All-on-4 vs All-on-6 Dental Implants in Turkey | Smile Design Turkey
Published 14 May 2025 · 6 min read
All-on-4 and All-on-6 are implant-supported solutions for patients who need to replace a full arch of teeth. Both involve securing a fixed prosthesis to a small number of implants, offering a stable alternative to removable dentures. Turkey has become a popular destination for both treatments due to the significant cost difference compared with UK private practice fees. This guide explains the difference between the two approaches and what determines suitability.
The Concept: Full Arch Implant Solutions
Traditional full arch implant treatment required placing individual implants for each missing tooth — an extensive and expensive process. All-on-4 and All-on-6 changed this by demonstrating that a complete arch of teeth can be supported by just four or six strategically placed implants.
The result is a fixed, non-removable set of teeth that functions more like natural teeth than dentures. Patients regain confidence in eating, speaking, and smiling without the limitations associated with removable prostheses.
All-on-4 Explained
The All-on-4 technique uses four implants per arch. Two implants are placed vertically at the front of the jaw, and two are placed at an angle (typically 30–45 degrees) towards the back. The angled placement makes better use of available bone and often avoids the need for bone grafting.
All-on-4 is generally considered when bone density is sufficient at the front of the jaw but more limited further back. It was designed to maximise the use of available bone in patients who may otherwise have been told they are not suitable for implants.
Learn more about this option on our All-on-4 in Turkey page.
All-on-6 Explained
All-on-6 follows the same principle but uses six implants per arch. The additional two implants provide greater support for the prosthesis and may be more appropriate for patients with good bone volume who would benefit from additional stability.
With six points of support rather than four, the load is distributed across a wider base, which some clinicians consider advantageous for long-term outcomes — particularly in the lower jaw where bite forces can be considerable.
See our All-on-6 in Turkey page for more detail.
Key Clinical Differences
- Number of implants: Four vs six per arch — the most obvious distinction, and one that affects both cost and biomechanical load distribution.
- Bone requirements: All-on-4 can work with less available bone due to angled placement. All-on-6 generally requires good bone volume across the arch.
- Support and stability: Six implants provide additional support, which may be relevant for patients with particularly strong bite forces or for lower arch cases.
- Bone grafting: All-on-4 was partly developed to reduce the need for bone grafting. Whether grafting is required for either approach depends on individual anatomy.
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Who May Be Suited to Each Option
Clinical suitability cannot be determined without a CT scan and thorough assessment. However, as a general guide:
- All-on-4 may be discussed for patients with moderate bone loss at the back of the jaw, those who want to avoid bone grafting, or those whose primary concern is cost-effectiveness.
- All-on-6 may be more appropriate for patients with good bone volume across the arch, those with a strong bite or history of bruxism, or cases where maximum long-term stability is the priority.
In some cases, a dentist may recommend an alternative approach — such as individual implants or a different number of anchor points — based on your specific anatomy. The recommendation should always be driven by your CT scan findings, not by a preference for one treatment name over another.
Costs in Turkey
Both treatments represent a significant cost in the UK, where a full arch implant solution can reach £15,000–£25,000 per arch at private practice. In Turkey, comparable treatments are typically available at substantially lower cost, often in the range of £5,000–£10,000 per arch, depending on the clinic, materials, and prosthesis specification.
As with all implant treatments, it is important to establish exactly what is included in the quoted fee — whether temporary and permanent prostheses are both included, and whether the CT scan is covered.
For broader context on implant costs, see our guide to dental implants in Turkey.
The Importance of CT Scan Assessment
A cone beam CT scan (CBCT) is not optional for implant treatment — it is essential. It provides a three-dimensional image of your jaw structure, enabling the dentist to measure bone density and volume, identify the position of nerves and sinuses, and plan the precise positioning of implants before surgery.
Any clinic that proposes implant treatment without requesting a CT scan — or offers to do one only on arrival — should prompt caution. The CT scan is what enables accurate, safe planning. Some clinics will request your existing scan if you have had one; others will take one on arrival. Clarify this before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions: All-on-4 vs All-on-6
Neither is universally better — the appropriate option depends on your bone density, bone volume, jaw anatomy, and overall dental health. Both are clinically established solutions for full arch tooth replacement. Your suitability will be determined following a CT scan and clinical assessment.
After an initial healing period during which a temporary prosthesis is in place, most patients with successful osseointegration can eat a normal diet. The permanent fixed prosthesis is designed to withstand regular chewing forces. Your dentist will advise on dietary guidance during the healing phase.
Implant surgery itself takes place in a single session. However, osseointegration — the process of the implants bonding with the jawbone — takes several months. Many patients have the implants placed on a first trip, return home during healing, and then return for the permanent prosthesis. Some clinics offer same-day temporary prostheses. Total treatment time varies from three to six months or more.
Yes, a cone beam CT scan (CBCT) is essential before implant treatment. It provides a three-dimensional image of your jaw, enabling the dentist to assess bone density, identify the position of nerves and sinuses, and plan implant placement accurately. Treatment should not proceed without this assessment.
Implant failure is relatively uncommon but does occur. Before proceeding, clarify with the clinic what their protocol is for implant failure — including any warranty or remediation policy — and ensure your UK dentist is informed about your treatment so they can monitor and assist if needed.
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