All-on-6® is a modern full-arch solution that replaces an entire upper or lower set of teeth using six strategically placed dental implants. Unlike traditional removable dentures, this approach provides a fixed restoration that feels and functions much more like natural teeth. Patients considering All-on-6® often seek a long-term, low-maintenance outcome that restores chewing ability, speech, and confidence — goals we pursue carefully at the office of Brian Howe DDS, Family Dentistry in Mount Vernon, OH.
Living with a secure, implant-supported arch removes many of the daily frustrations associated with removable dentures. With All-on-6®, the replacement teeth are anchored to implants that integrate with the jawbone, which prevents the slipping and clicking that can occur with traditional prostheses. That stability makes it easier to enjoy a wider variety of foods, speak clearly in social settings, and feel comfortable smiling.
Beyond function, the psychological impact of a stable, permanent set of teeth is significant. Many patients report feeling more confident in public and less anxious about social situations that involve eating or speaking. While this is an individual experience, the predictable mechanics of an implant-supported arch are designed to restore a sense of normalcy.
Maintenance is straightforward and aligns with routine dental care. Daily brushing, flossing, and regular professional checkups keep the restoration and surrounding tissues healthy. Unlike removable options, there is no need for nightly soaking or messy adhesives, which simplifies the long-term care plan.
The All-on-6® process begins with a thorough diagnostic phase that includes clinical exams and imaging to assess bone volume and overall oral health. This planning step helps determine optimal implant placement and whether any preparatory treatments are necessary. When bone levels are sufficient, six implants are positioned to maximize support across the arch.
In many cases, a provisional prosthesis can be fitted soon after implant placement to provide immediate function and aesthetics while the implants integrate with the jawbone. This temporary bridge allows patients to maintain normal eating and speaking habits during healing. Final restorations are delivered after the implants have fully bonded to the bone, typically a few months later.
Throughout the course of treatment, the clinical team monitors healing and adjusts the prosthesis as needed to refine fit and comfort. The goal is a seamless transition from temporary to permanent restoration that balances form, function, and long-term stability.
All-on-6® offers several practical advantages that make it an attractive option for many patients. The use of six implants distributes biting forces across a broader area of the jaw compared with solutions that rely on fewer fixtures, which can improve long-term stability and reduce stress on individual implants. This distribution often allows for a stronger, more resilient prosthesis.
Because implants can often be placed in strategic areas of the jaw, the All-on-6® method may reduce or eliminate the need for supplemental bone grafting in some patients. That can streamline the overall treatment plan and shorten the time to a functional restoration. Additionally, a fixed prosthesis delivers a more natural chewing capacity and tactile sensation when compared with removable dentures.
All-on-6® restorations are designed for durability and repairability. Individual components can be adjusted or replaced without removing the entire framework, which facilitates targeted maintenance and can extend the useful life of the restoration over many years.
Good candidates for All-on-6® are adults who have lost most or all teeth in an arch or who have failing dentition that is not suitable for restorative repairs. Adequate overall health and sufficient bone in critical regions of the jaw are important factors that influence candidacy. A comprehensive evaluation, including imaging and medical history, helps determine whether All-on-6® is the most appropriate path.
Patients with certain chronic health conditions or habits like heavy smoking may require additional medical coordination or preparatory steps before implant placement. In many cases, lifestyle changes, periodontal treatment, or targeted interventions can improve candidacy. The treatment planning process is individualized to balance long-term success with each patient’s health profile and goals.
Age alone is not a contraindication: older adults frequently achieve successful outcomes with implant-supported arches when systemic health and bone conditions are suitable. The decision to proceed is based on a combination of clinical findings, patient priorities, and realistic expectations about the restorative timeline.
After the final All-on-6® restoration is in place, regular care focuses on preserving both the prosthesis and the surrounding tissues. Daily oral hygiene routines — including brushing the prosthetic teeth and cleaning around implant posts — are essential. Routine professional visits allow the dental team to evaluate the health of the gums, check for any wear on the components, and perform professional cleanings tailored to implant-supported restorations.
With consistent home care and periodic maintenance, implant-supported arches can last for many years. The longevity of any restoration depends on factors such as oral hygiene, biting patterns, overall health, and how well the patient follows recommended care guidelines. When issues arise, addressing them early helps avoid more extensive repairs later.
Patients should also understand postoperative expectations: minor soreness and swelling are normal after implant placement, and a staged approach to final restoration helps ensure implants integrate securely. Over time, most patients adapt to the new prosthesis and report improved comfort and function compared with prior removable solutions.
All-on-6® provides a reliable, fixed option for full-arch tooth replacement that restores function and appearance while simplifying daily care. If you're exploring tooth-replacement alternatives and want a thorough assessment tailored to your needs, contact us at Brian Howe DDS, Family Dentistry to learn more about whether All-on-6® is right for you.
All-on-6® is a full-arch tooth-replacement method that secures a fixed prosthesis to six dental implants placed across the upper or lower jaw. The implants act as artificial tooth roots and are positioned to distribute biting forces evenly, supporting a durable bridge that functions like natural teeth. Over time the implants bond with the jawbone through osseointegration, creating a stable foundation for the final restoration.
The treatment can include a provisional prosthesis immediately after implant placement in many cases, which provides function and esthetics while healing occurs. Final restorations are attached after the clinician confirms stable integration and fit, typically following a controlled healing period. This staged approach balances immediate function with long-term predictability.
An implant-supported arch restores chewing efficiency and speech more closely to natural teeth than removable dentures. Because the prosthesis is fixed, patients usually experience reduced slipping, clicking, and irritation, which makes eating a wider variety of foods and speaking in social situations easier. Many people find the fixed restoration simplifies their oral routine because there is no nightly removal or adhesive use.
