All-on-4 or All-on-6 in Turkey: which should UK patients choose?
Specialist Prosthodontist · Taki Dent, Antalya
All-on-4 or All-on-6 in Turkey: which should UK patients choose?
For UK patients missing most or all teeth in a jaw, the choice between All-on-4 and All-on-6 implants is a common and important one. In short, All-on-4 uses four implants per arch and is ideal for those with some bone loss, while All-on-6 uses six implants and is better suited for upper jaws, patients with good bone density, or those needing extra bite force. Your CBCT scan will ultimately decide which is safest and most durable for you.
What is the difference between All-on-4 and All-on-6?
Both are full-arch fixed implant solutions that replace an entire set of teeth on a single bar or bridge. The key difference lies in the number of implants supporting the prosthesis.
- All-on-4: Uses four implants per jaw. The two front implants are placed straight, while the two back implants are angled (tilted) to engage denser bone and avoid the sinus or nerve. This technique often avoids bone grafting.
- All-on-6: Uses six implants per jaw, all placed in a more vertical position. The extra two implants provide additional support, especially in the posterior (back) region, where chewing forces are strongest.
The choice depends on your bone volume, jaw anatomy, and functional needs. A specialist prosthodontist like Dr. Sadık Taki at Taki Dent will evaluate these factors thoroughly.
When is All-on-6 worth the extra implants?
Six implants are not always necessary, but they are clearly beneficial in specific scenarios:
- Upper jaw (maxilla): The upper jaw has softer bone and the maxillary sinus cavity above. Six implants can be placed in a more distributed pattern, reducing leverage on any single implant. This is particularly important if you have a high bite force or grind your teeth.
- Good bone density: If you have sufficient bone height and width, six implants offer a more robust foundation. This reduces the risk of implant overload over time.
- Longer span: For patients who need a longer bridge (e.g., replacing from first molar to first molar), six implants provide better posterior support, preventing the bridge from flexing or fracturing.
- Younger patients: If you are in your 40s or 50s and expect to keep your implants for 30+ years, the redundancy of six implants can be a wise investment. If one implant fails, you still have five supporting the bridge.
That said, All-on-4 is a proven, highly successful technique when bone is limited. It is often the better choice for patients with significant bone loss in the lower jaw (mandible) or those who want to avoid a sinus lift or nerve repositioning.
How does a CBCT scan decide the option?
A Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scan is non-negotiable before any full-arch implant procedure. This 3D X-ray gives your prosthodontist a precise view of:
- Bone volume and density: Measuring the height, width, and quality of bone in each implant site.
- Anatomical structures: Locating the inferior alveolar nerve in the lower jaw and the maxillary sinus in the upper jaw.
- Implant positioning: Simulating where each implant will go to avoid vital structures and achieve optimal angulation.
For example, if the scan shows you have 10-12mm of bone above the sinus, six implants may be placed safely. If bone is only 6-8mm, the tilted All-on-4 technique is often the better choice. At Dr. Sadık Taki, every patient receives a CBCT scan as standard, and the implant plan is tailored to your unique anatomy.
What is the cost difference in Turkey vs the UK?
Turkey offers significant cost savings for both All-on-4 and All-on-6 compared to the UK. The difference in price between the two techniques in Turkey is relatively small, typically £1,000–£2,000 more for All-on-6 due to two extra implants and a longer procedure time.
| Procedure | Turkey (per arch) | UK (per arch) |
|---|---|---|
| Single dental implant | £400 – £800 | £2,000 – £2,500 |
| Implant + crown | £750 – £1,400 | £3,000 – £4,000 |
| All-on-4 (full arch) | £4,500 – £7,500 | £12,000 – £18,000 |
| All-on-6 (full arch) | £6,000 – £9,500 | £15,000 – £22,000 |
These Turkey prices typically include the consultation, CBCT scan, implant surgery, a temporary fixed bridge, and the final zirconia or acrylic bridge. UK prices often exclude laboratory fees and sedation, so the true saving is even greater.
Which option is more durable long-term?
Both techniques have excellent long-term success rates when performed by an experienced prosthodontist. Studies show 10-year survival rates above 95% for both All-on-4 and All-on-6. However, All-on-6 may offer a slight advantage in the upper jaw for patients with heavy bite forces or parafunction (grinding/clenching). The extra implants distribute load more evenly, reducing the risk of implant fracture or bone loss around the posterior implants.
For the lower jaw, All-on-4 is often equally durable because the bone is denser and the loads are more predictable. Your prosthodontist will advise based on your specific bite analysis.
Is the recovery different between the two?
Recovery is very similar for both procedures. You will have a temporary fixed bridge placed on the day of surgery (or within 48 hours), so you leave with functioning teeth. Swelling and discomfort peak at 2-3 days and typically subside within a week. The main difference is that All-on-6 surgery takes about 30-45 minutes longer per arch, so you may have slightly more post-operative swelling. Most patients return to a soft diet within a few days and resume normal eating after 3-4 months when the implants have fully integrated with the bone (osseointegration).
How do I choose the right clinic in Turkey?
Choosing between All-on-4 and All-on-6 is only half the equation. The skill of your prosthodontist is what determines success. Look for a clinic where:
- The surgeon is a specialist prosthodontist (not a general dentist) with extensive experience in full-arch rehabilitation.
- CBCT scanning and digital planning (e.g., using software like 3Shape or NobelGuide) are standard.
- High-quality implant brands (e.g., Straumann, Nobel Biocare) are used, not cheap generics.
- The clinic provides a clear treatment plan, warranty, and aftercare support for UK patients.
At Taki Dent, Dr. Sadık Taki is a Specialist Prosthodontist who has placed thousands of All-on-4 and All-on-6 implants. Every case is digitally planned from your CBCT scan, ensuring the safest and most predictable outcome for your jaw anatomy.
What if I want to avoid bone grafting?
If you have moderate bone loss and want to avoid a sinus lift or bone graft, All-on-4 is often the best choice. The angled posterior implants engage denser bone in the front of the jaw, bypassing the sinus or nerve. This technique has a very high success rate and avoids the extra cost and recovery time of grafting. However, if your bone is severely deficient, All-on-6 may still require grafting in some cases. Your CBCT scan will reveal the truth.
Final thoughts and next steps
The decision between All-on-4 and All-on-6 is not about which is "better" in general, but which is better for your jaw. A thorough CBCT scan, combined with an honest discussion about your bite, habits, and long-term goals, will guide you to the right choice. Turkey offers world-class prosthodontic care at a fraction of UK prices, with the same implant brands and digital workflows.
If you are considering full-arch implants, I invite you to request a free assessment with Dr. Sadık Taki. We will review your CBCT scan remotely, explain your options clearly, and provide a detailed treatment plan with no pressure. Your journey to a confident smile starts with the right information.