Our Office
Visit Us Online
All-on-6® is a modern approach to replacing an entire upper or lower set of teeth using six dental implants to anchor a full-arch prosthesis. Instead of restoring each tooth individually or relying on a removable denture, this method secures a fixed bridge to strategically placed implants so the replacement teeth feel and function much more like natural teeth. The result is a stable, permanent restoration that patients can eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
Unlike traditional dentures that sit on the gums and may shift or require adhesive, an All-on-6 prosthesis is rigidly supported by the implants. That stability reduces movement during everyday activities and removes the need to take the device out for nightly cleaning. For many people the psychological and practical benefits of a fixed restoration — better chewing, clearer speech, and a restored facial profile — mark a significant improvement in daily life.
All-on-6 is part of a larger family of implant-supported full-arch solutions. What distinguishes it is the use of six implants per arch, which can provide improved load distribution and additional redundancy compared with options that use fewer implants. That can translate to enhanced stability and, in some cases, reduced need for additional bone grafting during planning.
One of the most important long-term advantages of implant-supported restorations is their ability to preserve jawbone. Natural tooth roots stimulate the bone through chewing forces; when teeth are missing, the bone can slowly resorb. Titanium implants replace that root function and help maintain the shape and density of the jaw over time. By supporting a full-arch prosthesis on six implants, patients often experience better bone preservation than with removable dentures.
Biomechanically, spreading the load across six implants lowers the stress on any single implant and on the surrounding bone. That can reduce complications related to overloading and helps the prosthesis feel more like a natural set of teeth. For people who want reliable chewing performance for a broad range of foods, the All-on-6 design is engineered to restore function in a way that traditional dentures generally cannot.
Beyond chewing and bone health, a fixed implant bridge also supports facial structures and soft tissues. Replacing lost vertical height and contour can improve facial appearance and reduce the “sunken” look that sometimes accompanies long-term denture wear. In short, All-on-6 addresses both the functional and aesthetic consequences of full-arch tooth loss.
Not every patient is an automatic candidate for All-on-6, but many who have widespread tooth loss, failing dentition, or unstable dentures are good candidates after a thorough evaluation. We assess medical history, oral health, bone volume, and lifestyle factors such as smoking, which can affect healing. General health conditions like controlled diabetes or heart disease do not automatically exclude someone, but they require careful coordination and planning.
Imaging is a crucial part of the evaluation. Cone beam CT scans give a 3D view of the jaw so the surgical team can evaluate bone quantity and density and map ideal implant positions. That planning helps determine whether six implants are viable without grafting or whether additional procedures may be recommended to ensure long-term stability. In many cases, advances in implant design and planning reduce or eliminate the need for supplemental bone grafts.
We also consider the patient’s expectations and commitment to maintenance. Implant-supported restorations demand a consistent oral hygiene routine and regular professional follow-up to monitor tissue and implant health. A transparent discussion about the timeline, the stages of treatment, and realistic daily care helps ensure patients are prepared for the responsibility that comes with a permanent prosthesis.
When All-on-6 isn’t the best option immediately, we’ll discuss alternatives and staged approaches that may lead to implant-supported solutions in the future. The goal is a personalized plan that balances safety, predictability, and long-term success.
The All-on-6 process begins with a comprehensive consultation and diagnostic phase, including clinical exams, digital imaging, and treatment planning. Using those diagnostics, the team designs the implant positions and creates any surgical guides needed for precision placement. The procedure itself can often be completed in a single surgical appointment per arch; in many cases a provisional prosthesis is attached the same day to restore function while implants integrate with the bone.
After implant placement, healing and osseointegration — the process by which bone bonds to the implant — typically takes a few months. During this period patients follow a staged diet and oral hygiene routine to protect the surgical sites while still enjoying the benefits of fixed teeth. Pain and swelling are managed with short-term medications and careful post-operative instructions; most patients return to light activities within a few days and resume normal routines over several weeks.
Once osseointegration is complete, the provisional prosthesis is replaced with a definitive, precisely fabricated bridge. The final restoration is crafted to match function, comfort, and esthetics, and adjustments are made to refine the bite and contour. The entire process emphasizes predictable healing and attention to detail so the long-term outcome is both durable and natural in appearance.
Throughout treatment, clear communication and staged appointments keep patients informed about progress and next steps. Knowing what to expect at each phase helps reduce anxiety and supports better outcomes.
