If you are missing most or all of your teeth and want a permanent, fixed solution, All-on-4 and All-on-6 dental implants are the two leading options. Both use dental implants to anchor a full arch of teeth — but they differ in the number of implants, bone requirements, cost, and long-term durability.
Turkey has become one of the top destinations for full-arch implant treatments, offering the same implant brands and techniques used in the UK and US at significantly lower prices. This guide explains the differences between All-on-4 and All-on-6 so you can make an informed decision before travelling to Istanbul.
Key Takeaways
- All-on-4 uses 4 implants per jaw; All-on-6 uses 6 implants per jaw
- All-on-6 provides more support and is better for patients with higher bite force
- All-on-4 can often be done without bone grafting, even with some bone loss
- Both treatments can be completed in Turkey in 5–7 days with same-day temporary teeth
- Cost in Turkey: £4,000–£6,000 per jaw (All-on-4) vs £5,500–£8,000 per jaw (All-on-6)
- Both use permanent, screw-retained prosthetics — not removable dentures
What Are All-on-4 Dental Implants?
All-on-4 is a full-arch restoration technique developed by Nobel Biocare. It uses four titanium implants to support a fixed bridge of 10–14 teeth on a single jaw. The two front implants are placed vertically, while the two back implants are angled at 30–45 degrees to maximise contact with available bone.
The angled placement is key — it allows patients with moderate bone loss in the back of the jaw to receive implants without needing a bone graft or sinus lift. This reduces treatment time, cost, and recovery.
Advantages of All-on-4
- Fewer implants needed — lower cost and less surgical time
- Often avoids bone grafting — angled implants work with existing bone
- Same-day teeth — temporary fixed bridge placed on the day of surgery
- Well-researched — over 20 years of clinical data supporting long-term success
- Faster recovery — fewer implants mean less surgical trauma
Limitations of All-on-4
- Four implants share the entire load — more stress per implant
- If one implant fails, the entire bridge may be compromised
- May not be suitable for patients with very heavy bite force (bruxism)
- Less suitable for very long bridges (14+ teeth)
What Are All-on-6 Dental Implants?
All-on-6 follows the same principle as All-on-4 but uses six implants per jaw instead of four. The extra two implants provide additional support points, distributing chewing force more evenly across the bridge.
The six implants are typically placed in strategic positions — two in the front, two in the middle, and two in the back of the jaw. This wider distribution of support makes All-on-6 a stronger option for patients who need maximum durability.
Advantages of All-on-6
- More support — six anchor points distribute force more evenly
- Greater stability — better for patients with strong bite force or bruxism
- Redundancy — if one implant has issues, the remaining five can still support the bridge
- Supports longer bridges — better for full 14-tooth restorations
- Better load distribution — reduces stress on individual implants and bone
Limitations of All-on-6
- Requires more bone density — may need bone grafting if bone is insufficient
- More surgical time and slightly longer recovery
- Higher cost due to additional implants and abutments
- Not always necessary — many patients get excellent results with All-on-4
All-on-4 vs All-on-6: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | All-on-4 | All-on-6 |
|---|---|---|
How Much Do All-on-4 and All-on-6 Cost in Turkey?
Full-arch implant treatments in Turkey cost a fraction of what you would pay in the UK, US, or Europe. The savings are significant even when you include flights and accommodation.
| Treatment | Turkey | UK | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
Prices at Turkish clinics typically include the implants, abutments, temporary and permanent prosthetic bridges, all dental appointments, panoramic X-rays, and CT scans. Some packages also include airport transfers and hotel recommendations.
Bone Density: Which Treatment Do You Qualify For?
One of the biggest factors in choosing between All-on-4 and All-on-6 is your jawbone density. Before treatment, your dentist will take a 3D CT scan to assess bone volume and quality.
All-on-4 and Bone Loss
All-on-4 was specifically designed for patients with moderate bone loss. The angled posterior implants engage the denser front section of the jaw, which often retains bone even when the back has deteriorated. This means many patients can receive All-on-4 without bone grafting.
