All-on-6 and All-on-4 dental implants both replace a full arch of teeth using implants fixed directly to the jawbone, the difference is how many implants are used, how force is distributed, and which clinical situations each system suits. At DRA Dental in Antalya, Turkey, we recommend All-on-6 as the standard approach for patients with adequate bone volume. This guide explains the clinical reasoning behind that recommendation, sets out the honest differences between both systems, and helps you understand which option is likely right for your case.
Key Takeaways
- All-on-6 uses six implants per arch versus four in All-on-4, distributing biting force more evenly and eliminating the extended cantilever that four-implant designs require
- DRA Dental recommends All-on-6 for most full-arch cases; All-on-4 is available where the bone volume does not support six implants
- Full-arch implant treatment in Turkey costs 60–75% less than at a UK private clinic, where All-on-6 typically runs from £10,000 to £20,000 per arch
- All-on-6 requires two visits to Antalya: implant placement (5 days), then permanent zirconia bridge and gum shield fitting (5 days) after a 3–6 month osseointegration period at home
- Send us your X-rays and photos via WhatsApp before booking any travel, our dental team will assess your suitability and provide a written cost estimate at no charge
What Is the Difference Between All-on-4 and All-on-6 Dental Implants?
Both systems restore a complete arch of missing teeth with a fixed bridge supported by implants anchored into the jawbone. Neither system uses removable dentures, the bridge is permanently attached and functions like natural teeth. The core differences are the number of implant points, how force is distributed across them, and the bone volume each system requires.
All-on-4: How It Works
All-on-4 places four implants per arch. Two are inserted vertically at the front of the jaw, and two are angled at roughly 45 degrees toward the back. The angled placement allows the rear implants to reach denser bone further forward in the arch, where more bone is typically available even after tooth loss.
This is the key clinical advantage of All-on-4: patients with reduced bone volume in the posterior jaw can often receive implants without additional preparatory procedures. The bridge spans the full arch using these four points, with the rear section supported by a cantilever extending beyond the last implant.
All-on-6: How It Works
All-on-6 places six implants across the arch, distributed more evenly from front to back. The additional two implants allow the bridge to be supported at more points and eliminate the need for an extended cantilever at the rear.
Molar teeth generate significantly higher biting forces than front teeth, up to several hundred Newtons during normal chewing. With six support points spread across the arch, that force is distributed more evenly across implants and the surrounding bone. Research comparing the two systems has found that All-on-6 produces smaller stress values on cortical bone and individual implants across all loading directions, compared to All-on-4.
| Factor | All-on-4 | All-on-6 |
|---|---|---|
| Implants per arch | 4 | 6 |
| Rear placement | Angled to reach available bone | Distributed evenly, no extended cantilever |
| Bone volume required | Lower | Higher, adequate bone needed across full arch |
| Force distribution | Good | Better, spread across 6 points |
| Redundancy if one implant requires attention | Lower | Higher, 5 remaining implants support bridge |
| Suited for | Reduced bone volume | Adequate bone volume; stronger long-term support |
Stability and Load Distribution: Why More Implants Matter
The number of implants is not simply a matter of more being better. The clinical argument for All-on-6 over All-on-4 comes down to two specific structural factors: the cantilever and the load per implant.
In an All-on-4 design, the fixed bridge extends beyond the last posterior implant to restore the rear teeth. This overhanging section, known as a cantilever, is inherently a mechanical stress point. All biting force transmitted through the rear of the bridge travels back through the cantilever to the nearest implant rather than being distributed across a posterior support point. Over years of use, this concentrated load can place strain on both the implant and the surrounding bone.
All-on-6 eliminates this dynamic by placing posterior implants further back. The bridge is supported along its full length, and no section of it is cantilevered beyond the last implant.
There is also a redundancy consideration. If one implant in a four-implant system requires clinical attention, the remaining three implants and the bone around them must carry the full structural load. With six implants, the bridge retains adequate support even if one implant needs monitoring. This is not a common scenario; implant success rates are high when placed correctly, but it is a realistic factor for a restoration that is expected to last decades.