Adaptation can vary by individual, but most patients adjust within a few weeks to the feel and function of the new arch. Regular home care and scheduled professional visits help maintain tissue health and prosthesis performance. The predictable mechanics of implants typically lead to greater long-term comfort and stability compared with removable options.
Treatment begins with a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation that includes a clinical exam and imaging to assess bone volume, tooth condition, and overall oral health. The diagnostic phase informs implant placement planning, including the angulation and location of each of the six fixtures to maximize support and avoid vital structures. When necessary, preparatory procedures such as extractions or periodontal therapy are completed before implant surgery.
During implant placement the clinician positions the implants according to the preoperative plan, and a provisional prosthesis may be attached to provide immediate function. Healing and osseointegration are monitored through follow-up visits, with adjustments made to the provisional as needed. Once the team confirms stable integration and soft-tissue health, the final prosthesis is fabricated and delivered for long-term use.
Strong candidates are adults who have lost most or all teeth in an arch or whose remaining teeth are not salvageable with conventional restorations. Adequate bone in critical areas of the jaw and acceptable overall health are important factors that support successful implant placement. A comprehensive evaluation, including medical history and imaging, determines whether the patient has the anatomical and systemic conditions suitable for All-on-6®.
Certain medical conditions or habits, such as uncontrolled systemic disease or heavy tobacco use, may require additional coordination with medical providers or preparatory steps to optimize outcomes. In many cases, targeted treatments like periodontal therapy or bone augmentation can improve candidacy. Age alone is not a contraindication; older adults frequently achieve excellent results when clinical factors are favorable.
Initial recovery commonly includes mild to moderate soreness, swelling, and changes in eating during the first several days after surgery, which are normal parts of the healing process. Patients receive post-operative instructions to manage discomfort and protect the surgical sites, and follow-up visits allow the clinician to monitor tissue healing and address any concerns. Maintaining good oral hygiene around the provisional prosthesis supports soft-tissue health during integration.
Most patients return to routine activities within a few days, though healing and osseointegration continue for several months. Dietary recommendations and temporary adjustments to chewing patterns may be advised while the implants integrate. Any unusual or persistent symptoms should be reported promptly so the clinical team can evaluate and manage them.
All-on-6® restorations are designed for long-term service, and their lifespan depends on factors such as oral hygiene, bite forces, overall health, and routine professional care. Daily cleaning around the prosthesis and implant sites is essential, along with scheduled dental appointments to evaluate gum health and the integrity of prosthetic components. Because the restoration is screw-retained or otherwise modular, individual parts can often be repaired or replaced without removing the entire framework.
Regular checkups allow the dental team to identify wear, adjust occlusion, and perform maintenance such as professional cleanings around implants. Early detection of issues such as peri-implant inflammation or component wear helps prevent more extensive interventions. With consistent care and monitoring, many patients enjoy stable function and esthetics for many years.
All-on-6® and All-on-4® share the same principle of supporting a full-arch prosthesis on dental implants, but All-on-6® uses six implants to distribute forces across a wider area of the jaw. The additional implants can improve load distribution and may enhance long-term stability for patients with greater functional demands. All-on-4® often uses angled posterior implants to avoid grafting and can be an excellent solution in cases with limited bone, while All-on-6® can offer extra support when anatomy permits.
Compared with traditional removable dentures, both implant-supported approaches provide a fixed solution that typically improves chewing efficiency, comfort, and speech. Removable prostheses remain a viable option for some patients, but they often require adhesives and can be prone to movement and sore spots. The choice between approaches depends on clinical findings, patient goals, and the treatment team’s recommendations.
As with any surgical procedure, implant placement carries risks such as infection, delayed healing, and postoperative discomfort, which the clinical team works to minimize through careful planning and sterile technique. Specific implant-related complications can include failure of osseointegration, peri-implant inflammation, or mechanical issues with prosthetic components. Thorough preoperative assessment and adherence to postoperative instructions reduce the likelihood of complications.
Early recognition and management are important when problems arise; follow-up visits allow clinicians to intervene promptly if signs of infection or implant instability appear. Medical conditions that affect healing or bone metabolism should be discussed during treatment planning so the team can tailor care appropriately. Open communication with the dental team helps ensure a safe, well-monitored recovery and long-term outcome.
Dental implants are typically made from biocompatible titanium or titanium alloys that support osseointegration and long-term stability in the jaw. The prosthetic framework can be fabricated from a range of durable materials such as titanium, zirconia, or high-strength acrylic over a metal substructure, with visible teeth made from porcelain, composite, or dense prosthetic materials. Material selection balances strength, esthetics, and reparability to meet the functional demands of a full-arch restoration.
The treatment team evaluates each patient’s esthetic goals, bite dynamics, and hygiene preferences when recommending materials for the definitive prosthesis. Some materials offer superior translucency and natural appearance while others emphasize fracture resistance or ease of repair. The final choice is made to achieve a predictable, long-lasting result matched to the patient’s needs.
Before your consultation gather relevant dental records, a list of current medications, and information about medical conditions so the team can evaluate factors that influence treatment planning. Be prepared to discuss your dental history, goals for replacement teeth, and any concerns about function or esthetics. The initial visit typically includes a clinical exam and imaging to assess bone volume and oral structures.
During the consultation the clinician will review diagnostic findings, explain treatment options including preparatory procedures if needed, and outline the expected steps and timeline for All-on-6® care. Bringing a trusted family member or friend can help with questions and decision-making. This visit helps create a personalized plan that aligns clinical realities with patient priorities in Mount Vernon, OH.
Our friendly and knowledgeable team is always ready to assist you. You can reach us by phone at (740) 393-2161 or by using the convenient contact form below. If you submit the form, a member of our staff will respond within 24–48 hours.
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