3-on-6 vs All-on-4: What You Need to Know

When it comes to dental implants, you have plenty of options to restore your smile and improve your oral health. No matter if you’re in Poway or surrounding communities, there are two popular treatments available: the 3-on-6 and All-on-4 dental implant. While both provide a fixed, non-removable solution, they don’t come with the same benefits. This blog provides a quick overview to help you understand the basics, setting you up for an informed discussion with your dental specialist. So, read on and learn which one is right for you and why!

What are the disadvantages of all-on-6 implants?

Here are a few things to consider before making your final decision:

Strict eligibility criteria

Unlike the All-on-4® procedure, which is well-suited for most patients experiencing significant tooth loss and bone deterioration, one of the main problems with 3-on-6 dental implants is that they must satisfy much stricter criteria. To qualify, you must have teeth ready for extraction and an exceptionally healthy jawbone—a scenario that is quite rare. In most cases, people who need all the teeth removed also have issues with bone recession and infection.  In addition, you have to have a very low smile line (not much gum show when you smile and an extremely high maxillary sinus on both sides, creating a lot of bone for potential implant placement.  This last part in particular is extremely rare.  All 4 factors taken together pretty much rule out 99% of patients as possible candidates for a 3 on 6 procedure.

Bone recession & unattractive aesthetics 

If the 3-on-6 procedure is performed on receded bone, teeth will need to be made longer to compensate. Implants are set deeper into whatever bone is available, which often results in an unattractive aesthetic. On the other hand, the All-on-4® treatment adjusts for both bone and gum recession, offering a balanced and visually appealing smile.

Dependency on each implant

All-on-4® is designed for enhanced stability; the entire structure isn’t significantly impacted if one implant fails. On the other hand, the three-on-six setup involves three separate bridges, each dependent on two implants. If one implant fails, it could jeopardize the entire bridge, potentially leading to its loss.

Lower initial success rates

All-on-4® surgeries often see higher initial success rates, because the implants are placed in denser bone areas. In contrast, three-on-six dental implants may not offer the immediate stability needed for same-day teeth, as they’re often placed in softer, sometimes infected bone at the extraction sites.

Challenges with upper jaw implants

Upper jaw 3-on-6 implants may be challenging due to anatomical factors, such as large maxillary sinuses located above the upper teeth. These can stretch forward, taking up valuable jawbone space and limiting how long the implants can be. If only shorter implants are feasible due to these large sinus cavities, the resulting back bridges may lack adequate support. That’s not an issue with All-on-4® implants, though. They’re designed to angle away from the sinus areas, giving the back bridges better stability and support.

Difficulties in maintaining hygiene

Maintaining hygiene with three-on-six dental implants is more challenging. This system includes three separate bridges, each with an uneven surface designed to resemble natural tooth anatomy, making it difficult to clean effectively beneath them. This requires considerable manual dexterity to be able to do it well and keep the gums healthy.

Who in Poway offers the best all-on-4 dental implants?

Choosing the right dental implant system can be complex, but Dr. Tsvetov is here to help you understand all the details, from all-on-4 vs 3-on-6 cost differences to any other concerns you might have. His expertise makes it easy to choose the right option for you, whether you’re curious about 24-hour teeth, considering snap-in dentures, or unsure about the mini implants procedure.

Whether you’re in Poway or elsewhere in the San Diego area, we’re here to assess your specific needs and recommend the best solution for you. It’s worth noting that 3-on-6 dental implants reviews aren’t always as favorable, so don’t navigate this journey alone. Reach out to us to ensure you make an informed and confident decision about your dental health.