All-on-6® is a full-arch tooth replacement approach that secures a fixed prosthesis on six dental implants placed across the jaw. Rather than replacing each tooth individually, this method uses a strategically positioned implant framework to support a permanent bridge that restores an entire upper or lower arch. The result is a stable, non-removable replacement that functions much like natural teeth while eliminating many of the common limitations of traditional removable dentures.
Where conventional dentures sit on the gums and require adhesives or nightly removal, an All-on-6® prosthesis is anchored directly to implants embedded in the jawbone. This anchoring improves bite force and reduces the movement that can make chewing and speaking difficult for denture wearers. Because the prosthesis is fixed, patients typically find daily routines—eating, speaking, and cleaning—to be simpler and more predictable.
All-on-6® also represents a middle ground between full removable dentures and placing a larger number of individual implants. Placing six implants per arch offers robust support while often avoiding some of the extensive preparatory surgeries associated with replacing every missing tooth with a separate implant. The technique is a modern, durable option that prioritizes both function and long-term oral health.
One of the most immediate advantages of All-on-6® is the marked improvement in function. With a firmly anchored prosthesis, bite strength increases compared with removable dentures, allowing a wider variety of foods to be eaten with confidence. That benefit matters not only for comfort but also for nutrition and overall quality of life, because patients can enjoy more natural chewing mechanics.
Speech is another area where stability makes a meaningful difference. Removable dentures can shift during talking or laughing, causing slurring or uncertainty; a fixed prosthesis reduces that movement and contributes to clearer, more reliable speech. For many people, regaining those everyday freedoms restores a level of normalcy and social ease that they may have missed for years.
Maintenance is straightforward: the restorations are cleaned and cared for much like natural teeth with regular brushing, flossing, and professional check-ups. Because there is no daily adhesive application or soaking, patients often experience a simpler oral-care routine while still receiving predictable hygienic outcomes under professional supervision.
All-on-6® begins with a comprehensive clinical assessment and advanced imaging to map bone volume, nerve locations, and sinus anatomy. This diagnostic phase allows the surgical team to design an implant layout that distributes forces evenly across the jaw and minimizes risk. Digital planning and 3D imaging are commonly used to visualize the final outcome and coordinate the surgical and prosthetic stages.
On the day of surgery, six implants are placed in positions selected to maximize support and stability. In many cases, a temporary fixed prosthesis can be attached the same day or shortly after surgery so patients do not have to go without teeth during healing. This provisional restoration provides immediate function and appearance while the implants begin to integrate with the surrounding bone.
Over the following months, osseointegration—the biological bonding of implant to bone—occurs. Once integration and soft-tissue healing are adequate, the temporary prosthesis is replaced with a custom-milled final bridge. The definitive restoration is refined for fit, occlusion, and esthetics to provide a long-term solution that meets both functional and cosmetic goals.
All-on-6® is most often recommended for people who are missing most or all of the teeth in an arch, or for those whose remaining teeth are not salvageable. Adequate bone volume in key regions of the jaw is important to support the implants, although careful planning and implant positioning can sometimes reduce the need for extensive grafting. A complete medical and dental history helps the team assess overall suitability and identify any factors that could influence healing.
Preparing for the procedure may include stabilizing active dental disease, modifying certain medications under medical guidance, and discussing lifestyle factors such as smoking cessation to improve healing outcomes. Sedation options are typically reviewed during the consultation; for patients with anxiety or for longer surgical visits, intravenous sedation is an available option to promote comfort and cooperation throughout treatment.
Realistic expectations and a commitment to follow-up care are essential. After the initial healing period, regular hygiene appointments and periodic prosthetic checks help ensure the longevity of the implants and the restoration. With appropriate home care and professional maintenance, an All-on-6® solution can provide many years of reliable function.
Successful All-on-6® treatment depends on precise planning and execution. Modern technologies—CBCT imaging, digital scanning, and guided surgical templates—allow clinicians to place implants in optimal positions while protecting vital anatomy. These tools improve predictability and help the restorative team fabricate a prosthesis that aligns with the patient’s facial proportions and bite requirements.
Clinical experience with complex implant cases is equally important. The practice’s background in oral surgery and implant dentistry supports integrated care from surgical placement through prosthetic restoration. That coordinated approach reduces handoffs between providers and promotes continuity—especially valuable when a comprehensive, full-arch solution is the preferred path.
Long-term success also relies on a structured follow-up plan. After the final restoration is delivered, periodic evaluations monitor implant health, gum condition, and restoration integrity. If minor adjustments are needed over time, the restorative design allows for efficient servicing so the prosthesis continues to perform well for years to come.
In summary, All-on-6® is a contemporary full-arch solution that combines stability, function, and simplified maintenance to restore teeth with a fixed prosthesis. It is designed to improve chewing, speech, and day-to-day comfort while minimizing some of the drawbacks associated with removable dentures. If you would like to learn more about whether All-on-6® may be an appropriate option for you, please contact Lake Advanced Dentistry for additional information and to schedule a consultation.
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