Dental implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth, often used to replace an entire arch of teeth. They are of two types — the all-on-6 dental implants and the all-on-4. Dentists use both methods to reconstruct either the whole of upper or lower jaw or both, and are hence known as full mouth dental implants.
The primary reason most people opt for dental implants is that they offer a more effective solution than dentures. They are firmer, allowing a person to chew and speak more easily.
If dental implants are expensive in your country, you can access them at a significantly lower cost through dental tourism in Albania. Highly qualified doctors provide the same level of expertise as in your country of residence, but the entire process is much less expensive, even when the cost of travel is factored in.
stagWhat Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a “post” that is inserted into the jawbone onto which a fixed set of prosthetic teeth is screwed on.
In an all-on-6 dental implant, six such posts, made of titanium, are inserted into the jawbone. The titanium posts eventually fuse into the jawbone.
On top of these posts, an entire set of prosthetic teeth is placed. In an all-on-4 dental implant, the prosthetic teeth are placed on 4 supporting titanium posts.
All-on-6 Dental Implants
All-on-6 dental implants require six titanium posts to be inserted — two in front and four at the back. This is used for people with stronger bone density who require enhanced support. In this case, the posts are inserted straight and not at an angle. You will also need to wait until the posts fuse with the jawbone before the prosthetic teeth are put in.
- This procedure offers greater support for chewing and biting.
- It is usually preferred for patients with a strong bone structure.
- The procedure is more expensive than all-on-4s.
- It has fewer maintenance requirements.
All-on-4 Dental Implants
All-on-4 dental implants require four titanium posts to be inserted into the jawbone. Two will be placed in front, and two at the back, at an angle, to ensure a more stable structure for prosthetic support. All-on-4s are done when there has been bone loss or the jaws have a lower bone density.
Features of all-on-4 dental implants:
- Since there are only four implants to be inserted, patients experience less discomfort and heal faster. Also, the prosthetic teeth can be put in on the same day. It’s known as immediate loading.
- This procedure also costs less because only four implants need to be put in.
- It is a suitable solution for those who have less than ideal bone density in the jaws.
- In certain complex cases involving severe bone loss, all-on-4 is not suitable.
- It requires good maintenance in case the implants become loose.
When To Get All-on-6 Dental Implants and All-on-4 Dental Implants?
| All-on-6 dental implants | All-on-4 dental implants |
| Suitable for those with a strong and healthy jawbone | Ideal for patients with considerable bone loss |
| More expensive, but it’s a good investment option for those with sufficient bone density | Less expensive, suitable solution for those with budget constraints |
| Suits those who want a greater bite force and want to eat tougher meat or raw veggies | Although it doesn’t offer the same level of bite force, it still provides good functionality. |
Conclusion
Choosing between All-on-4 and All-on-6 dental implants largely depends on your jawbone density.
While both procedures offer a permanent and natural-looking replacement for missing teeth, if you have a healthy jawbone and want bite strength, All-on-6 is often the better long-term solution.
On the other hand, if you’ve experienced jawbone loss or are looking for a quicker, more affordable option with minimal recovery time, an all-on-4 could be ideal.
Always consult with a dentist to assess your specific situation and determine the best course of action for you.
For those seeking quality care at a lower cost, dental tourism in Albania is a practical option worth exploring.
