All on 4 Dental Implants
All-on-4 Versus All-on-6: The Difference
If you’re researching All-on-4 vs All-on-6 dental implants in Melbourne — whether you’re based in Preston, Northcote, Thornbury, Fitzroy, Carlton, Brunswick, Coburg, or anywhere across Melbourne’s inner north — you’ve likely come across both terms and wondered what the difference actually means for you.
The short answer: both are fixed, non-removable full-arch implant solutions. The difference is the number of implants used to support the bridge — four versus six — and that difference has real clinical implications for who each option suits. However, the right choice is never about which number sounds better. It’s about what your bone, your anatomy, and your bite actually support.
This article explains how All-on-4 and All-on-6 dental implants differ, who each suits, what drives the cost difference, and why the answer is always individual. If you’re weighing up fixed implant solutions in Melbourne’s inner north, this guide will help you walk into your consultation informed.
What Is All-on-4? A Clinical Comparison Guide for Melbourne Patients
All-on-4 is a full-arch implant technique that uses four titanium implants per arch to support a fixed, non-removable bridge. Two implants are placed vertically at the front of the jaw, and two are angled — typically at 30 to 45 degrees — toward the back. This angulation is the defining feature of All-on-4.
By tilting the posterior implants, the technique makes use of existing bone in the front and mid-section of the jaw, rather than requiring bone at the very back where significant resorption commonly occurs after long-term tooth loss. As a result, many patients who would otherwise need bone grafting for a conventional multi-implant approach can avoid it with All-on-4 — which reduces both cost and overall treatment time.
For a full overview of the procedure and what it involves at The Smile Designer, see our All-on-4 Melbourne page.
What Is All-on-6?
All-on-6 uses six implants per arch rather than four. The additional two implants provide extra support points, which improves the distribution of biting forces across the arch and reduces the cantilever effect — the mechanical stress that occurs at the back of the bridge where it extends beyond the last implant.
The six-implant approach typically uses more vertically positioned implants with less angulation than All-on-4. Consequently, it generally requires more available bone — including in the posterior jaw — for all six implants to be placed safely and with adequate stability.
All-on-4 vs All-on-6 Dental Implants: Key Differences at a Glance
| All-on-4 | All-on-6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of implants per arch | 4 | 6 |
| Implant angulation | 2 angled posteriorly (30–45°) | Typically more vertical placement |
| Bone requirements | Less — angled placement avoids posterior bone | More — requires bone at additional posterior sites |
| Bone grafting likelihood | Lower — often avoids grafting altogether | Higher — posterior implants may require grafting |
| Force distribution | Good — angulation reduces cantilever stress | Excellent — more support points across the arch |
| Best suited for | Most full-arch patients, including those with moderate bone loss | Patients with sufficient posterior bone and high bite force |
| Cost (Melbourne market) | $28,000–$35,000 per arch | $32,000–$40,000+ per arch |
| Cleaning complexity | Moderate | Slightly more complex |
| Clinical track record | Extensive — 20+ years of published data | Strong, though fewer long-term studies than All-on-4 |
Who Is All-on-4 Better Suited For?
All-on-4 is the more commonly indicated approach for a broader range of patients — including those who have experienced significant bone loss — precisely because the angled posterior implants are designed to work with the bone that’s typically still available in the front and mid-sections of the jaw.
In our experience at The Smile Designer, serving patients from Preston, Reservoir, Coburg, Thornbury, Northcote, Fitzroy, Brunswick, and across Melbourne’s inner north, the majority of full-arch patients present with some degree of posterior bone loss. All-on-4 is specifically engineered for this anatomy.
All-on-4 tends to be appropriate when a patient has:
- Moderate bone loss in the posterior jaw — very common after long-term tooth loss or denture wear
- Insufficient bone in the back of the jaw for additional vertically placed implants without grafting
- Sinus proximity (upper jaw) or mandibular nerve proximity (lower jaw) limiting posterior implant placement
- A preference to avoid bone grafting procedures where clinically possible
- A desire for a shorter overall treatment timeline
Who Is All-on-6 Better Suited For?
All-on-6 is typically considered when a patient has sufficient bone across the full length of the jaw to support six implants — including at the posterior sites — or when additional implant support is clinically indicated for that patient’s specific anatomy and bite.
