What Is All-on-6?

“All-on-6” usually refers to a full-arch dental restoration supported by six dental implants. Instead of placing one implant for every missing tooth, several implants work together to support a complete upper or lower set of replacement teeth.

That said, full-arch treatment can use different numbers and positions of implants depending on each patient’s anatomy and treatment plan. Six implants aren’t automatically necessary or right for everyone. Your dentist first needs to evaluate your available bone, gum health, bite and the condition of any remaining teeth.

For a closer look at the procedure itself, including cost and treatment stages, read our guide to All-on-6 dental implants in Tijuana. If you’re exploring your options more broadly, you can also learn more about dental implants in Tijuana.

How Are Traditional Dentures Different?

Traditional full dentures are removable restorations that replace all of the teeth in an upper or lower arch. They sit on the gums and underlying tissue instead of being anchored to implants.

For some patients, dentures are still a good option. Treatment is generally less invasive than implant surgery, and it can often be completed without the healing period implants require.

However, because they aren’t anchored to anything, some people notice their dentures move while eating or speaking, especially as the shape of the gums and jaw changes over time.

Learn more about full and partial dentures at Allo Dental.

All-on-6 vs. Dentures at a Glance

The biggest difference comes down to how the replacement teeth are supported. Dentures rest on the gums and come out. A full-arch implant restoration is supported by implants in the jawbone. That one difference affects stability, cleaning, treatment time, maintenance and cost.

Stability and Chewing

Implant-supported restorations generally feel more secure because they’re connected to implants instead of relying on the gums alone. Dentures can still restore function, but some patients experience movement.

That doesn’t mean every implant restoration will feel or work exactly like natural teeth. Bite forces, the design of the prosthesis and your individual anatomy all play a role.

Removable vs. Fixed Teeth

Traditional dentures are taken out by the patient. Full-arch implant restorations can be designed as either removable or fixed, depending on the system and your treatment plan. A fixed restoration can’t be removed at home; your dentist removes it when needed for maintenance.

Does All-on-6 Feel More Like Natural Teeth?

For the right patient, an implant-supported restoration can feel noticeably more stable than a conventional denture, since it isn’t relying only on the gums for support.

Still, it’s important to keep expectations realistic. An All-on-6 restoration is a dental prosthesis. It has specific cleaning needs, components that require professional check-ups and, over time, parts that may need adjustment, repair or replacement.

Who May Be a Good Fit for Each Option?

Before recommending full-arch treatment, your dental team should review:

• Your overall oral and medical health
• The amount and quality of your jawbone
• Gum health
• Your bite and jaw relationship
• Existing teeth and whether any can be saved
• Smoking or other factors that can affect healing
• Your ability to care for the restoration
• Your expectations for treatment

Implants need enough bone for proper placement. In some cases, bone grafting or other preparatory treatment may be recommended before or during implant treatment.

This is why the All-on-6 vs. dentures question shouldn’t become a blanket statement that one is always “better.” They solve a similar problem in very different ways.

How Long Does All-on-6 Treatment Take?

Full-arch implant treatment usually happens in stages:

1. Evaluation and imaging
2. Treatment of any existing dental problems
3. Implant placement
4. A temporary restoration, when appropriate
5. Healing while the implants bond with the bone
6. Placement of the final restoration

Healing can take several months depending on your case, especially if extractions or bone grafting are involved. Some patients qualify for temporary teeth early in the process; others need a different sequence. Your dentist should walk you through the expected timeline before you start.

Planning Treatment in Tijuana from the U.S.

Full-arch implant treatment usually takes more than one trip. If you live in San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles, Northern California or elsewhere in the U.S., ask your dental team:

• How many visits you’ll need, and how long each one may take
• How long the healing period is
• When your temporary and final teeth will be placed
• What follow-up visits to expect

Allo Dental regularly works with patients traveling from the U.S. and can help you plan your visits ahead of time, including transportation from the border when available. We’ll cover this in more detail in an upcoming article: How Many Trips to Tijuana Do Dental Implants Require?

Is All-on-6 More Expensive Than Dentures?

An implant-supported full arch generally involves more components and clinical procedures than a traditional denture, so the upfront investment is usually higher. But comparing advertised prices alone can be misleading.

An All-on-6 estimate may include surgery, implants, implant components, temporary teeth, lab work and the final full-arch prosthesis. Extractions or bone grafting can also affect the total.

If you’re comparing costs, see our breakdown of how much dental implants cost in Tijuana or review Allo Dental’s general dental pricing.

Which Option Is Easier to Maintain?

They need different kinds of care. Dentures have to be taken out and cleaned regularly. A fixed implant restoration stays in place and requires cleaning around the implants and underneath the bridge, using the techniques your dental team recommends.

Implants also need ongoing professional check-ups. Implant-supported teeth can still build up plaque and are still at risk for gum inflammation, wear and other complications. The best option is the one you’re willing and able to take care of over the long run.

So, Is All-on-6 Better Than Dentures?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. For some patients, the stability of a fixed implant restoration makes it the clear choice. For others, a removable denture is the better fit because of medical considerations, anatomy, finances or simple personal preference.

The goal of your consultation should be to figure out which option fits your actual situation, not to push your case into a specific treatment.

Questions to Ask Before Choosing All-on-6

Before agreeing to full-arch treatment, make sure you understand exactly what’s being proposed:

• Is the treatment for one arch or both?
• How many implants are recommended, and why?
• Can any of my remaining teeth be saved?
• Will I need extractions or bone grafting?
• What kind of temporary teeth will I have?
• What material will the final restoration be made of?
• How many visits will I need?
• What does long-term maintenance involve?
• What exactly is included in my estimate?

Knowing what’s included in each estimate is the only fair way to compare clinics.

Treatment recommendations, number of implants, restoration design, timeline, availability and pricing vary based on each patient’s clinical evaluation. This article is for general information and isn’t a substitute for a professional dental exam.