Full-arch planning guide

All-on-4 vs All-on-6 and what really changes

Comparing All-on-4 and All-on-6 is about more than counting four implants versus six. This guide explains what can change in the support, bridge, and treatment stages—and what to prepare if you are considering an evaluation in Mexico City.

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The short answer before you compare

Both can support a fixed full-arch bridge, but All-on-6 is not simply All-on-4 with two extras. The support pattern, how far the bridge extends, and the maintenance it needs can change too.

  • More implants can spread out the support

    All-on-4 supports the bridge at four points. All-on-6 adds two possible support points, but they only help when there is good bone and a useful place for them.

  • Where the implants sit matters too

    With All-on-4, the back implants are often angled to use available bone and shorten the part of the bridge without direct support. Six implants may give the team more room to spread them out when anatomy allows.

  • Ask what your bridge and timeline include

    Your proposal should explain whether the bridge is one piece or divided into sections, what you receive at the temporary and final stages, and what options you would have if an implant develops a problem.

  • A 3D scan helps answer the question

    A CBCT scan, X-rays, and your health history help the team see where implants could go, whether grafting may be needed, and what timing is realistic before you finalize a plan or travel dates.

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The same goal with two ways to plan support

The number is only the starting point. What is worth comparing is where each implant would sit, how the bridge would be made, what options remain if one implant has a problem, and how the full set is cleaned. The name does not tell the whole story. The layout and bridge design are what reveal the real difference.

All-on-4

4 support points

A fixed full-arch bridge is supported by four well-placed implants. The back implants are often angled to use available bone and extend support farther toward the rear.

  • The back implants are often angled

    That angle can make better use of the bone and shorten the unsupported end of the bridge. It does not mean every case avoids grafting.

  • The bridge commonly works as one unit

    Four well-placed implants can support a one-piece full-arch bridge. Your plan should explain what would happen if one of those supports develops a problem.

Helpful questions to ask

Ask where the four implants would go, how much bridge extends behind the last support, whether it will be one piece, and what options remain if an implant does not integrate or develops a problem later.

Explore All-on-4

All-on-6

6 support points

A fixed full-arch bridge is supported by six implants. When the bone offers six useful positions, support can be spread across more points and the bridge may be designed as one piece or in sections.

  • All six positions need to add value

    Extra implants only help when they can be placed where they improve the bridge support. Reaching those positions may also require grafting or a larger surgery.

  • More options, more sites to maintain

    Two additional implants may give the team more bridge-design options. They also add two areas that need careful cleaning and regular follow-up.

Helpful questions to ask

Ask what the two extra support points add in your case. They may spread support more widely, shorten the end of the bridge, allow a sectional design, or leave more options if one implant has a problem.

Explore All-on-6

Build your question list

Answer three simple questions and we will help you organize what to bring, what to ask, and what to read next.

01

Do you already have a CBCT or recent records?

02

Are you comparing a written full-arch quote?

03

Would you consider travelling to Mexico City for an evaluation?

We do not save your answers. This guide also does not decide whether you are a candidate or how many implants you need.

How your plan comes together

The team first considers the bridge you need, then the best places to support it. That is why the full layout matters more than choosing four or six in advance.

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  1. 1) Review your records and available bone

    Your CBCT scan and X-rays help identify where four or six implants could provide useful support.

  2. 2) Map the support, bite, and bridge

    The team reviews how far back support reaches, whether any implants need to be angled, and how much bridge extends past the final support.

  3. 3) Clarify surgery and the temporary bridge

    Your plan should explain what is confirmed before surgery, which temporary bridge you may receive, and what needs to happen before it can be placed.

  4. 4) Review healing and prepare the final bridge

    Follow-up visits help fine-tune cleaning, comfort, and timing before the final bridge and its maintenance plan are prepared.

Your recovery and travel timing will depend on the surgery, the temporary bridge, and how things progress during follow-up.

Start with your records wherever you are

You can compare plans and start a conversation before deciding where to have treatment. If Mexico City becomes an option, your records and written quote help hisonrisa understand what has already been proposed and which imaging may still be needed.

What you already have
Reviewing records and dates to prepare for an implant consultation at hisonrisa.

Bring what you already have

  • CBCT, X-rays, reports, and the date of each record.
  • Photos, dental history, and relevant previous plans.
  • Health conditions, medications, and allergies to review during consultation.
  • Previous quotes and tentative travel dates, when available.
A clear quote
Digital review of a full-arch restoration while planning a written quote.

Questions for a clearer comparison

  • Why are four or six implants proposed, and where are they planned?
  • How much bridge will extend behind the last implant, will any implants be angled, and how will the bridge be designed?
  • What happens if an implant does not integrate or later develops a complication?
  • Which phases, possible grafting, reviews, adjustments, and maintenance are included?
Prepare records for consultation Understand quote scope

Start from wherever you are

You can begin the comparison before you travel or once you are in Mexico City. Either way, the first step is simply to share what you already have.

Comparing from outside Mexico

Share any scans, X-rays, or written quote you already have. If something needs updating, we can take new images at hisonrisa when you arrive. See how to plan dental care from outside Mexico before choosing final flights or dates.

Already in Mexico City

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All-on-4 vs All-on-6 FAQs

Straightforward answers to help you understand the comparison before your evaluation.

No. Comparative studies show broadly similar survival overall, although some report differences in technical complications or bone-level changes. Six implants may broaden distribution, create prosthetic options, or provide alternatives if a complication occurs—but only when six useful sites exist and the design benefits from them. They also add connections and tissues to maintain.