implant types guide

All-on-6 dental implants: extra support for a full arch

All-on-6 dental implants replace a full arch of missing or failing teeth using six implants instead of four. The two extra implants spread chewing force across more anchor points, so All-on-6 often suits patients with lower bone density or a heavier bite. This guide covers the procedure, the cost in Ontario, and how All-on-6 compares with All-on-4. That way, you know which option fits your situation before you book a consultation.

6 implants, full arch

Fixed, never removed

Teeth, often same day

The basics

What is All-on-6?

A quick, plain-language answer before the details below.

All-on-6 dental implants replace a full arch of missing or failing teeth using six implants instead of four. Your dentist spaces the implants evenly across the arch. That spacing spreads your bite force over more anchor points. As a result, All-on-6 places less individual load on each implant and puts less strain on the jawbone underneath.

A fixed, full-arch bridge then attaches to those six implants, just as it would with four. The extra pair of implants adds redundancy too. If one implant were ever to fail, the other five can often continue supporting the bridge while your dentist plans the next step.

The six implants

Evenly spaced across the full arch

The fixed bridge

One full arch, screwed onto the implants

Same-day teeth

A temporary bridge often attaches the day of surgery

Candidacy

Are you a candidate for All-on-6 dental implants?

Most adults missing most or all of their teeth in one arch qualify. Here is the short version, plus where to go for the full picture.

All-on-6 suits most adults missing most or all of their upper or lower teeth, especially those with a heavier bite or somewhat lower bone density. Because the load spreads across six implants instead of four, your dentist can often avoid a bone graft even in cases that would otherwise need one. Long-time denture wearers, smokers, and patients with controlled gum disease can still qualify in many cases. Candidacy still depends on your specific bone volume and health history, so the most reliable next step is a free consultation. There, we review a 3D scan of your jaw and confirm whether four or six implants suit you best.

Want the full candidacy breakdown?

Our complete guide covers age, bone loss, smoking, dental anxiety, and every other factor patients ask about before booking.

Am I a candidate for dental implants? →

The procedure

The All-on-6 procedure, step by step

Five stages, from your first scan to your final bridge. Timelines vary by case, but this is the typical path.

1. Consultation

A 3D CBCT scan maps the full arch and measures bone density at six potential implant sites. Your dentist uses this to confirm that All-on-6 is the right fit and to plan each implant’s exact position.

2. Extraction

If failing or decayed teeth remain in the arch, your dentist removes them during the same appointment as implant placement, so the whole treatment happens in one visit.

3. Placement

Under sedation or local anesthetic, your dentist places six implants evenly across the arch. Spacing them this way distributes chewing force more evenly than a four-implant layout.

4. Same-day teeth

In most cases, your dentist attaches a lightweight temporary bridge to the implants before you leave that day. You walk out with a full, functional set of teeth while healing continues underneath.

5. Final bridge

After 4 to 6 months of healing, once all six implants have fully fused with the bone, your dentist replaces the temporary bridge with a custom, longer-lasting final one.

Comparing your options

All-on-6 vs. All-on-4

Both give you a fixed, full-arch bridge on implants. The difference comes down to how many implants share the load.

A recent meta-analysis compared four-implant and six-implant full-arch designs directly. Both approaches showed excellent implant and prosthesis survival. However, the four-implant group showed more than double the marginal bone loss of the six-implant group, likely because fewer implants carry more force each. All-on-4 still works well for many patients and involves two fewer surgical sites. All-on-6, however, tends to suit patients with lower bone density, a heavier bite, or a preference for maximum long-term stability. Our All-on-4 dental implants guide covers that option in full detail.

Comparing implants with dentures instead? See our dental implants vs dentures guide.

All-on-6

All-on-4

Cost

How much do All-on-6 dental implants cost in Ontario?

All-on-6 dental implants in Ontario typically cost between $24,000 and $32,000 per arch, including the implants, the surgery, and the final fixed bridge. The higher cost compared with All-on-4 reflects the two additional implants. Replacing both arches usually falls between $46,000 and $62,000. Every treatment plan differs, and OHIP does not cover implants, so the best way to get an accurate number is a personalized, itemized quote at your free consultation.

Typical Ontario range, per arch

$24,000 – $32,000

Full Ontario cost guide →

Long-term outcomes

How long do All-on-6 dental implants last?

A systematic review and meta-analysis comparing four-implant and six-implant full-arch designs found an implant survival rate of 97% for six-implant cases, over a mean follow-up of about 4.5 years. Researchers also found that the six-implant group lost less than half as much marginal bone over time. That advantage traces back to reduced cantilever force on each implant. The fixed bridge itself performed exceptionally well too, with a 99.6% prosthesis survival rate. With regular checkups and good oral hygiene, most All-on-6 implants remain stable for decades.

Source: Systematic review and meta-analysis of four- vs. six-implant full-arch prostheses, PMC

FAQ

All-on-6 dental implant questions, answered

The questions patients ask most often before booking a consultation.

Why would I choose six implants instead of four?

Six implants spread chewing force across more anchor points. That extra support tends to benefit patients with a heavier bite, lower bone density, or a strong preference for maximum long-term stability.

Is All-on-6 more expensive than All-on-4?

Yes, typically. The two extra implants add to the surgical and material cost. Many patients still find the added stability worth the difference, especially for a lower arch or a heavier bite.

Does placing six implants hurt more than four?

Most patients report a similar recovery experience regardless of implant count. Placement happens under sedation or local anesthetic, and any post-surgical soreness responds well to standard pain relief.

Will insurance cover All-on-6 dental implants?

OHIP does not cover dental implants. Many private plans, however, cover parts of the treatment, such as extractions or the bridge itself. We check your benefits for you at your free consultation.

What happens if I wait to replace a failing arch of teeth?

The jawbone continues to shrink without the stimulation that tooth roots normally provide. That ongoing bone loss can eventually limit your options and make future treatment more complex.

How long do All-on-6 implants actually last?

With good oral hygiene, the implants themselves can last decades. Long-term research has found survival rates around 97% and notably low bone loss over time. The bridge on top may need adjustment or replacement sooner, typically after 10 to 15 years.

All-on-6 Dental Implants