What Are The Differences Between All-On-4 And All-On-6 Dental Implants?
While many patients have single dental implants, some use a different solution with multiple posts to replace multiple teeth. For example, you can use an all-on-4 or all-on-6 implant.
What are the similarities and differences between these two options? Which one should you choose?
What Are The Similarities Between All-On-4 and All-On-6 Implants?
Both of these implant treatments are designed to replace a full arch of teeth. They are commonly used to create a stable base for a set of dentures.
In both cases, your dentist inserts the implants in bone above or below the arch. When the implants bond into place, then they snap a set of dentures onto the posts. The posts hold the dentures in place. They have a secure fit compared to regular false teeth.
What Are the Differences Between All-On-4 and All-On-6 Implants?
While these types of implants use the same treatment and work the same way, they do have a key difference. Each implant uses a different number of anchoring posts.
So, if you have an all-on-4 treatment, then your dentist inserts four posts into the bone above or below your arch. If you have an all-on-6 treatment, then they insert six posts.
Keep in mind that you need an implant treatment for each arch if you replace all your teeth. So, you'll either have four or six posts in your upper jaw and another four or six in your lower jaw.
Which Implant Solution Is Best For Your Denture Needs?
Sometimes, your dentist will recommend whether you should have an all-on-4 or all-on-6 procedure. Other times, you might choose one over the other yourself.
While your dentist won't recommend an implant procedure if you don't have enough bone to hold your posts, there are times when you have a slight density problem that can be overcome by using a more supportive solution. So, your dentist might recommend that you have all-on-6 implants.
Here, the extra two posts provide more stability and support. Some dentists also prefer to work with six posts because implant dentures will last a little longer with extra posts.
In some cases, patients make this decision. For example, you might choose an all-on-4 treatment if you want to reduce your costs. Or, you might go for six implants if you have had problems with loose dentures in the past and want as stable a solution as possible.
For more information and advice, talk to a general dentistry clinic.
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