For adults facing the loss of an entire upper or lower arch, All-on-6® has emerged as a predictable, life-changing option. This approach uses six strategically placed dental implants to support a full-arch prosthesis, giving patients a stable, permanent alternative to removable dentures. The goal is to restore function and confidence while simplifying daily care: the prosthesis behaves much like natural teeth and is maintained with familiar oral hygiene routines.
At Dodson Brothers Dentistry we emphasize treatments that combine durability, comfort, and an efficient treatment timeline. All-on-6® is designed for patients who want a secure, fixed solution for full-arch tooth replacement and who value an outcome that supports chewing, speech, and facial structure. Below are the key aspects of the procedure and what patients can reasonably expect from planning through long-term maintenance.
All-on-6® refers to the placement of six implants along the jaw to anchor a full arch of replacement teeth. Unlike traditional dentures, which sit on the gums and can shift, these implants are integrated into the bone to create a stable foundation. This anchorage mimics the support that natural tooth roots provide, improving function and reducing the movement that can interfere with eating and speaking.
Because the prosthesis is attached to implants, patients enjoy a fixed restoration that feels more like natural dentition. The design of the prosthesis distributes biting forces across multiple implants, which enhances stability and makes it easier to bite into a variety of foods. For many patients, this translates into an immediate improvement in day-to-day comfort and confidence.
All-on-6® can be used on the upper arch, lower arch, or both, depending on individual needs. The approach is especially useful when a patient requires full-arch replacement but prefers to avoid the ongoing upkeep and mobility associated with removable dentures. Treatment planning determines whether a temporary arch will be placed immediately or if a staged approach is more appropriate.
Successful All-on-6® treatment begins with a thorough clinical evaluation and modern imaging, such as cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), to assess bone volume and anatomical landmarks. These images allow clinicians to map implant positions that optimize both function and esthetics while protecting critical structures like nerves and sinus cavities. Precise planning reduces surprises during surgery and helps produce predictable outcomes.
A digital workflow often supports the process, enabling the team to simulate implant placement and design provisional and final prostheses before surgery. This collaborative planning lets patients see how their new smile will sit in the mouth and how it will affect facial support. The result is a treatment plan tailored to a patient’s anatomy and cosmetic goals, not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Patient health and medical history are also part of the planning discussion. The dental team reviews factors such as bone quality, oral hygiene habits, and any medical conditions that could affect healing. Clear communication about expectations, timeline, and the sequence of appointments helps patients feel informed and prepared for each stage of treatment.
On the day of implant placement, patients typically receive local anesthesia and, when appropriate, sedation options to enhance comfort. During surgery, six implants are positioned in carefully planned locations to maximize bone support and prosthetic alignment. In many cases, a temporary bridge can be affixed the same day to restore immediate function while the implants begin the integration process.
Osseointegration—the biological process where bone grows around the implant—occurs over several weeks to a few months and is critical to the long-term success of the restoration. During this period, patients should follow the post-operative instructions provided by the dental team, which may include dietary recommendations, oral hygiene guidance, and scheduled follow-up visits to monitor healing.
Sensitivity, mild swelling, and short-term changes in how the bite feels are common early on and generally resolve as tissues adapt. The clinical team will advise on pain management, safe cleaning techniques around the temporary prosthesis, and a timetable for transitioning to the final prosthesis once integration is confirmed.
One of the most immediate benefits of All-on-6® is the restoration of reliable chewing ability. Because the arch is supported by multiple implants, patients experience improved bite force and can enjoy a broader range of foods compared with conventional removable dentures. This functional gain often contributes to better nutrition and overall quality of life.
Aesthetics are also a significant consideration: the final prosthesis is designed to recreate natural tooth proportions, alignment, and appearance while supporting the facial contours that are often diminished after tooth loss. The result is a smile that looks natural and maintains the lower facial height and fullness that contribute to a youthful appearance.
Stability is another practical advantage. Fixed implant-supported arches eliminate the need for adhesives and minimize the daily manipulation required by removable options. This steadiness reduces irritation to the gums and simplifies oral care routines, as patients brush and floss around the prosthesis in ways similar to natural teeth.