All-on-6 restorations have excellent potential for long-term success when patients follow a consistent maintenance program. Daily home care should include diligent brushing and interdental cleaning around the prosthesis, and routine professional cleanings and check-ups are essential to monitor soft tissue and implant health. Regular maintenance visits also allow early detection of wear, screw loosening, or tissue changes so corrective steps can be taken quickly.
As with any implant therapy, risks exist and include infection of the tissues around an implant (peri-implantitis), mechanical wear of the prosthesis, or, rarely, implant failure. Many of these risks are minimized by proper planning, careful surgical technique, good oral hygiene, and regular professional upkeep. When issues arise, targeted treatments and repairs can often restore function without replacing the entire restoration.
Patients who commit to aftercare generally enjoy stable function and a dramatic improvement in quality of life. With routine attention, implant-supported bridges can provide years — often decades — of dependable service. Periodic professional assessments ensure the restoration continues to fit well and function as intended.
For those considering a full-arch solution, understanding the long-term nature of implant care and partnering with a dental team that emphasizes preventive maintenance are key factors in achieving and preserving a healthy, confident smile.
All-on-6® is a powerful option for people seeking a fixed, reliable replacement for a full arch of teeth. If you would like to learn whether this solution might be appropriate for you, contact us for more information and to schedule an initial consultation.
All-on-6 is a full-arch tooth replacement solution that uses six dental implants to support a fixed prosthesis for the upper or lower jaw. The implants act as artificial tooth roots and provide a stable platform for a bridge that remains in the mouth rather than being removed nightly. This approach restores chewing function and facial support in a way that feels more like natural teeth.
Traditional removable dentures sit on the gums and rely on suction or adhesives, which can allow movement during eating and speaking. By contrast, an implant-supported bridge is rigidly anchored to the jaw, reducing slippage and improving comfort for many daily activities. The fixed nature of an All-on-6 restoration often yields clearer speech and more reliable biting force compared with removable options.
Compared with full-arch solutions that use fewer implants, the six-implant design can improve load distribution across the jaw. More implants provide redundancy so that the prosthesis is better able to tolerate functional forces over time. In some cases the extra stability also reduces or eliminates the need for extensive bone grafting during planning.
Dental implants replace the missing tooth roots and transmit chewing forces into the jawbone, which helps preserve bone structure and maintain facial contours. As the bone bonds to the titanium implant through osseointegration, the implant becomes a stable anchor for the prosthesis. That biological connection is a key reason implant-supported teeth can feel and function more like natural dentition.
Biomechanically, spacing six implants strategically across the arch distributes occlusal forces so no single implant is overloaded during chewing. This distribution reduces the risk of mechanical complications and improves the overall performance of the prosthesis when eating a variety of foods. The resulting improvement in bite stability often enables patients to eat, speak, and smile with increased confidence compared with removable solutions.
Candidates for All-on-6 commonly include people with extensive tooth loss, failing dentition, or longstanding removable dentures that no longer fit well. Clinicians evaluate oral health, bone volume and density, gum condition, and the presence of infection or untreated disease before recommending treatment. General medical history, medications, and habits such as tobacco use are also reviewed because they can influence healing and long-term success.
Imaging with a cone beam CT scan is often used to assess three-dimensional bone anatomy and plan implant positions precisely. That planning helps determine whether six implants can be placed without grafting or whether additional procedures are needed to create a stable foundation. In many situations modern implant designs and digital planning reduce the need for supplemental grafts, but each case is individualized.
Beyond anatomy and health, candidacy includes the patient’s expectations and willingness to follow maintenance recommendations. Implant-supported restorations require a commitment to diligent home care and routine professional check-ups to preserve tissue health. A transparent discussion about the treatment stages and long-term responsibilities helps ensure predictable outcomes.
Preoperative diagnostics begin with a comprehensive clinical exam, periodontal evaluation, and collection of dental and medical history. Digital imaging, including cone beam CT scans, is commonly used to visualize bone volume, identify vital structures, and map ideal implant locations in three dimensions. These data form the foundation for a customized surgical plan and help the team anticipate whether additional treatments will be necessary.
Using the diagnostic information, the clinician creates a virtual plan and may fabricate a surgical guide to ensure precise implant placement during surgery. In complex cases the plan is reviewed with specialists such as oral surgeons or prosthodontists to coordinate sequencing and prosthesis design. This thorough planning phase increases predictability and supports efficient treatment when implants are placed.
