All-on-6® is a modern approach to replacing an entire upper or lower dental arch using six strategically placed dental implants to support a fixed prosthesis. Unlike removable dentures that sit on the gums, the All-on-6 method anchors a full-arch bridge to implants that integrate with the jawbone, giving patients a stable chewing surface and a comfortable fit that closely resembles natural teeth. This fixed design eliminates the daily hassles associated with removable appliances and restores many normal oral functions.
The goal of All-on-6® is to reestablish both form and function: a durable biting surface, a natural-looking smile, and the facial support often lost with long-term tooth and bone loss. Because the prosthesis is supported by implants rather than relying on suction or adhesives, patients typically experience improved confidence when eating, speaking, and smiling. The design also helps distribute chewing forces more evenly across the jaw, which supports long-term oral health.
This solution works well for people who have lost most or all of their teeth, or for those whose remaining teeth are no longer salvageable. It is offered by implant-focused dental teams that combine surgical precision with prosthetic planning to deliver predictable outcomes. At the office of Simply Smiles Dental Brooklyn, we approach All-on-6® treatments with individualized plans that reflect each patient’s anatomy and cosmetic goals.
When evaluating full-arch replacement options, it helps to understand what makes All-on-6® distinct. Traditional dentures are non-surgical and removable, but they can shift and require adhesives. Single-tooth implants and multiple individual implants are excellent for replacing isolated missing teeth but may not be practical when an entire arch needs restoration. All-on-6® sits between these approaches: it uses fewer implants than restoring every tooth individually while offering a fixed, implant-supported prosthesis rather than a removable plate.
Compared to All-on-4® (another popular full-arch strategy), All-on-6® adds two additional implants to increase stability and load distribution. Those extra implants can provide enhanced support in cases where bone quality permits their placement, and they may reduce stress on individual fixtures. The selection between techniques depends on bone anatomy, bite dynamics, and the prosthetic design the clinician plans to use.
All-on-6® can sometimes reduce the need for extensive bone grafting because the additional implants allow clinicians more flexibility in selecting optimal implant sites. However, every patient’s situation is different: a thorough clinical and radiographic assessment determines which full-arch option is the best fit for predictable, long-lasting results.
Successful All-on-6® treatment begins with a comprehensive evaluation. This typically includes a detailed dental exam, a medical history review, and high-resolution imaging such as cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). CBCT scans provide a three-dimensional view of the jawbone and critical anatomical structures, enabling precise planning of implant positions and angulations. This diagnostic step helps clinicians identify whether additional procedures—such as minor grafting—are necessary to support the implants.
During planning, your clinician will also consider the prosthetic outcome: the shape, size, and function of the final arch. Digital planning tools allow the team to design a surgical guide and a prosthesis prototype before the first incision, which improves accuracy and reduces chairtime. Careful planning reduces surprises in surgery and enhances the likelihood of a smooth recovery and predictable integration of the implants with bone.
Patient preparation also involves medical coordination. Your dentist will review medications, systemic health conditions, and lifestyle factors such as smoking that can influence healing. Clear communication about expectations, timeline, and post-operative care ensures patients enter treatment informed and ready to follow recovery guidelines that support optimal results.
The All-on-6® treatment sequence typically involves surgical placement of six implants in the jaw, followed by attachment of a full-arch prosthesis. For many patients, a temporary prosthesis is placed on the same day or shortly afterward to restore function while the implants integrate with bone. This immediate interim restoration improves comfort and convenience during the osseointegration phase, when implants bond with surrounding bone over several weeks to months.
Once the implants are fully integrated, the temporary prosthesis is replaced with a definitive, custom-designed bridge. The final prosthesis is crafted to optimize bite, speech, and esthetics using durable materials and precise laboratory work. Throughout this process, adjustments are made to ensure a comfortable fit and proper occlusion. The combined surgical and restorative workflow is designed to minimize disruptions to daily life while achieving durable, natural-looking results.
Patients can generally expect some soreness and swelling after surgery, which is managed with standard post-operative care and short-term medications as needed. Follow-up visits are scheduled to monitor healing and verify implant stability. Good oral hygiene and adherence to follow-up instructions help support a successful outcome.
All-on-6® prostheses are designed for durability, but long-term success depends on regular maintenance and good oral hygiene. Daily brushing and hygiene around implant-supported bridges are essential, as is routine care from the dental team. Periodic checkups allow clinicians to screen for any signs of wear, tissue changes, or mechanical issues and to perform professional maintenance such as tightening or adjustments when necessary.
