Joanna Tricorache, DDS | Dental Fillings, Regenerative Procedures and Sleep Apnea
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All-on-6®

What All-on-6® means for a full-arch restoration

All-on-6® is a modern approach to replacing an entire upper or lower arch of teeth using six strategically placed dental implants to support a fixed prosthesis. Rather than relying on removable dentures, this technique delivers a permanent bridge that feels and functions much like natural teeth. The design emphasizes stability and even load distribution across the jaw, which can improve chewing efficiency and speech compared with traditional removable replacements.

Where conventional dentures rest on the gums, an All-on-6® prosthesis is anchored directly to titanium implants that integrate with the jawbone. That integration—known as osseointegration—creates a durable foundation for the replacement teeth and eliminates the need for denture adhesives or nightly removal. For many patients, this translates into greater confidence eating and speaking in everyday situations.

The All-on-6® approach is sometimes chosen over other implant methods because the extra two implants (compared with four-implant systems) can provide added support and distribution of forces. This can be especially helpful for patients with wider arches or those seeking a particularly robust long-term solution. Because the prosthesis is fixed, routine oral hygiene resembles caring for natural teeth with brushing and flossing around the restoration.

Although All-on-6® is a powerful restorative option, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. A careful evaluation of bone quality, oral health, and overall medical history guides whether this method is appropriate for an individual patient. The goal is to match treatment options to each person's anatomy and lifestyle to achieve reliable function and lasting comfort.

How we evaluate suitability and plan treatment

Determining whether someone is a candidate for All-on-6® begins with a comprehensive clinical exam and diagnostic imaging. Digital X-rays and 3D cone-beam scans give the clinical team a clear view of bone volume, nerve pathways, and sinus anatomy. These images are essential for planning implant positions that both support the prosthesis and avoid key anatomical structures.

During the consultation, the clinician will review the patient’s dental history, medical conditions, medications, and expectations. Certain health issues—such as uncontrolled diabetes or smoking—can influence healing and implant success, so these factors are discussed openly and managed as part of the treatment plan. The consultation also covers prosthetic preferences, including materials and esthetic goals for the final smile.

Virtual planning software is often used to simulate implant placement and to design the temporary and definitive prostheses. This pre-surgical planning streamlines the clinical workflow and helps predict the final outcome with greater accuracy. Collaborating with the patient at this stage ensures that function, comfort, and appearance are balanced in the final plan.

Comprehensive care also anticipates potential adjunctive procedures. When bone deficiencies are detected, options such as ridge augmentation or sinus floor elevation may be discussed. In many cases, careful implant placement and the use of immediate provisional teeth reduce the need for more invasive preparatory surgeries, but individualized planning determines the safest path forward.

The surgical and prosthetic process explained

Surgery for All-on-6® typically involves placing six implants along the jaw to create a stable base for a fixed full-arch prosthesis. Many clinicians use guided surgical techniques to position implants precisely according to the preoperative plan. This precision helps optimize implant angulation and depth, which are critical for long-term mechanical stability and esthetics.

One of the notable advantages of this approach is the possibility of immediate provisionalization. In suitable cases, a temporary set of teeth can be attached to the implants on the same day as surgery. These temporaries restore function and appearance while the implants undergo osseointegration—a period of several months during which the bone bonds securely to the implant surfaces.

Once integration is confirmed, the temporary prosthesis is replaced with a definitive restoration crafted to the patient's functional and esthetic goals. The final prosthesis may be designed with a titanium framework supporting acrylic or ceramic teeth, depending on the chosen balance between durability and translucency. The laboratory and the clinical team work together to ensure a precise fit and comfortable occlusion.

Postoperative care includes guidance on diet, hygiene, and follow-up visits to monitor healing. Regular checkups allow the team to assess soft tissue health, occlusion, and implant stability. With attentive aftercare and routine maintenance, many patients achieve reliable, long-term function from their All-on-6® restorations.

Advantages of choosing a fixed implant-supported arch

A principal benefit of All-on-6® is the shift from removable to fixed restoration—an important quality-of-life change for many people. Fixed prostheses eliminate slipping or movement associated with dentures, enabling more comfortable eating and clearer speech. Because the restoration is secured to implants, it also restores bite force more effectively than removable alternatives, allowing a wider range of foods to be enjoyed.

The increased number of implants in an All-on-6® configuration can provide enhanced support and resilience under function. This can reduce the risk of prosthetic rotation or instability over time. For patients with broader arches or those who require extra mechanical support, the six-implant approach often delivers a reassuring sense of permanence.

Maintenance is straightforward: daily brushing, careful flossing around the prosthesis, and regular professional examinations keep both the implants and surrounding tissues healthy. Periodic professional cleanings and evaluations help detect any early signs of wear or tissue changes so adjustments can be made before problems develop.

Beyond functionality, a well-designed implant-supported arch can also restore facial contours that may have been altered by tooth loss and bone resorption. By supporting the soft tissues, a fixed restoration can help preserve facial structure and contribute to a rejuvenated, natural-looking smile.

Risks, realistic expectations, and long-term outlook

As with any surgical procedure, implant placement carries inherent risks such as infection, bleeding, or nerve irritation. Careful planning, sterile technique, and attentive postoperative monitoring minimize these risks. The clinical team will explain potential complications and the steps taken to prevent them so patients can make informed decisions.

Success with All-on-6® depends on factors like systemic health, oral hygiene, and adherence to follow-up care. While implant-supported prostheses have high success rates, ongoing maintenance and monitoring are essential to maximize longevity. Smoking cessation, good blood sugar control, and consistent oral hygiene habits all contribute to more favorable outcomes.

Patients should also have realistic expectations about the process. Immediate temporaries provide function and appearance early on, but full maturation and final restorations require time. The definitive prosthesis is a carefully crafted piece that may need occasional adjustments to maintain optimal comfort and function.

When planned and executed thoughtfully, All-on-6® can provide a stable, long-term solution for people seeking a fixed full-arch restoration. Regular evaluations and attentive care help preserve both implant health and prosthetic integrity, supporting everyday comfort and reliable performance for years to come.

Whether you are exploring options after significant tooth loss or seeking a more secure alternative to removable dentures, All-on-6® is a proven technique that many patients find transformative. The team at Joanna Tricorache, DDS takes a careful, individualized approach to planning and delivering full-arch restorations. Contact us to learn more about how this solution may fit your needs and to schedule a consultation for personalized guidance and next steps.

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