Consider a patient who received full-arch treatment ten years ago. If one implant develops peri-implantitis and must eventually be addressed, the clinical outcome looks quite different depending on whether the remaining arch has three support points or five. Our dental team factors this long-term picture into every full-arch treatment recommendation.
All-on-6 vs All-on-4 Cost in Turkey, and How It Compares to the UK
Full-arch implant treatment is not available on the NHS for most patients. NHS dental implants are only funded in exceptional clinical circumstances, severe trauma, congenital tooth absence, or following cancer treatment. For the overwhelming majority of patients, this is a private treatment.
In the UK, private All-on-6 treatment typically costs between £10,000 and £20,000 per arch. Full-mouth restoration across both arches runs from £30,000 to £40,000 at specialist private practices in London and other major cities.
At DRA Dental in Antalya, the same standard of treatment, Osstem implants, zirconia bridge, full clinical aftercare, costs significantly less. Even after flights, accommodation, and all associated travel costs, UK patients typically save 60–75% on full-arch implant treatment.
| Treatment | UK Private Dentist | Estimated Saving in Turkey |
|---|---|---|
| All-on-6 (per arch) | £10,000–£20,000 | ~65–75% |
| All-on-6 (full mouth) | £30,000–£40,000 | ~65–75% |
| All-on-4 (per arch) | £8,000–£14,000 | ~60–70% |
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The cost difference between Turkey and the UK is structural, not a reflection of different clinical standards or materials. DRA Dental uses Osstem implants, which are CE-marked and hold FDA approval, and are among the most widely used implant brands globally. The price difference comes from lower operating costs, lower laboratory fees, and the exchange rate between sterling and the Turkish lira.
If you are weighing up the cost: the difference between All-on-4 and All-on-6 in Turkey is meaningful but not dramatic. If your bone volume supports All-on-6, the additional cost of two implants is relatively modest in the context of a long-term full-arch restoration. Contact our team for a personalised cost estimate before making any assumptions about affordability.
Bone Requirements: Do You Need Extra Procedures?
This is one of the most common questions UK patients ask when comparing the two systems, and it is worth answering plainly.
All-on-4 was specifically designed to work in patients with reduced bone volume. The angled rear implants tap into denser bone that is typically available in the anterior jaw even after tooth loss. In many All-on-4 cases, no preparatory bone work is required.
All-on-6 requires adequate bone volume distributed across the arch to support six implant placement sites. If bone volume is insufficient, preparatory work may be required before All-on-6 is possible.
At DRA Dental, the primary preparatory bone procedure we perform is sinus lifting, which is relevant to the upper jaw when the sinus cavity sits too low to allow adequate implant depth. DRA Dental does not use synthetic bone grafts — where bone regeneration is needed, autogenic bone grafts and regeneration techniques are used. If your upper jaw has insufficient bone volume where a sinus lift cannot resolve the situation, or if bone loss in the lower arch is too advanced for six implants, we will recommend All-on-4 rather than a procedure you are not suited for.
Your bone structure is assessed with a panoramic X-ray on Day 1 of your first visit. This is the foundation of your treatment plan. We will not confirm a procedure until we have reviewed your actual bone anatomy, not just the photos you send beforehand.
The Treatment Process at DRA Dental Antalya
All-on-6 treatment at DRA Dental requires two visits to Antalya, with an osseointegration period of three to six months between them.
Visit 1, Implant Placement (5 Days)
Day 1: Arrival, welcome consultation, full panoramic X-ray. Your dental team reviews your bone structure, confirms the treatment plan, and answers any remaining questions. If everything is in order and you are prepared to proceed, extraction of any remaining failing teeth and implant placement can begin on the same day. For most patients receiving All-on-6 across both arches, twelve Osstem implants are placed in a single surgical session.