Unlike removable dentures, implant-supported bridges do not require nightly soaking or adhesives, but they do require cleaning beneath the prosthesis in accessible areas. Your dental team will demonstrate appropriate cleaning techniques using interdental brushes, flossing aids, or water irrigation devices tailored to your prosthesis design. Adhering to a maintenance schedule helps preserve bone health, soft tissue stability, and the longevity of the restoration.
With proper care, many patients enjoy years of functional service from their All-on-6® prostheses. Regular clinical visits and prompt attention to any changes in comfort or function are the best ways to safeguard your investment in oral health and preserve a confident, natural-looking smile.
As with any surgical procedure, All-on-6® involves risks that clinicians carefully evaluate and discuss with patients. Potential complications include surgical-site infection, issues with implant integration, or mechanical problems with the prosthesis. Thorough preoperative planning, skilled surgical technique, and attentive follow-up care significantly reduce these risks and support predictable outcomes. Your clinician will explain individualized risks based on your health status and jaw anatomy.
Not every patient is a candidate for All-on-6®, and candidacy depends on bone quantity and quality, systemic health, and oral hygiene habits. In some cases, alternative approaches or preparatory procedures—like bone grafting—may be recommended to create an optimal foundation for implants. Honest, evidence-based evaluation helps patients choose the solution that offers the best long-term prognosis.
Choosing an experienced implant team and a practice equipped with modern imaging and prosthetic technology improves the chances of a successful outcome. If you are considering a full-arch restoration, a consultation with a clinician who specializes in implant dentistry is the first step toward understanding whether All-on-6® is the right option for your goals and circumstances.
In summary, All-on-6® is a predictable full-arch treatment that offers a fixed, implant-supported alternative to removable dentures. It combines surgical planning, immediate or delayed prosthetic options, and long-term maintenance strategies to restore comfort, function, and confidence. If you would like to learn more about whether All-on-6® is right for you, please contact Simply Smiles Dental Brooklyn to schedule a consultation or to speak with a member of our team for more information.
All-on-6® is a full-arch tooth replacement method that secures a fixed prosthesis on six dental implants placed in the jaw. The implants integrate with the bone to provide a stable foundation that functions more like natural teeth than removable dentures. This fixed design restores chewing ability, speech clarity, and facial support lost from long-term tooth and bone loss.
The prosthesis is custom designed to match the patient’s anatomy and aesthetic goals, and it distributes bite forces across multiple implants to reduce stress on individual fixtures. Because the restoration is implant-supported, patients avoid the adhesives and movement associated with traditional removable plates. The end result is a durable, comfortable solution intended to improve everyday oral function and confidence.
Traditional removable dentures rest on the gums and often rely on suction or adhesives, which can allow for shifting and reduced chewing efficiency. Single-tooth implants replace individual teeth and are ideal when only a few teeth are missing, but restoring an entire arch with single implants can be time-consuming and costly in terms of treatment complexity. All-on-6® offers a middle ground by using a limited number of implants to support a fixed bridge that restores a complete arch.
Compared with All-on-4® and similar approaches, All-on-6® uses two additional implants to enhance stability and distribute occlusal loads more evenly when bone conditions permit. Those extra implants can reduce mechanical stress on each fixture and sometimes limit the need for extensive grafting, though case-by-case evaluation is essential. The best option is determined by bone anatomy, bite dynamics, and the prosthetic plan developed during diagnosis.
Candidates for All-on-6® are often people who have lost most or all teeth in an arch or whose remaining teeth are nonrestorable due to decay, disease, or trauma. Adequate bone volume and quality in the intended implant sites are important factors, though additional grafting procedures can sometimes make treatment possible for those with diminished bone. Overall health, smoking status, and conditions that affect healing are also considered during candidacy assessment.
A thorough clinical and radiographic evaluation helps clinicians determine whether All-on-6® is the most predictable full-arch solution for a given patient. In some situations, alternative implant strategies or preparatory procedures may be recommended to achieve a stable long-term result. Honest discussion of goals, expectations, and the clinical plan ensures patients choose an approach that best supports their oral health and lifestyle.
Successful All-on-6® treatment begins with a comprehensive dental exam, medical history review, and high-resolution imaging such as cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). CBCT provides three-dimensional views of the jawbone and adjacent anatomy, allowing precise planning of implant positions, angulations, and depth while avoiding critical structures. These scans are essential for creating a surgical guide and for assessing whether bone grafting or sinus augmentation is necessary.
