’re right for, and what to expect.
All-on-4 vs All-on-6: The Core Difference
Both treatments do the same fundamental thing: they replace an entire arch of teeth – upper, lower, or both – using a fixed bridge of prosthetic teeth supported by titanium implants placed directly into your jawbone. The result looks and functions like a full set of natural teeth. No removable dentures, no adhesive, no wobbling when you eat.
The number in the name tells you how many implants are used per arch.
All-on-4 uses four implants. Two go in vertically at the front of the jaw, and two are angled at roughly 30 to 45 degrees toward the back. That angling is deliberate – it lets the implants reach denser bone further back without needing to graft new bone first. It’s a clever bit of engineering, honestly, and for many patients it means skipping what would otherwise be an additional surgical procedure.
All-on-6 uses six implants, spaced more evenly across the arch. While mostly placed vertically, angulation may still be used depending on your anatomy. More contact points mean the chewing load is distributed across a wider area, which reduces the stress on each individual implant.
Neither option is universally better. The right one depends on your bone density, your bite, your habits, and your priorities.
All-on-4 vs All-on-6: Pros and Cons Compared
Here’s a side-by-side summary to help you see the key differences at a glance.
| All-on-4 | All-on-6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Implants per arch | 4 | 6 |
| Bone grafting usually needed? | Often not required (angled implants bypass low-density areas) | Sometimes required if bone volume is insufficient |
| Surgery time per arch | Approximately 2 hours | Slightly longer |
| UK cost per arch (typical range) | £12,000 – £25,000 | £20,000 – £40,000 |
| Load distribution | Spread across 4 points; rear implants are angled for reach | Spread across 6 points; more even distribution |
| Best suited for | Patients with some bone loss who want a less invasive, more affordable option | Patients with good bone volume who want maximum long-term stability |
| 5-year success rate | 95%+ | 95%+ |
Who Is a Candidate for Each?
This is where it gets more individual.
All-on-4 dental implants tend to suit patients who’ve experienced some bone loss – which is common when teeth have been missing for a while, since the jawbone gradually shrinks without roots to stimulate it. The angled rear implants are specifically designed to work around this. All-on-4 is also typically less expensive and involves a shorter surgery, which makes it the more accessible option for a lot of people.
All-on-6 dental implants are better suited to patients who have good bone volume and want maximum stability. Heavy chewers, people with bruxism (tooth grinding), or anyone who wants the most durable long-term outcome and has the bone to support it – six implants spread the load more effectively.
That said, the most rigorous head-to-head clinical trials have found both approaches deliver five-year success rates above 95%, with no statistically significant difference in implant failure or bone loss between them. Both are excellent outcomes – the choice comes down to your anatomy and your goals, not one option being categorically superior.
The only way to know which applies to you is a proper assessment – 3D CBCT scans to measure your bone density and volume, not just a visual examination or a photograph.
What Does “Teeth in a Day” Actually Mean?
You’ll see this phrase everywhere in All-on-X marketing. It’s mostly accurate, but there’s an important caveat.
In many cases, a provisional fixed bridge is attached to the implants on the same day as surgery. You go in without teeth, and you leave with a full set of functional teeth rather than a removable denture. That part is genuinely remarkable – we see patients light up when they realise what that means in practice.
But those aren’t your final teeth.
After surgery, the implants need to fuse with the bone – a process called osseointegration that takes three to six months. During that time you’re wearing a temporary bridge and eating soft foods. Once osseointegration is complete, the temporary is replaced with your permanent prosthesis, usually made from zirconia, which is harder, more lifelike, and built to last decades.
The full timeline from first appointment to final teeth is typically four to nine months. “Teeth in a day” refers to not leaving the clinic toothless – which is significant – but the complete process takes longer.
The Procedure, Step by Step
Here’s what actually happens, in plain terms.
Assessment and planning. You’ll have 3D CBCT imaging, clinical photographs, a bite analysis, a soft tissue evaluation, and a thorough review of your medical and dental history. The implant position is planned digitally before anything touches your mouth – including Digital Smile Design (DSD) if indicated for your specific case.