Days 2–3: If bone quality and implant primary stability allow, measurements for a temporary prosthesis are taken. Whether a temporary bridge can be fitted depends on the bone’s density, depth, and structure, this is assessed by our dental team on the day of surgery, not in advance.
Day 3: If a temporary bridge is being made, it is fitted at this appointment. If bone conditions do not support a temporary prosthesis at this stage, a final review takes place and you are ready to return home.
Days 4–5: Rest and recovery. Swelling peaks around Day 2–3 and begins to reduce noticeably by Day 4. A final check confirms healing is proceeding well. Most patients fly home on Day 5.
Osseointegration, 3 to 6 Months at Home
The implants fuse with the jawbone during this period. You will not be in Antalya, this stage happens at home in the UK. A soft diet is recommended while osseointegration is underway. If you received a temporary bridge in Visit 1, you continue wearing it during this period.
A follow-up panoramic X-ray confirms osseointegration before Visit 2 is scheduled. This can be arranged through a local dentist in the UK, who sends the X-ray to our team digitally for review.
Visit 2, Permanent Zirconia Bridge (3–5 Days)
Day 1: The temporary bridge (if fitted) is removed. Healing caps are placed, and the gum tissue is shaped where necessary. Measurements are taken on the same day and sent to the laboratory for fabrication of the permanent zirconia bridge.
Days 2–3: Rehearsal appointments are carried out to assess the final fitting. Details are checked and the overall shape is reviewed and confirmed by the patient.
Days 3–4: The permanent zirconia crowns are fitted. Impressions for the gum shields are also taken at this appointment.
Day 5: The gum shield is delivered. A final check-up is completed before departure. You fly home with the permanent restoration in place.
Why DRA Dental Recommends All-on-6 Over All-on-4
Our clinical position on this is straightforward: when bone volume supports it, six implants provide a more stable and more resilient long-term restoration than four.
The All-on-4 system is clinically sound, and we offer it at DRA Dental for patients where six implants are not appropriate, typically those with reduced bone volume where All-on-6 would require more complex preparatory work. For those patients, All-on-4 is the right recommendation.
However, when bone volume is adequate for both systems, we recommend All-on-6. The reasons are not complicated. Distributing force across six anchor points reduces the mechanical load on each individual implant and on the bone around it. Removing the cantilever eliminates a structural weak point. And having six implants rather than four means the bridge retains strong support even if one implant requires clinical attention at some point in the future.
Full-arch implants are a long-term investment, a restoration that, with proper care, should serve you for decades. When the clinical situation permits, we believe six-point support is the better foundation for that investment.
If you are not sure which system is appropriate for your case, send us your existing X-rays and photos of your smile via WhatsApp before booking any travel. Our dental team will review your bone structure, confirm which procedure is suitable, and provide a written cost estimate. If both options are clinically viable, we will explain the reasoning for our recommendation clearly.
Am I a Candidate for All-on-6 in Turkey?
You are likely a good candidate if you:
- Have lost most or all teeth on one or both arches due to decay, gum disease, fracture, or failed dental work
- Have adequate bone volume across the arch, confirmed by panoramic X-ray
- Are in reasonable general health with no uncontrolled systemic conditions
- Are a non-smoker, or are prepared to stop smoking during the osseointegration period
- Can plan two trips to Antalya with a 3–6 month gap between them
All-on-6 may not be appropriate if you have:
- Insufficient bone volume where sinus lifting (upper jaw) cannot resolve the deficit
- Uncontrolled diabetes, which affects healing and osseointegration significantly
- Active gum disease, this must be treated before implants can be placed
- Blood-thinning medications requiring careful pre-operative assessment
- An active smoking habit, smoking is the most significant preventable risk factor for implant failure
If you are anxious about the surgical element, sedation options are available at DRA Dental and can be combined with full-arch implant placement. Many patients who were apprehensive about the procedure find sedation makes the experience significantly more manageable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is All-on-6 better than All-on-4?
