All-on-6® is a full-arch restorative approach that secures an entire upper or lower set of replacement teeth on six dental implants. Unlike removable dentures, this method anchors the prosthesis to implants that are placed strategically in the jaw to deliver stability, chewing power, and a natural appearance. For many patients who have lost most or all of their teeth, All-on-6® restores function and confidence without the need to remove the restoration for cleaning or rely on adhesives.
The system is designed to distribute bite forces across multiple implants, which can reduce stress on any single implant and contribute to long-term comfort. Planning begins with a comprehensive evaluation of oral health, bone volume, and bite dynamics so the treatment can be customized to each patient’s anatomy and goals. Imaging and digital tools are commonly used to map implant positions in advance for predictable results.
At Contemporary Dentistry, we focus on explaining how All-on-6® addresses the everyday concerns people have with missing teeth — from speaking clearly and eating comfortably to maintaining oral health. Patients often prefer this approach when they want a fixed, low-maintenance alternative to traditional removable solutions.
Successful All-on-6® treatment begins with a careful diagnostic phase. This typically includes a detailed clinical exam, medical and dental history review, and 3D imaging to evaluate bone quality and anatomical landmarks. Using this information, the care team develops a surgical and prosthetic plan that identifies optimal implant sites and determines whether immediate temporary teeth are appropriate.
On the day of surgery, six implants are placed in predetermined positions to best support the full-arch bridge. Depending on bone conditions and implant stability, the practice may provide a provisional prosthesis on the same day or within a short period afterward. These temporary teeth let patients leave with improved function and appearance while the implants integrate with the jawbone.
After an integration period measured in weeks to months, the provisional prosthesis is replaced with a definitive restoration crafted to match the patient’s shape, shade, and bite. The final prosthesis is secured to the implants and adjusted for comfort and function. Follow-up visits ensure the restoration performs well and that oral tissues remain healthy throughout recovery.
Throughout every step, precise communication between the surgical and lab teams is essential. This collaborative workflow helps make sure the final arch looks natural, fits comfortably, and supports efficient chewing and speech.
All-on-6® offers several clinical advantages rooted in implant-supported stability. With six implants anchoring the arch, patients generally experience stronger biting and chewing capability compared with conventional dentures. This improved function allows a broader variety of foods and often enhances overall nutrition and enjoyment of meals.
Because the restoration is fixed, speech tends to be clearer than with removable options that can shift or cover the palate. Bone preservation is another important outcome: implants stimulate the jawbone in a way that helps reduce the bone loss that naturally follows tooth loss, helping to maintain facial contours and long-term oral health.
Many patients also note improvements in comfort. There are no pressure points from a movable base, and the need for adhesives is removed. The prosthesis is cared for much like natural teeth, with regular brushing, flossing around the implant abutments, and routine dental visits to monitor health and function.
Initial recovery after implant placement involves predictable healing milestones. In the first days to weeks, patients should expect some swelling and tenderness that subsides with conservative care and any prescribed medications. The practice will provide specific instructions for oral hygiene, diet modifications, and activity levels to support a smooth recovery and successful implant integration.
Once osseointegration—the process where bone fuses to the implant—has occurred, patients transition from temporary restorations to their permanent arch. Long-term maintenance centers on daily cleaning and periodic professional care. Effective home care includes brushing the prosthesis, cleaning around implant components with recommended tools, and using antimicrobial rinses if advised by the clinician.
Regular checkups are critical to assess the condition of the implants, the fit and wear of the prosthesis, and the health of surrounding gums and bone. During these visits, the team can make adjustments, perform professional hygiene, and address any issues early. With consistent care, implant-supported restorations can provide reliable service for many years.
A positive outcome with All-on-6® depends as much on clinical expertise and planning as on the implants themselves. Look for a team that emphasizes individualized treatment planning, coordinates with surgical specialists when warranted, and uses contemporary imaging and restorative workflows. Clear communication about expectations, timeline, and the roles of each phase of treatment helps patients feel informed and confident.
At our practice, we combine restorative insight with careful surgical coordination to deliver predictable full-arch outcomes. We take time to explain each step, review imaging and options, and incorporate patient preferences into prosthetic design so the final smile is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Attention to detail during planning and prosthesis fabrication reduces the need for extensive adjustments later.
Whether a patient is transitioning from removable dentures or replacing failing teeth, an experienced team will outline realistic goals and provide a care path that supports long-term oral health. If All-on-6® is appropriate, the practice will present the clinical rationale, anticipated timeline, and aftercare protocols so patients can make well-informed decisions.
In summary, All-on-6® is a stable, fixed option for patients seeking to replace an entire arch with implant-supported teeth. The approach emphasizes predictable biomechanics, functional improvement, and a maintenance routine similar to natural teeth. Contemporary Dentistry provides comprehensive evaluation and coordinated care for patients considering this solution. Contact us to learn more about whether All-on-6® is right for you and to discuss the next steps in evaluation and treatment planning.
All-on-6® is a full-arch restorative approach that secures an entire upper or lower prosthesis to six dental implants placed strategically in the jaw. The implants act as stable anchors for a fixed bridge so patients do not need to remove the restoration for cleaning or rely on adhesives. Treatment is planned to distribute bite forces across multiple implants for predictable function and comfort.
Planning typically begins with a comprehensive oral exam and 3D imaging to evaluate bone volume and anatomical landmarks. Digital tools are often used to map implant positions and guide surgery for precise placement. After an integration period the provisional appliance is replaced with a definitive restoration that is adjusted for fit, shade, and bite.