At Globe Dental Practice, this planning stage is thorough – it’s where the whole treatment is mapped out, and it’s not something we rush.
Surgery. Under local anaesthetic – or sedation if preferred – the implants are placed into the jawbone. All-on-4 takes roughly two hours per arch; All-on-6 takes a little longer. If any remaining teeth need extracting, that happens at the same time. A provisional bridge is then attached. This is the “teeth in a day” moment.
Healing. Swelling and bruising typically peak around days two and three, then settle. Most people are back to normal daily activity within a week or two, though the implants are integrating with the bone beneath the surface for the next three to six months. Soft foods only during this period – which patients find more manageable than they expect, but it does require some adjustment.
Final prosthesis. Once healing is confirmed, your permanent bridge is made and fitted. From this point, you maintain it like natural teeth: brushing, interdental cleaning, and regular check-ups.
All-on-4 and All-on-6 Cost in the UK (2026 Prices)
This is the question most people have and fewest clinics answer clearly. So here are realistic UK private figures.
All-on-4 dental implants typically run from around £12,000 to £25,000 per arch. All-on-6 tends to sit between £20,000 and £40,000 per arch. These fees reflect the complete clinical package: comprehensive diagnostic imaging, digital planning, surgical expertise, high-quality implant systems, bespoke laboratory craftsmanship, and your long-term clinical support.
At Globe Dental Practice, All-on-4 and All-on-6 treatment starts from £12,000 for a single arch, with full mouth packages from £20,900. We also have a current offer: full mouth All-on-4 from £19,000. You can see our complete fees, finance options, and current offers here.
We won’t pretend these aren’t significant numbers. Most practices, including Globe, offer finance options – often 0% over 12 months or longer-term plans – because for most patients, spreading the cost is the only realistic way to make it work.
NHS funding for All-on-X doesn’t exist in any routine sense. The NHS covers basic dentures and, in very specific circumstances involving congenital conditions or cancer treatment, may fund implants via specialist referral. But for the overwhelming majority of people seeking All-on-4 or All-on-6, this is private treatment. That’s just the reality of where things stand.
Maintenance and Long-Term Care
One thing people don’t always think about upfront: these aren’t maintenance-free.
The bridge itself doesn’t decay the way natural teeth do, but the gum and bone underneath can. Peri-implantitis – essentially gum disease around an implant – affects around 20% of implant patients according to recent systematic reviews, and is the main reason implants fail. It’s largely preventable with good hygiene and regular professional care, which is exactly why we’re quite firm with patients about not skipping check-ups.
You’ll need to clean under the bridge daily using interdental brushes or a water flosser. Annual check-ups at minimum, more often initially. Treat it well and a zirconia bridge lasts 20 years or more. Neglect it and you’re looking at problems much sooner.
For a full overview of the implant treatments available at Globe, including what the assessment process looks like, visit our treatments page.
Real All-on-X Transformations from Globe Dental Practice
Thinking About All-on-X? Talk to Globe
If you’re seriously considering All-on-4 or All-on-6 – or you’re just trying to understand whether it’s even an option for you – the best next step is a proper conversation with someone who can actually look at your scans and your situation.
Globe Dental Practice is an independent, family-run clinic at 53 Beam Street, Nantwich, Cheshire. Dr Kolade and Dr Yetunde Orungbemi offer All-on-X assessments for patients across Cheshire, with no pressure and no obligation – just an honest picture of what’s possible and what it would involve for you specifically.
You can reach the team on 01270 625 069 or book your consultation online.
Medical disclaimer: The information in this article is intended for general educational purposes and does not constitute clinical advice. All-on-4 and All-on-6 dental implant treatments should only be considered following a full assessment by a qualified dental professional, including appropriate imaging. Individual suitability varies significantly. Always consult a GDC-registered dentist before proceeding with any implant treatment.