This may apply when:
- The patient has a longer dental arch where four implants may place excessive stress on the prosthetic cantilever
- Bone volume and density in the posterior jaw is adequate for additional vertical implant placement
- The patient has a heavy bite or a history of bruxism (teeth grinding), where additional implant support may reduce long-term force on individual components
- Clinical judgement at the planning stage indicates that six-implant support would provide a more predictable long-term outcome for that individual’s anatomy
Does More Implants Always Mean a Better Outcome?
Not necessarily. More implants provide more support points, which is genuinely advantageous in the right anatomy. However, more implants also means more surgical sites to heal, a higher likelihood of requiring bone grafting for the additional posterior sites, greater complexity in maintaining oral hygiene around the implant sites long-term, and higher cost from additional implants, abutments, and components.
All-on-4 was developed specifically to provide a reliable full-arch outcome with fewer implants by optimising angulation — not as a compromise, but as a clinically engineered solution to the constraints most full-arch patients present with. For the majority of patients we see in Melbourne’s inner north, it is a sound and well-researched approach with over two decades of published clinical data behind it.
In contrast, choosing All-on-6 when the anatomy doesn’t clearly support it can mean unnecessary grafting, a longer healing period, and higher costs — without a proportional improvement in outcome. The number of implants is determined by your individual anatomy and clinical needs, not by a default preference for higher numbers.
What About All-on-X? Fixed Implant Bridges in Melbourne Explained
You may also see the term “All-on-X” used by Melbourne dental providers — this is simply a broader term meaning a full arch of fixed teeth supported by X number of implants, where the exact number is determined by the patient’s anatomy rather than a fixed protocol. It captures the clinical reality that some patients benefit from four implants, some from five, and some from six.
At The Smile Designer in South Preston, we plan implant numbers based on your bone volume, bone density, arch length, and bite — using 3D CBCT imaging to ensure the plan is based on your actual anatomy, not a standard template.
All-on-4 vs All-on-6 Cost Comparison in Melbourne
Cost is a significant consideration for most patients researching fixed implant bridges in Melbourne. As a general guide for the Melbourne market in 2025–2026:
- All-on-4: $28,000–$35,000 per arch, depending on bone preparation needs, sedation, material selection, and what is included in the quote
- All-on-6: Generally $32,000–$40,000+ per arch, reflecting additional implants, abutments, and potentially additional bone grafting requirements
However, the cost difference between All-on-4 and All-on-6 is not as important as understanding exactly what is included in any quote you receive. Always confirm whether the quote includes extractions, bone grafting, the provisional arch, the final arch material, sedation, and follow-up appointments. For a full breakdown, see our full mouth implant cost guide.
Serving Melbourne’s Inner North: Preston, Northcote, Thornbury, Brunswick, Coburg and Beyond
The Smile Designer is located at 118–120 High Street, South Preston — centrally positioned to serve patients from across Melbourne’s inner north suburbs seeking fixed implant solutions, including:
- Preston and South Preston — our home suburb, with easy access from High Street
- Northcote and Thornbury — 5–10 minutes south along High Street
- Brunswick and Brunswick East — 10–15 minutes via Sydney Road
- Coburg and Coburg North — 5–10 minutes north along Sydney Road
- Reservoir and Heidelberg — 10–15 minutes north
- Fitzroy and Fitzroy North — 15 minutes south via St Georges Road
- Carlton and Parkville — 15–20 minutes via Royal Parade or Lygon Street
- Darebin, Alphington, and Fairfield — 10 minutes east
Parking is available directly on High Street and in surrounding streets. For patients travelling from further afield, Preston station on the Mernda and South Morang lines is a short walk from the practice.
Frequently Asked Questions: All-on-4 vs All-on-6 Dental Implants in Melbourne
Is All-on-4 or All-on-6 more suitable for the upper jaw?
The upper jaw (maxilla) has lower bone density than the lower jaw and is more affected by sinus proximity, particularly toward the back. For many upper jaw cases, All-on-4’s angled posterior implants allow the surgeon to avoid the sinus entirely — which is a meaningful clinical advantage. All-on-6 in the upper jaw often requires sinus lift grafting to create adequate bone height for the additional posterior implants. Whether All-on-4 or All-on-6 is appropriate for your upper jaw depends on your specific bone anatomy, assessed via 3D CBCT imaging.
