All-on-4 uses 4 implants per arch and costs $18,000–$35,000. All-on-6 uses 6 implants for more stability at $22,000–$42,000. Here's which is right for you based on bone density, budget, and long-term goals.
The Core Difference
All-on-4 and All-on-6 are both full-arch implant solutions — meaning they replace an entire upper or lower row of teeth with a fixed prosthesis. The difference is the number of implant posts used to anchor it.
All-on-4 uses 4 implants: 2 straight in the front, 2 angled at 45° in the back. The angled placement compensates for reduced bone in the back of the jaw, which is why All-on-4 was engineered specifically for patients with bone loss.
All-on-6 uses 6 implants, all placed at more natural angles. The additional 2 implants distribute chewing force more evenly and are better suited for patients with adequate bone volume.
Cost Comparison in Houston (2026)
Both procedures are priced per arch (upper or lower jaw). Full-mouth replacement requires two arches.
| All-on-4 | All-on-6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Implants per arch | 4 | 6 |
| Houston price range | $18,000–$35,000 | $22,000–$42,000 |
| Full mouth (2 arches) | $36,000–$70,000 | $44,000–$84,000 |
| Bone graft required? | Rarely | Sometimes |
| Best for | Bone loss patients | Full bone volume patients |
| Prosthesis lifespan | 15–20 years (acrylic), 25+ (zirconia) | 20–25+ years |
Which Is Right for You?
The decision comes down to three factors: bone density, budget, and bite force requirements.
- Bone density: If you've had missing teeth for more than 1–2 years, bone resorption has likely begun. All-on-4's angled implants work around reduced bone; All-on-6 may require bone grafting first.
- Budget: All-on-4 is typically $4,000–$8,000 less per arch. For full-mouth replacement, that's a $8,000–$16,000 difference.
- Bite force: All-on-6 distributes chewing load across more points — better for patients who eat hard foods or grind their teeth.
- Your dentist's recommendation: A CBCT scan (3D jaw X-ray) is required to assess bone volume. No reputable Houston specialist will recommend one over the other without imaging.
Houston Specialists Who Offer Both
Not every Houston dentist is trained in All-on-6. When evaluating providers, ask specifically whether they offer both options and how many All-on-6 cases they complete per year. Board-certified oral surgeons and periodontists at the Medical Center and Galleria/Uptown corridor tend to have the most All-on-6 experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is All-on-4 or All-on-6 more durable?
All-on-6 is generally considered more durable because the additional implants distribute chewing forces more evenly and reduce stress on each individual post. With a high-quality zirconia prosthesis, All-on-6 can last 25+ years. All-on-4 with an acrylic prosthesis typically requires prosthesis replacement every 15–20 years.
Can All-on-4 fail?
All-on-4 has a clinical success rate of approximately 94–98% at 10 years when performed by an experienced specialist. Failure risk increases with smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, poor oral hygiene, and severe osteoporosis. Choosing a qualified, board-certified oral surgeon or periodontist significantly reduces failure risk.
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