Longevity hinges on regular maintenance and good oral hygiene. Patients should adhere to professional recall visits so the dental team can evaluate implant health, prosthetic fit, and hygiene status. At-home care usually includes brushing with a soft brush and using interdental tools recommended by the clinician to clean under and around the prosthesis.
Lifestyle factors such as tobacco use and uncontrolled systemic conditions can influence implant outcomes, so addressing these with the dental team and medical providers is an important part of long-term planning. The practice will also provide guidance on protective measures—such as night guards—for patients who grind their teeth to reduce undue stress on the prosthesis.
When properly planned and maintained, an All-on-6® restoration can function reliably for many years. Periodic assessments ensure that any adjustments to the prosthesis or hygiene regimen are made promptly, helping preserve oral health and the integrity of the implant support system.
If you are considering full-arch replacement, the office of Dodson Brothers Dentistry can help you evaluate whether All-on-6® is a suitable option based on your oral health and personal goals. Our team focuses on clear communication, precise planning, and attentive care at every step.
To learn more about how All-on-6® might restore function and confidence to your smile, please contact us for additional information. We welcome the opportunity to answer your questions and discuss the treatment pathway that best fits your needs.
All-on-6® is a full-arch tooth replacement approach that uses six dental implants to anchor a fixed prosthesis across the upper or lower jaw. The implants are placed in strategic positions to distribute biting forces and create a stable foundation that is integrated with the jawbone.
This method differs from removable dentures because the prosthesis is secured to implants rather than resting on the gums, which reduces movement and improves function. Compared with fewer-implant protocols, placing six implants can enhance load distribution and prosthetic support, helping the restoration perform more like natural dentition.
The treatment is intended to restore chewing, speech, and facial structure while simplifying daily care because the prosthesis is maintained with regular brushing and interdental cleaning similar to natural teeth. Treatment specifics are individualized to each patient’s anatomy and oral-health needs to achieve predictable, long-term results.
Candidates typically include adults who are missing most or all teeth in an arch or who have nonrestorable dentition and want a fixed, implant-supported solution. A thorough evaluation of bone volume, gum health, and overall medical history is necessary to determine suitability for implant placement and integration.
Good candidates maintain reasonable oral hygiene and are committed to follow-up care; certain systemic conditions, untreated periodontal disease, or tobacco use can affect healing and should be discussed with the dental team. When bone quantity is limited, supplemental procedures such as grafting may be considered to support implant placement and long-term stability.
Ultimately, candidacy is determined through clinical exam and imaging, notably cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), which helps clinicians design a plan that matches the patient’s anatomy and functional goals. The consultation process also clarifies expectations for timeline, provisional restorations, and the sequence of care.
Planning begins with a comprehensive clinical exam and advanced imaging such as CBCT to evaluate bone anatomy, sinus position, and vital structures. These images allow the team to map implant positions precisely and to plan prosthetic outcomes that balance function and esthetics.
A digital workflow often supports planning by enabling virtual implant placement and prosthesis design, so patients can preview expected results and the clinical team can fabricate temporaries or guides in advance. This collaborative approach reduces surprises during surgery and helps ensure predictable surgical and restorative steps.
Medical history, medications, and lifestyle factors are reviewed as part of the plan, and the team discusses the recommended timeline, temporary prosthesis options, and follow-up schedule so patients feel informed about each stage. Clear communication about risks, benefits, and post-operative care is an essential part of the planning process.
On the day of surgery patients receive local anesthesia and, when appropriate, sedation to ensure comfort during the procedure. The surgeon places six implants in predetermined positions, taking care to maximize bone support and achieve proper prosthetic alignment.
In many cases a provisional fixed bridge can be attached the same day to restore immediate function and esthetics while osseointegration occurs. The provisional helps maintain soft tissue contours and allows patients to eat softer foods as they heal under the guidance of the dental team.
Surgical time and specific techniques vary based on individual anatomy and whether extractions or bone grafting are required, and the clinician provides post-operative instructions for care, diet, and medications. Follow-up visits are scheduled to monitor healing and to plan the transition to the final prosthesis once implant integration is confirmed.
After implant placement the biologic process of osseointegration begins, during which bone bonds to the implant surface to create a stable anchor for the prosthesis. This phase typically spans several weeks to a few months depending on the individual, the location of the implants, and the patient’s healing capacity.