Can I have All-on-4 if I have been told I don’t have enough bone?
Possibly. All-on-4 was specifically designed to work with reduced bone levels by positioning implants where bone is typically better preserved — in the anterior and mid-arch regions. Many patients who were told years ago that implants weren’t possible due to bone loss have since had successful All-on-4 treatment with updated planning techniques and 3D imaging. A current assessment with CBCT is the only reliable way to know whether All-on-4 is feasible for your anatomy today.
What happens if one implant fails — does it matter more with All-on-4?
With All-on-4, each implant carries a proportionally higher share of the load than with All-on-6 — so a single implant failure is a more significant event. However, the arch can typically be supported on the remaining implants while the situation is assessed and a plan is made for replacement. With All-on-6, there is more redundancy in the system. Implant failure is uncommon in well-planned cases, but it is a factor worth discussing with your provider before treatment begins.
How long does the All-on-4 or All-on-6 procedure take from start to finish?
From initial consultation to final arch delivery, most straightforward All-on-4 cases take 4–6 months. All-on-6 cases follow a similar timeline when no bone grafting is required — but if additional bone preparation is needed for the posterior implant sites, the overall timeline can extend to 9–12 months. For a full breakdown of each stage, see our dental implant process timeline guide.
Do I leave surgery with teeth in both All-on-4 and All-on-6?
In most cases, yes — for both approaches. Where implant stability is sufficient at surgery, a provisional (temporary) arch is attached the same day, so you leave with a fixed, functional set of teeth. This is called immediate loading and is a feature of both All-on-4 and All-on-6 when performed by experienced providers. The provisional arch is replaced by your final restoration (typically zirconia) after osseointegration is confirmed — usually 4–6 months later.
Is All-on-4 or All-on-6 covered by health insurance in Australia?
Both options fall under major dental in most Australian private health insurance policies. Annual limits (typically $1,500–$2,500 per person) mean that insurance offsets a portion of the cost but does not cover it entirely. Waiting periods of up to 12 months may apply. We recommend contacting your fund directly to confirm your specific benefits before your consultation. For a full overview of payment options, see our full mouth implant cost guide.
Can I switch from All-on-4 to All-on-6 later if I want more support?
In theory, additional implants can be placed at a later date — however, this involves new surgery, a period of healing, and a new or modified prosthesis. It is not a straightforward upgrade. For this reason, the implant number decision at the planning stage matters. It’s better to make the right choice based on accurate imaging and clinical assessment upfront than to plan to revisit it later.
Where can I get All-on-4 or All-on-6 implants near Preston, Melbourne?
The Smile Designer at 118–120 High Street, South Preston offers full-arch implant consultations including 3D CBCT imaging. We serve patients from Preston, Northcote, Thornbury, Brunswick, Coburg, Fitzroy, Carlton, Reservoir, Heidelberg, Darebin, Alphington, Fairfield, and across Melbourne’s inner north. Call us on 03 9089 7574 or book online.
Book Your All-on-4 or All-on-6 Consultation at The Smile Designer, South Preston
Whether All-on-4 or All-on-6 dental implants are right for you can only be determined through a proper clinical assessment. At The Smile Designer, our implant consultations include 3D CBCT imaging where indicated, a clear explanation of what we find, and a fully itemised cost breakdown — so you can make an informed decision at your own pace.
We welcome patients from Preston, Northcote, Thornbury, Brunswick, Coburg, Fitzroy, Carlton, Reservoir, Heidelberg, and all surrounding inner north Melbourne suburbs.
You can also review our guides on All-on-4 candidacy, full mouth implant costs, and the treatment timeline before your appointment.
Call us on 03 9089 7574 or book online.
118–120 High Street, South Preston VIC 3072
There are risks and benefits to all dental treatments. The content on this page is intended for general educational purposes and does not constitute individual medical or dental advice. Treatment outcomes, timelines, and suitability will vary between individuals. For a full list of treatment risks, please visit our Treatment Risks page.
For further information on dental implants, the Australian Dental Association provides general consumer guidance on implant treatment.