Digital planning tools also support prosthetic design by enabling the team to prototype the final arch and predict esthetic outcomes before surgery. This level of preparation improves surgical accuracy, reduces chair time, and helps patients understand the sequence of care. Clear communication about medications, systemic health, and lifestyle factors is part of the diagnostic phase to optimize healing and treatment success.
The treatment sequence typically begins with surgical placement of six implants in the jaw according to the preoperative plan and surgical guide. Many patients receive a temporary fixed prosthesis the same day or shortly after surgery to restore function and appearance while osseointegration occurs. This immediate restoration provides a functional interim solution and helps patients avoid long periods without teeth.
Over the following weeks to months, the implants integrate with the bone and the team monitors healing through follow-up visits and clinical assessments. Once integration is confirmed, the temporary prosthesis is replaced with the definitive custom bridge, which is designed for long-term function, esthetics, and comfort. Final adjustments focus on optimizing bite, speech, and soft-tissue contours to ensure a harmonious and durable result.
Initial recovery from implant surgery usually involves a few days of soreness and swelling that can be controlled with prescribed or over-the-counter medications and cold compresses. Most patients return to light activities within a few days and gradually resume normal function as comfort allows, but they are advised to follow specific dietary and oral-hygiene instructions during the early healing phase. Regular follow-up appointments are scheduled to check healing and to ensure the implants are integrating properly.
Osseointegration is a gradual process that typically spans several weeks to a few months depending on individual healing and bone quality. During that period, the temporary prosthesis maintains function while clinicians verify implant stability before transitioning to the final restoration. Adhering to postoperative guidelines and attending scheduled visits help reduce complications and support predictable outcomes.
Daily hygiene for an All-on-6® prosthesis includes brushing the prosthesis surfaces and cleaning around and beneath the bridge using interdental brushes, flossing aids, or water irrigation devices recommended by your clinician. Effective cleaning beneath the prosthesis is essential to prevent plaque accumulation and peri-implant inflammation, which can compromise long-term success. Your dental team will demonstrate techniques tailored to your prosthesis design and provide a schedule for home care routines.
Professional maintenance appointments should be kept at intervals advised by the clinician so the team can assess soft tissues, check for mechanical wear, and perform necessary maintenance such as tightening or polishing. Avoiding tobacco and managing systemic health conditions also contributes to healthy implant sites. Consistent home care combined with routine professional oversight preserves bone support and the longevity of the restoration.
As with any surgical procedure, risks include infection, delayed healing, and complications related to implant integration such as mobility or failure of a fixture. Mechanical issues with the prosthesis, including screw loosening or material wear, can occur and are often manageable with timely professional intervention. Thorough preoperative planning, sterile surgical technique, and attentive follow-up care reduce the likelihood of many complications.
Systemic factors such as uncontrolled diabetes, smoking, and certain medications can increase the risk of impaired healing and implant problems, so clinicians carefully review medical history before proceeding. Early recognition and prompt management of changes in comfort, swelling, or function are important to protect the health of the implants and surrounding tissues. Choosing an experienced implant team and following postoperative instructions enhances the chance of a successful long-term outcome.
The longevity of an All-on-6® restoration depends on factors such as oral hygiene, regular professional maintenance, systemic health, and occlusal forces. With proper care and routine dental visits, many patients enjoy years of reliable service from their implant-supported prosthesis, while occasional adjustments or component replacements may be necessary over time. Materials and laboratory techniques used for the final bridge also influence wear characteristics and long-term performance.
Preserving supporting bone and soft tissue through consistent home care and monitoring is one of the most important determinants of durability. Clinicians recommend individualized maintenance schedules and will address any mechanical or biologic issues promptly to extend the functional life of the restoration. Proactive care and healthy habits help safeguard your investment in oral function and appearance.
To determine candidacy for All-on-6®, schedule a consultation so the implant team can perform a clinical exam, review your medical and dental history, and obtain necessary imaging such as a CBCT scan. During the visit, the clinician will discuss your goals, explain the diagnostic findings, and outline potential treatment pathways that best match your anatomy and expectations. This appointment is an opportunity to ask detailed questions about the procedural steps, timeline, and maintenance requirements.
If you would like to explore All-on-6® or other implant options, contact SimplySmiles to request an evaluation with a clinician who specializes in implant dentistry. Our team will help coordinate imaging and plan a sequence of care tailored to your needs while explaining preoperative instructions and the typical follow-up schedule. An informed, evidence-based consultation is the first step toward a predictable full-arch restoration.
Quick Links
Contact Us
