If you are missing most or all of your teeth and researching permanent solutions, you have almost certainly come across All-on-4 dental implants. But what about All-on-6, and how do the two approaches compare on cost, suitability, and long-term results? At Fitzroy Dental Practice in Fitzrovia, London, we help patients understand both options clearly before they commit to anything. This guide sets out the key differences, typical costs, and the questions worth asking at your consultation.
What are All-on-4 and All-on-6 dental implants, and how do they work?
Both treatments follow the same fundamental principle: a fixed, full-arch prosthesis, a complete set of upper or lower teeth supported by titanium implant posts anchored into the jawbone. Rather than placing an individual implant for each missing tooth, the All-on-X concept uses a small number of strategically positioned implants to carry the full prosthesis.
All-on-4 uses four implants per arch. All-on-6 uses six. In both cases, the implants fuse with the jawbone through osseointegration, creating a stable, permanent foundation that functions far more like natural teeth than conventional dentures can.
What is the titanium bar in All-on-4, and why does it matter for the prosthesis?
The prosthesis in All-on-4 and All-on-6 treatment often attaches to a milled titanium bar that spans all the implants in the arch. This bar distributes biting forces evenly across all four or six implants, reducing the load on any single post and significantly improving the long-term stability of the overall restoration. All-on-4 with a titanium bar represents the higher end of the treatment in terms of durability and precision engineering.
Is All-on-4 the same as All-on-X, or are these different treatments?
“All-on-X” is a broader umbrella term covering any full-arch implant-supported prosthesis, with X referring to the number of implants used. All-on-4, All-on-6, and even All-on-8 are all variations within the All-on-X concept. The underlying philosophy remains the same: use the minimum number of well-positioned implants to support a fully fixed arch of teeth.
What is the difference between All-on-4 and All-on-6 dental implants?
The clinical difference goes beyond the obvious number of implants. In All-on-4, the two rear implants typically angle at 30 to 45 degrees, maximising contact with available bone at the front of the jaw, a design that often makes grafting unnecessary even where patients have experienced some bone loss. All-on-6 places implants more vertically and distributes support across a wider span of the arch.
All-on-6 typically suits patients with a fuller bone volume and provides slightly greater load distribution across the arch, which some clinicians consider advantageous for patients with heavy biting forces or those replacing the lower jaw, where biting loads are highest.
Does All-on-6 last longer or give better results than All-on-4?
Both treatments, when carried out by experienced clinicians using quality implant systems and appropriate patient selection, produce excellent long-term outcomes. All-on-6 does not automatically outlast All-on-4 simply by virtue of using two extra implants; clinical success depends far more on bone quality, patient health, oral hygiene maintenance, and the skill of the surgical team than on the number of implants alone.
Can I have All-on-4 or All-on-6 if I have significant bone loss?
All-on-4 specifically benefits patients with moderate bone loss because the angled posterior implants engage available bone further from the area of greatest resorption. For patients with more significant bone loss, your clinician may still achieve a successful outcome with All-on-4, but in some cases, bone grafting or an alternative approach may be necessary. A CBCT scan gives the clearest picture of your available bone before any recommendation is made.
Is it possible to get All-on-4 dental implants in one day?
Yes, and this is one of the most appealing aspects of the treatment for many patients. All-on-4 and All-on-6 both support immediate loading: fitting a temporary but fully functional prosthesis on the same day as implant surgery. Patients leave the clinic with a complete set of teeth, not empty sockets or a temporary denture.
The phrase “same day teeth” or “teeth in a day” refers to this immediate loading phase. The temporary prosthesis allows you to eat, speak, and smile from day one whilst the implants integrate with your bone over the following months.
Is the same-day prosthesis the same as the final permanent teeth?
No. The same-day prosthesis is a temporary restoration, designed to be functional and comfortable during the healing period whilst looking natural. Most patients wear this for three to six months. Once osseointegration is confirmed, typically through a review scan, the final permanent prosthesis replaces it. The permanent version is more precisely engineered and finished to a higher aesthetic standard.
How long until the final permanent prosthesis is fitted after the surgery day?