All-on-6 offers greater stability and more even load distribution because six implants eliminate the extended cantilever that All-on-4 requires. Whether it is right for you depends on your bone volume, our dental team assesses this with a panoramic X-ray on Day 1 of your first visit.
How much do All-on-6 dental implants cost in Turkey?
Across the Turkish market, prices typically range from £3,500 to £7,000 per arch. In the UK, the same treatment costs £10,000–£20,000 per arch at a private clinic, the NHS does not fund elective implant treatment for most patients. Contact DRA Dental for a personalised cost estimate specific to your case.
How long do I need to stay in Antalya for All-on-6?
All-on-6 requires two visits. Visit 1 (implant placement) takes five days. Visit 2 (permanent zirconia bridge and gum shield) takes five days, and is scheduled three to six months later once osseointegration is confirmed via X-ray.
Do I need a bone graft before All-on-6?
DRA Dental does not use synthetic bone grafts. Autogenic bone grafts and bone regeneration techniques are used where required. If the upper jaw has insufficient bone depth, a sinus lift may also be recommended. Your bone structure is assessed with a panoramic X-ray on Day 1, we will not advise on preparatory procedures until we have reviewed your actual anatomy.
Will I have teeth between visits?
A temporary bridge is fitted during Visit 1 if bone quality and implant primary stability allow. This is assessed by our dental team on the day of surgery. If conditions do not support a temporary prosthesis at that stage, we will discuss the alternatives with you before you return home.
Is it safe to have full-arch implants in Turkey?
Safety depends on clinical standards and materials, not geography. DRA Dental uses Osstem implants, CE-marked, FDA-approved, and among the most thoroughly documented implant brands globally. All treatment plans are confirmed in writing before any procedure begins. Our team is available by WhatsApp throughout treatment and after you return home.
What if I have anxiety about dental surgery?
Dental sedation is available at DRA Dental and can be combined with implant placement. Many patients with significant dental anxiety find that sedation allows them to proceed with treatment they would otherwise have continued to delay.
Where is DRA Dental Clinic located?
DRA Dental Clinic is located in Kundu, Lara Beach, Antalya, Turkey — approximately ten minutes from Antalya Airport. Airport transfers can be arranged by the clinic.
Why Choose DRA Dental for Full Arch Implants in Antalya?
English-speaking team throughout. From your first WhatsApp message to your final check appointment, our coordination and clinical team communicate in English. There is no language barrier to navigate.
UK contact number: You can reach us at +44 7570 442248 by phone or WhatsApp, the same number used by UK patients before, during, and after treatment.
Osstem implants as standard. Osstem is a South Korean implant brand with CE and FDA approval and an extensive track record across European and UK clinics. Other implant brands are available on request.
Written treatment plan before any procedure. We do not begin treatment until you have a written cost breakdown and treatment plan in your hands. No surprises.
WhatsApp aftercare post-return. Once you are back home in the UK, our team remains available by WhatsApp for any questions about healing, diet, or the upcoming osseointegration period. For anything requiring hands-on review, we can arrange a follow-up appointment during Visit 2.
Free pre-travel assessment. Send us your existing X-rays and photos of your smile via WhatsApp before booking any travel. We will review your case, confirm suitability for All-on-6 or advise on alternatives, and provide a written cost estimate, at no charge.
Patients who have made the trip from the UK describe what it is like working with us on our patient experiences page.
Ready to Find Out Which Option Is Right for You?
If you are considering full-arch implant treatment in Antalya, the most useful first step is a clinical assessment, not a booking.
Send us a panoramic X-ray from your local dentist along with a few photos of your current smile. Our dental team will review your bone structure, confirm whether All-on-6 or All-on-4 is the more appropriate route, and provide a personalised written cost estimate. There is no obligation and no charge for this assessment.
Get a free quote from DRA Dental →
Or contact us directly by WhatsApp or phone: +44 7570 442248
Once we have reviewed your case, we can discuss your travel window and coordinate both visits around dates that work for you.