Mild swelling, sensitivity, and temporary changes in bite are common and generally resolve as tissues adapt, and the practice will advise on safe cleaning around the provisional restoration and on dietary modifications to protect the implants. Routine follow-up visits allow the team to evaluate tissue health, manage any concerns, and confirm readiness for the final prosthesis.
Adherence to the prescribed home-care instructions and avoidance of behaviors that impede healing—such as smoking—are important for successful integration. The clinical team monitors progress and communicates the expected timeline for delivery of the definitive fixed arch when stability is achieved.
An implant-supported fixed arch reestablishes reliable chewing ability by distributing bite forces across multiple implants, which improves efficiency compared with removable options. This functional stability enables many patients to enjoy a wider variety of foods and supports better nutrition and overall oral function.
From an aesthetic perspective, the prosthesis is designed to recreate natural tooth proportions and alignment while supporting facial contours that can be lost after tooth loss. Properly planned restorations maintain lower facial height and fullness, contributing to a natural and balanced appearance.
Because the prosthesis is secured, patients experience less irritation to the gums and fewer concerns about movement or adhesives, and the fixed nature simplifies daily oral hygiene routines that resemble caring for natural teeth. The combined functional and aesthetic benefits aim to improve comfort, confidence, and long-term oral health.
Long-term success depends on regular professional checkups and diligent home care; patients should attend scheduled recall visits so the dental team can assess implant health, prosthetic fit, and hygiene status. At-home routines typically include brushing with a soft brush and cleaning under and around the prosthesis using interdental tools recommended by the clinician.
The clinician may recommend periodic professional hygiene appointments that include specialized cleaning around implants and inspection of the prosthesis for wear or loosening. Protective measures such as night guards can be advised for patients who clench or grind to reduce stress on the restoration.
Periodic maintenance also allows the team to make necessary adjustments or repairs promptly, helping preserve the implant-support system and overall oral health. Consistent monitoring and communication with the dental team are key elements of long-term care.
Several health and lifestyle factors can influence healing and implant longevity, including uncontrolled systemic conditions, compromised immune function, and smoking. Medications that affect bone metabolism and certain medical histories should be disclosed so the team can evaluate risks and coordinate care as needed.
Oral factors such as active periodontal disease or poor oral hygiene can compromise implant survival and should be addressed before implant surgery. When necessary, adjunctive procedures like bone grafting or periodontal therapy are used to optimize the site for implant placement.
Open communication about medical history, medications, and daily habits allows the dental team to tailor the treatment plan, recommend appropriate preoperative steps, and monitor healing closely. Managing modifiable risk factors improves the chances of a successful, long-term outcome.
Compared with removable dentures, All-on-6® provides a fixed restoration anchored to implants, which limits movement, eliminates the need for adhesives, and often improves chewing efficiency and comfort. Removable dentures rest on the gums and can shift during function, whereas implant-supported arches provide greater stability and prosthetic support.
All-on-6® and All-on-4® are both implant-supported full-arch strategies, but they differ in implant number and placement philosophy; All-on-6® uses six implants to distribute forces across more anchors, which may be preferred for certain anatomical situations or prosthetic design requirements. All-on-4® employs four implants with cantilever considerations and can be advantageous in some cases where bone availability or anatomical constraints influence the plan.
The choice between approaches depends on individual factors such as bone anatomy, esthetic goals, and functional needs, and the clinical team will review the pros and cons of each option during planning to determine the most predictable solution for the patient. Imaging and prosthetic planning guide the selection so the restoration meets both functional and esthetic objectives.
Start with a consultation at the office of Dodson Brothers Dentistry in Kihei where a comprehensive exam and CBCT imaging can evaluate your oral anatomy, bone volume, and overall suitability for implants. During the visit the team reviews your medical and dental history, discusses goals and concerns, and explains potential treatment sequences including provisional and final prosthetic options.
The practice uses a digital planning workflow to simulate outcomes and to develop a personalized plan that balances function, stability, and esthetics. If additional procedures such as extractions or grafting are indicated, the team outlines the sequence and timeline so you understand each step.
After the evaluation you will receive clear guidance on the recommended approach, expected healing milestones, and the follow-up schedule required to support long-term success. Scheduling a consultation is the best way to get a tailored assessment and to have your questions answered by the clinical team.
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