Most patients receive their final prosthesis between three and six months after the surgery date, depending on how long osseointegration takes and your clinician’s chosen protocol. Your treatment plan will set out the expected timeline clearly before surgery begins.
How much do All-on-4 dental implants cost in London?
All-on-4 dental implants cost in London typically ranges from £10,000 to £25,000 per arch in a private practice, depending on the implant system used, the complexity of the case, whether any bone grafting or extractions are required, and the quality of the laboratory producing the final prosthesis.
At Fitzroy Dental Practice, we provide a written treatment plan with fully itemised costs after your assessment so you know exactly what each stage involves before committing to anything.
What does the All-on-4 price actually include, and what might cost extra?
A comprehensive All-on-4 package typically covers the implant surgery, the temporary same-day prosthesis, the final permanent prosthesis, and review appointments during the healing period. Items that sometimes carry additional costs include CBCT scanning, extractions of remaining teeth before implant placement, bone grafting if needed, anaesthesia or sedation, and aftercare visits beyond the standard package. Always ask for a full itemised breakdown before signing anything.
Are there affordable All-on-4 implant options in London without compromising quality?
The price range for All-on-4 in London reflects genuine differences in implant brand, laboratory standards, and clinical expertise, not simply markup. Practices offering significantly lower prices than the typical range often use budget implant systems or offshore laboratories, which can affect longevity. The most effective way to access quality All-on-4 at a manageable cost is often through 0% finance rather than choosing a lower-cost provider on price alone.
How much does All-on-6 cost, and how does it compare with All-on-4?
All-on-6 dental implants typically cost £1,500 to £4,000 more per arch than an equivalent All-on-4 package, reflecting the additional two implants, greater surgical time, and the materials required for a six-implant prosthesis. In London, this puts All-on-6 broadly in the range of £13,000 to £28,000 per arch at a quality private practice.
Does All-on-6 offer better value than All-on-4 over the long term?
For the right patient, yes. Where greater bone distribution genuinely improves long-term stability, the additional cost of All-on-6 can represent good value over a treatment that should last decades with proper maintenance. For patients who are suitable for All-on-4, the difference in outcome is unlikely to justify the extra expenditure, which is exactly why individual clinical assessment matters rather than defaulting to more implants.
Does Fitzroy offer payment plans for All-on-4 and All-on-6 treatment?
Yes. Fitzroy Dental Practice offers 0% interest-free finance over 12 months with no deposit required. For All-on-4 and All-on-6 treatment, which represents a significant investment, longer finance arrangements may also be available. Ask our patient coordinators for details when you book your consultation.
Who is the best candidate for All-on-4 or All-on-6, and how do I choose?
The right treatment depends on your bone volume and density, your general medical health, your bite pattern, and your aesthetic goals. Neither All-on-4 nor All-on-6 suits every patient, and a reputable clinician will tell you if your situation requires a different approach rather than proceeding with a treatment that may not achieve the best outcome.
Good candidates for both treatments are non-smokers or light smokers with controlled general health, sufficient bone volume at the implant sites (or willingness to undergo grafting), and a realistic understanding of the commitment to post-treatment hygiene and maintenance.
What assessment does Fitzroy carry out before recommending All-on-4 or All-on-6?
Your consultation at Fitzroy includes a full clinical examination, a review of your dental and medical history, and a CBCT scan to assess bone volume and anatomy in three dimensions. This imaging allows us to plan the precise position and angle of each implant before surgery and to confirm whether All-on-4, All-on-6, or another approach gives you the best long-term outcome.
Can I switch from dentures to All-on-4 or All-on-6 implants?
Yes, moving from removable All-on-6 dentures or conventional dentures to fixed implant-supported teeth is one of the most common motivations for enquiring about All-on-X treatment. The assessment confirms whether your remaining bone supports implant placement or whether a period of grafting and healing is needed first.
If you would like to explore All-on-4 or All-on-6 treatment at Fitzroy Dental Practice, our implant team would be glad to carry out a full assessment. Find us at 14 Fitzroy Square, Fitzrovia, London W1T 6AH. Call us on 020 7387 3317 or book online.
