All on 6 : Dental implant solution

What is All on 6?

All on 6 is a complete dental implant solution that works by placing 6 implants evenly distributed over the jawbone ofa patient who has lost all (or most) of their teeth in one or both arches. All on 6 is a fixed, long-lasting solution: the patient does not have to remove the prosthesis on a daily basis because the teeth are perfectly fixed, just like natural teeth.

How does All on 6 work?

All on 6 implants work in the same way as All on 4 implants. The main difference lies in the number of implants fixed. As the name suggests, All on 4 involves fixing 4 implants in the jawbone to fit a fixed prosthesis; All on 6 involves fixing 6 implants instead of 4.

In practical terms, a patient may need to replace all the teeth in an arch (upper or lower). This can happen following a serious trauma, an accident or a pathology (such as aggravated periodontitis or untreated cavities). In these cases, All on 6 allows the patient to emerge from the operation with an immediate temporary prosthesis. At no point during the treatment can the patient be left “toothless”.

What are the advantages of All on 6 compared with All on 4 ?

The All on 6 procedure offers a number of advantages:

– As with the All on 4 solution, the procedure can be carried out during the day, so the patient avoids being left completely toothless at certain stages of the treatment;
– It offers greater stability and comfort than the All on 4 thanks to 2 additional fixation points: the implants are more evenly distributed in the patient’s mouth. The masticatory force required for each implant is lower because it is spread over 6 implants rather than 4. For these reasons, younger patients or those with a high masticatory force (such as patients with a tendency to grind their teeth) have a major interest in opting for the All on 6 solution.
– It provides an even more natural aesthetic result and allows the patient to regain a harmonious smile.
– In the event of an implant becoming infected or needing to be removed, the prosthesis can continue to be used perfectly well and there is no need to replace an implant. It is even possible for 2 implants to be removed without any impact on the prosthesis.

How much does an All on 6 cost?

In Switzerland, an All on 6 generally costs between CHF 25,000 and 35,000 per dental arch. The difference in price is mainly due to the complexity of the procedure: it depends on the patient’s state of oral health, the number of remaining teeth to be extracted, etc. Each dentist is also free to charge his or her own rates, so prices vary from one clinic to another. Finally, the choice and quality of materials used can also affect the overall cost.

Ask your dentist for a personalised quote to estimate the cost of the procedure. At CHD, the All on 6 prosthesis is guaranteed for life as long as the patient has regular check-ups and follows the recommendations of his or her hygienist.

What are the disadvantages of All on 6?

All on 6 has few drawbacks. There is, however, one drawback: as with any implant, whether single or multiple, regular visits to the dentist are necessary so that he can thoroughly clean the prosthesis and the secondary parts of the implants, as some areas are difficult to access during daily brushing.

What are the alternatives to All on 6?

It all depends on what you’re looking for, and there are several possible techniques. If you absolutely need a fixed solution to replace your missing teeth and maximise the success rate of your dental implant treatment, All on 8 may be a suitable solution. It is more expensive but even more reliable than the All on 6 solution.

If you’re on a tighter budget, you could opt for an All on 4 procedure, bearing in mind that with only 4 implants to support the complete prosthesis, the chewing force imposed on each implant is greater and you may encounter problems with the long-term stability and even durability of your implants.

A dental bridge (with crowns) can also be considered, depending on your situation, your needs and your preferences.

You can also opt for a removable prosthesis, for example. You will save money, but this solution offers less comfort and is less aesthetically pleasing than an All on 4, All on 6 or All on 8 procedure.

Finally, there is a compromise solution in the form of a hybrid prosthesis: 4 implants can be placed, and the prosthesis clipped in a semi-fixed position. It can then be unclipped every evening for cleaning.

Is the All on 6 solution right for you?

The All on 6 solution could be for you if:
– You have lost the majority of your teeth, or they need to be extracted because of infection or decay (in the upper or lower arch, or both);
– You have considerable chewing strength and want to be able to eat any type of food.
– You want a fixed solution that can be fitted quickly, without ever being toothless or having a removable prosthesis.

But to be sure you’re making the right choice, ask your dentist for advice. Only he or she can assess your oral health and suggest the solution best suited to your needs.

How long does the All on 6 procedure last?

Although the entire All on 6 procedure can be carried out in a single day, it still takes an average of 5 hours, divided into two phases:

– 2 to 3 hours devoted to extracting the remaining teeth, preparing the bone crest, fixing the 6 implants and taking impressions;
– Around 2 hours to fit the temporary prosthesis and make any necessary adjustments to the implants fixed earlier.

What are the stages in the All on 6 procedure?

An All on 6 solution is generally fitted in 4 stages:

– Stage 1 consists of carrying out the examinations required to analyse the patient’s situation in detail;
– Stage 2 consists of collecting all the data required to design the prosthesis;
– Stage 3 consists of carrying out the operation, i.e. removing the remaining teeth, then fixing the 6 implants to the patient’s jawbone (this operation is generally carried out under local anaesthetic), and finally fitting and adjusting the prosthesis;
– Stage 4 consists of replacing the provisional prosthesis with the final prosthesis. This stage generally takes place between the 3rd and 6th month after the implants have been fitted, to allow the jawbone to heal after the implants have been fitted.

How long do All on 6 implants last?

The All on 6 method is a solution renowned for its durability. It is designed to be placed permanently and has a lifespan of between 15 and 20 years for certain clinics, and for life in the case of treatments carried out at CHD.

However, the durability of the All on 6 solution also depends on the patient’s habits. Rigorous maintenance and regular monitoring by a dentist and a hygienist are essential to ensure the longevity of the implants and the prosthesis.

Do I need to adjust my diet after treatment?

After dental implant treatment, it is essential that you pay attention to what you eat and drink after the operation. Ask your dentist for advice, but it is generally recommended that you stick to a soft diet for the first few weeks after the operation.

After a few weeks, unless your dentist specifies otherwise, you will be able to reintroduce a “classic” diet, provided, of course, that the food you eat does not require too much chewing.

How do I look after my All on 6 implants?

Maintaining your All on 6 implants is very simple: all you have to do is adopt rigorous oral hygiene on a daily basis, following the hygienist’s recommendations, and visit your dentist or hygienist at least once a year to carry out the necessary care and deep cleaning of your prosthesis. This step will involve unscrewing the prosthesis to clean all the secondary parts.

Also pay attention to your diet: don’t chew food that’s too hard, and avoid alcohol and tobacco.
If you have the slightest doubt, ask your hygienist for advice.

Can I replace my current dentures with All on 6?

Would you like to switch to a fixed solution to replace your missing teeth? You can perfectly well replace your current dentures with an All on 6 implant solution, but it’s important to know that you’ll have to start the implant process all over again. Your current removable prosthesis cannot be reused because it is not strong enough to withstand the chewing loads associated with implants…