All-on-6 and Bone Requirements
All-on-6 requires sufficient bone in more locations across the jaw. If bone has been lost in the back of the jaw (common after years of wearing dentures), you may need a bone graft or sinus lift before the implants can be placed. This adds 3–6 months of healing time before the implants are fitted.
Recovery Timeline
Both All-on-4 and All-on-6 follow a similar recovery process:
- Day 1: Surgery and placement of temporary fixed bridge (same-day teeth)
- Days 2–5: Swelling and mild discomfort — managed with prescribed medication
- Week 1–2: Soft food diet while implants begin to integrate
- Month 1–3: Gradual return to normal diet as healing progresses
- Month 3–6: Osseointegration completes — implants fully fused with bone
- Month 4–6: Return to Turkey for permanent bridge fitting (1–2 days)
You can fly home 2–3 days after surgery with your temporary fixed teeth in place. The permanent zirconia or porcelain bridge is fitted on a second visit, typically 4–6 months later.
Which Should You Choose: All-on-4 or All-on-6?
Choose All-on-4 If:
- You have moderate bone loss and want to avoid bone grafting
- You want the most affordable full-arch implant option
- You do not have extremely heavy bite force
- You want a proven technique with decades of clinical evidence
Choose All-on-6 If:
- You have adequate bone density in your jaw
- You want maximum strength and stability
- You grind or clench your teeth (bruxism)
- You want the added safety of implant redundancy
- Your dentist recommends it based on your CT scan results
Your dentist will recommend the best option based on your CT scan, bone density assessment, and overall oral health. Many clinics in Turkey offer a free initial assessment based on a panoramic X-ray you can send from home before booking your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do All-on-4 and All-on-6 implants last?
The titanium implants themselves can last a lifetime with proper care. The prosthetic bridge (the visible teeth) typically lasts 15–25 years before it may need replacing. Zirconia bridges tend to last longer than acrylic ones.
Can I eat normally after treatment?
You will receive temporary fixed teeth on the same day as surgery, allowing you to eat soft foods immediately. After full healing (4–6 months), you can eat almost anything — including steak, apples, and nuts. This is a major advantage over removable dentures.
What implant brands are used in Turkey?
Reputable clinics in Turkey use internationally recognised implant brands including Straumann (Switzerland), Nobel Biocare (Sweden), Osstem (South Korea), and Megagen (South Korea). Always ask your clinic which brand they use and request documentation.
Do I need to visit Turkey twice?
Yes, most full-arch implant treatments require two visits. The first visit (5–7 days) covers surgery and temporary teeth placement. The second visit (3–5 days), 4–6 months later, is for fitting your permanent zirconia bridge. Some clinics offer expedited protocols that can be completed in a single longer trip.
Is All-on-4 or All-on-6 better for the upper jaw?
The upper jaw typically has softer, less dense bone than the lower jaw. All-on-6 is often recommended for the upper jaw because the extra implants provide additional support in softer bone. All-on-4 may work for the upper jaw if bone density is adequate, but your dentist will advise based on your scan.
What happens if an implant fails?
Implant failure rates for All-on-4 and All-on-6 are low (around 2–5%). If one All-on-6 implant fails, the remaining five can usually support the bridge while a replacement is placed. With All-on-4, losing one implant has a bigger impact, and the bridge may need to be modified. Reputable clinics in Turkey offer warranties covering implant failure.
Get a Free Assessment for Full-Arch Implants
At Sante Clinic, we help patients from the UK, Europe, and beyond receive high-quality All-on-4 and All-on-6 treatments in Istanbul at a fraction of the cost. Our partner clinics use premium implant brands with full warranties.
Start with a free assessment:
- Send us your panoramic X-ray via WhatsApp for a free treatment plan
- Visit our Contact page to book a video consultation
- Learn more about Dental Implants in Turkey
- See our Prices page for current 2026 rates