Good candidates are patients who are missing most or all teeth in an arch, have failing dentition, or seek a fixed alternative to removable dentures. Adequate bone volume in key areas is important, though bone grafting or graftless protocols may be considered depending on the clinical situation. A full medical and dental evaluation helps the team determine if implants are appropriate and whether any health conditions require special planning.
Certain systemic factors, such as uncontrolled diabetes or tobacco use, can affect healing and are addressed during assessment so risks are minimized. The diagnostic phase includes CBCT imaging and a review of bite dynamics to confirm optimal implant placement. With careful planning and coordination the team personalizes a treatment path that aligns with each patient’s anatomy and goals.
The primary difference is the number and distribution of implants: All-on-6® uses six implants to support the arch, while All-on-4® commonly uses four implants with two often tilted posteriorly. Additional implants can reduce cantilevers and offer broader support for patients with higher chewing demands or greater prosthetic span. More implant support can also provide increased redundancy if one implant requires attention later.
That said, the best approach depends on individual anatomy, bone availability, and functional needs rather than a one-size-fits-all rule. A thorough diagnostic workup determines whether a four- or six-implant design provides the most predictable outcome. Your care team will explain the clinical rationale and expected benefits for the chosen plan.
Treatment begins with an initial consultation, medical and dental history review, intraoral exam, and 3D imaging to create a customized surgical and prosthetic plan. If extractions or grafting are required, those procedures may add healing time before implant placement; otherwise, a single-stage protocol with immediate provisionalization is sometimes possible. The surgical appointment places the implants and, when primary stability is sufficient, a provisional prosthesis may be attached the same day or shortly thereafter.
Osseointegration then proceeds over weeks to months while the provisional protects function and aesthetics. Once implant stability is confirmed the provisional is replaced with a definitive prosthesis that is fabricated to match the patient’s bite and shade goals. Follow-up visits during and after this phase ensure tissue health, occlusion, and prosthetic performance.
Many patients can receive a provisional prosthesis on the day of implant placement if the implants achieve adequate primary stability. Immediate temporaries restore appearance and some function while implants integrate, but they are considered provisional and will be adjusted as healing progresses. These temporary teeth help patients leave the surgical facility with improved comfort and confidence compared with traditional removable options.
Patients with immediate temporaries typically follow a modified diet and oral hygiene routine during early healing to protect stability. The provisional is monitored and refined during follow-up visits and is later replaced by a definitive restoration once osseointegration is verified. Your clinician will explain the limitations and care steps for a provisional prosthesis in your specific case.
Early recovery commonly involves swelling, mild-to-moderate discomfort, and sensitivity around surgical sites that typically improves over several days with conservative care. Patients receive specific postoperative instructions covering pain management, oral hygiene, and diet to support healing and reduce the risk of complications. Rest, adequate hydration, and adherence to medication guidelines help facilitate a smoother recovery.
Soft foods are usually recommended in the initial weeks, progressing as comfort and implant stability allow, and routine checkups track healing and soft-tissue response. Any unexpected symptoms such as persistent bleeding, severe pain, or signs of infection should be reported promptly. Regular follow-up visits help the team confirm integration before moving to the final prosthesis stage.
Long-term care includes daily cleaning of the prosthesis and meticulous hygiene around implant abutments using recommended tools such as soft-bristled brushes, interdental brushes, and water irrigators. Routine brushing of the visible prosthetic surfaces and meticulous cleaning beneath and around implant components help prevent plaque accumulation and peri-implant disease. Your clinician may also recommend antimicrobial rinses or adjunctive measures tailored to your needs.
Scheduled professional maintenance visits are essential to evaluate soft tissue health, check occlusion, and perform hygienic cleaning around implants. Over time prosthetic screws, acrylic or ceramic teeth, and attachment components may need adjustments or servicing, and timely attention prevents small issues from becoming larger problems. Consistent home care combined with regular professional oversight maximizes long-term success.
As with any surgical procedure, risks include infection, implant failure, peri-implantitis, and, in rare cases, nerve or sinus complications depending on the arch treated. Thorough preoperative assessment with CBCT imaging and careful surgical technique reduce the likelihood of these events, and sterile protocols and postoperative instructions lower infection risk. Early recognition of signs such as persistent swelling, unusual pain, or mobility is important so issues can be addressed promptly.
Long-term risks like peri-implant mucositis are typically managed through improved hygiene, professional maintenance, and, if needed, targeted therapies. Managing systemic health factors such as glycemic control and smoking cessation supports healing and implant longevity. Your care team will discuss specific risk mitigation strategies during planning so you understand steps taken to protect your outcome.
Routine maintenance visits allow your clinician to evaluate implant stability, assess wear on prosthetic teeth, and perform necessary adjustments or repairs before problems escalate. Preventive strategies such as nightguards for bruxism and targeted hygiene instruction further protect the investment in oral health. Open communication with your care team ensures small concerns are managed early to support long-term success.
Contemporary Dentistry emphasizes a patient-first approach that blends modern digital diagnostics with conservative restorative planning and coordinated surgical care. The practice uses tools such as CBCT imaging and digital workflows to plan implant positions precisely and to communicate effectively with the restorative laboratory. That collaborative team approach helps produce predictable, natural-looking outcomes tailored to each patient’s anatomy and goals.
Patients benefit from a coordinated treatment path that explains each phase, sets realistic expectations, and prioritizes long-term oral health and function. The team focuses on detailed prosthetic design, careful surgical execution, and consistent follow-up so restorations perform well for years. If you are considering full-arch implant care, a consultation will clarify whether All-on-6® is the most appropriate solution for your needs.