All-on-6 is a full-arch dental implant treatment designed to replace an entire upper or lower set of teeth using six implants as the foundation for a fixed bridge. It is often chosen by people who want a stable, non-removable alternative to dentures, especially when many teeth are missing or no longer salvageable. The aim is to restore confident chewing, clearer speech, and a natural-looking smile with a long-term solution that feels secure.

What All-on-6 is designed to achieve

All-on-6 uses six dental implants placed across the jaw to support a full-arch fixed restoration (a bridge that is secured to the implants). By distributing biting forces across more implants than an All-on-4 approach, All-on-6 can provide excellent stability and load sharing, which may be beneficial for patients with stronger bite forces or when additional support is preferred.

The final teeth are typically made as a strong, carefully fitted bridge. Material choices vary by clinical plan, but a common approach is a metal-supported porcelain restoration, selected for durability and a natural appearance.

Who All-on-6 may be suitable for

All-on-6 may be considered if you:

• Are missing most or all teeth in one jaw, or your remaining teeth cannot be predictably saved
• Struggle with loose dentures, sore spots, or reduced chewing ability
• Want a fixed solution that is only removed by a dental professional
• Have enough jawbone volume and quality to support six implants, or can safely undergo preparatory procedures if needed

It may be less suitable if you:

• Have uncontrolled medical conditions that affect healing (for example, poorly controlled diabetes)
• Smoke heavily, as this increases the risk of implant complications
• Have active gum disease that has not been treated
• Are unable to attend follow-up appointments or maintain daily oral hygiene around implants

A full assessment is essential because suitability depends on bone levels, bite forces, gum health, medical history, and expectations.

Assessment and planning before treatment

Planning for full-arch implants is highly individual. Before any procedure, a detailed evaluation is carried out to confirm that All-on-6 is appropriate and to design a predictable plan.

This typically includes:

• A review of your medical history, medications, and dental history
• A full oral examination, including gum health and bite assessment
• 3D imaging (CBCT scan) to measure bone volume, identify anatomical structures, and plan implant positions
• Discussion of aesthetic goals, tooth shape and shade, and how the new teeth should support the lips and face

Digital planning software may be used to map the ideal implant depth, angle, and spacing. This planning step is particularly important for long-term function and for creating a bridge that is comfortable, cleansable, and stable.

How All-on-6 treatment is generally carried out

The exact steps vary depending on whether teeth need to be removed, whether there is infection to treat, and whether additional procedures are required. Your treatment plan will explain what applies to you.

Implant placement

The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic, and sedation may be available for patients who feel anxious or for longer surgical appointments. If any remaining teeth in the arch are not restorable, they may be removed at the same visit.

Six implants are then placed into the jawbone in pre-planned positions. The goal is to achieve strong initial stability while respecting the anatomy of the jaw.

Temporary teeth during healing

After implant placement, a temporary appliance is usually provided for comfort and appearance during healing. In some clinical protocols, a non-fixed temporary option is preferred to protect the implants while they integrate with the bone. This approach helps reduce early biting forces that could overload healing implants.

Your team will advise you on what you will wear immediately after surgery and how to eat safely during this phase.

Healing and osseointegration

A healing period is required for osseointegration, the process where the bone bonds to the implant surface and creates a stable foundation. This phase commonly takes around 3 to 6 months, depending on your bone quality, overall health, and whether the upper or lower jaw is being treated.

During healing, a soft diet is usually recommended for a period of time to reduce stress on the implants.

Fitting the final fixed bridge

Once integration is confirmed, the final bridge is designed and fitted. This stage involves detailed impressions or digital scans and bite records so the bridge can be made to match your facial features and functional needs.

The final restoration is secured to the implants by a dental professional. Although it is fixed in place for everyday life, it can be removed in clinic for maintenance when needed.

Recovery and what to expect afterwards

Most people experience some swelling, tenderness, and mild bruising after implant surgery. Discomfort is usually manageable with prescribed or recommended pain relief. You will receive tailored aftercare instructions, which typically include:

• How to manage swelling and keep the area clean
• Guidance on eating and drinking, including a soft diet for a defined period
• Advice on brushing and cleaning around the gums during early healing
• A follow-up schedule to monitor healing and implant stability

As you progress from healing to the final bridge, chewing ability usually improves significantly. Speech may take a short period to adapt, particularly if you have been without stable teeth for some time.

Important risks, limitations, and considerations

All-on-6 is a well-established treatment, but it is still surgery and it is not risk-free. Your consent discussion should include the benefits, alternatives, and potential complications.

Possible risks and limitations include:

• Infection, delayed healing, or post-operative discomfort
• Implant failure to integrate (more likely with smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, or poor bone quality)
• Gum inflammation around implants (peri-implant mucositis) or more serious peri-implantitis if plaque control is poor
• Bite or jaw discomfort if the bite is not balanced, sometimes requiring adjustments
• Mechanical issues such as loosening of screws, chipping of the tooth material, or wear over time
• The need for additional procedures in some cases, such as bone contouring, sinus-related procedures in the upper jaw, or treatment of gum disease

It is also important to understand that implants do not protect against gum inflammation. Long-term success depends on daily cleaning, regular professional maintenance, and addressing risk factors such as smoking.

Looking after All-on-6 long term

A fixed bridge is designed to stay in place, but it still needs consistent care. Patients are usually advised to:

• Clean carefully around the bridge and gumline every day using the recommended tools (for example, interdental brushes or water flossers, depending on the design)
• Attend regular reviews and hygiene appointments
• Have periodic professional maintenance, which may include removing the bridge in clinic for deep cleaning and inspection

With good home care and ongoing maintenance, All-on-6 can provide a stable, functional result for many years.

Your consultation and ongoing support

Choosing full-arch implants is a significant decision. The consultation is designed to give you clarity about what is possible, what is realistic, and what is safest for your mouth and overall health.

At our clinic, your care is coordinated as a single, accountable team. From assessment and planning through surgery, restoration design, and follow-up, the focus is on continuity and clear communication. You will receive a personalised treatment plan based on clinical findings, including imaging results, bite assessment, and your preferences.

If All-on-6 is not the best option for your anatomy or goals, alternatives may be discussed, such as other full-arch implant protocols or implant-supported removable solutions. The priority is a plan that is predictable, maintainable, and aligned with your long-term oral health.