Treatment begins with consultation and diagnostics, followed by a planned surgical appointment to place the implants and, when appropriate, attach a provisional prosthesis. Many patients receive a fixed temporary bridge the same day as implant placement, restoring function and esthetics while the implants integrate with the bone. The provisional prosthesis helps maintain occlusion and soft tissue contours during the healing phase.
During surgery implants are placed using surgical guides or guided protocols to optimize position and angulation for long-term support. Local anesthesia and sedation options are provided to ensure patient comfort throughout the procedure. Immediate provisionalization is possible when primary stability is achieved, but the definitive restoration is completed after osseointegration is confirmed.
After the healing interval the provisional is replaced by a precisely fabricated final bridge that is designed for function, fit, and esthetics. Laboratory work includes custom contours, bite adjustments, and verification of occlusion to ensure the restoration performs well. The team at Towne Dental & Orthodontics coordinates each stage to promote a predictable transition from temporary to final prosthesis.
Following implant placement patients commonly experience mild to moderate swelling and discomfort that is managed with prescribed or over-the-counter medications and cold compresses. Soft tissues typically heal within a few weeks, while osseointegration—the process by which bone bonds to the implant—usually requires several months. During this period a staged diet is recommended to protect the surgical sites while still allowing patients to use their provisional teeth for many activities.
Regular follow-up visits are scheduled to monitor healing, assess implant stability, and adjust the provisional prosthesis as needed. Oral hygiene and avoidance of tobacco or other factors that impair healing are important for optimal integration. Clear post-operative instructions and timely communication with the dental team help address concerns quickly and support successful long-term outcomes.
The definitive prosthesis is made after healing and osseointegration, combining material selection, prosthetic design, and careful laboratory work to meet functional and cosmetic goals. Clinicians consider tooth shape, shade, bite relationships, and facial support when creating the bridge to ensure a natural appearance and comfortable function. Precision impressions or digital scans are used to capture the implant positions and soft tissue contours for an accurate final fit.
Once the final bridge is delivered, adjustments are typically made to refine occlusion, remove pressure points, and optimize speech and chewing. Screw-retained designs allow easier access for maintenance and future repairs, while material choices balance durability and esthetics based on the patient’s needs. Periodic follow-up helps identify small refinements that improve long-term comfort and performance.
Long-term success depends on daily home care and routine professional maintenance to preserve implant and soft tissue health. Home care should include thorough brushing of the prosthesis, cleaning under and around the bridge with interdental brushes or specialized floss, and adherence to any additional tools recommended by the clinician. Consistent hygiene reduces plaque buildup and lowers the risk of peri-implant tissue problems.
Professional maintenance appointments typically occur at regular intervals to assess tissue health, check for mechanical issues such as screw loosening, and perform deep-cleaning around the implant interfaces. Monitoring occlusal wear and the condition of prosthetic components enables timely repairs or adjustments without replacing the entire restoration. A collaborative care plan between patient and dental team helps the restoration function reliably for many years.
As with any surgical procedure, risks include infection of the tissues surrounding an implant (peri-implantitis), delayed healing, mechanical wear of prosthetic components, or, rarely, implant failure. Careful case selection, precise surgical technique, and adherence to hygiene protocols help minimize these risks. Early recognition of symptoms such as persistent swelling, bleeding, or changes in fit allows prompt evaluation and intervention.
When complications occur, treatments range from targeted hygiene and local therapies to prosthetic repairs or component replacement, depending on the issue. In cases of peri-implantitis, non-surgical and surgical options are available to control infection and preserve bone and implant stability. The goal of management is to restore healthy tissues and function while avoiding unnecessary replacement of the entire restoration.
Ongoing surveillance through regular check-ups makes it possible to address wear, loose connections, or tissue changes early, often with conservative measures. Timely maintenance and clear communication between patient and clinician are key to resolving problems effectively and preserving the restoration long term.
To determine suitability for All-on-6 a clinical consultation and diagnostic imaging are required to evaluate oral health, bone anatomy, and overall medical considerations. During that visit the team will review imaging results, explain treatment steps, and discuss realistic expectations for function and maintenance. The appointment is an opportunity to ask detailed questions about the surgical and prosthetic phases so you have a clear understanding of the process.
If All-on-6 is not immediately appropriate, the clinician will explain alternative approaches or preparatory treatments that can lead to an implant-supported solution in the future. Patients are encouraged to share their dental history, medical conditions, and lifestyle factors so the plan can be tailored to their needs. Scheduling a consultation with Towne Dental & Orthodontics is the best first step toward a personalized evaluation and treatment plan.