­
15 min read

All-on-6 Dental Implants: The Permanent Full Smile Makeover

All-on-6 Dental Implants: The Permanent Full Smile Makeover

Losing multiple teeth — or facing the prospect of dentures — can be one of the most emotionally and practically challenging experiences a person goes through. It affects how you eat, how you speak, how you smile, and ultimately how you feel about yourself every single day.

But today, thanks to advances in modern implant dentistry, there is a permanent, life-changing solution that is transforming the lives of patients across the UK.

All-on-6 dental implants.

What Are All-on-6 Dental Implants?

All-on-6 dental implants are a full-arch tooth replacement solution that uses just six strategically placed titanium implants to permanently support an entire set of upper or lower teeth.

Rather than replacing each missing tooth individually — which can be costly and time-consuming — All-on-6 uses six implant posts as a secure foundation for a complete, fixed dental bridge. The result is a full set of natural-looking, permanently fixed teeth that function just like your own.

Unlike traditional dentures, which sit on top of the gums and can shift, slip, or cause discomfort, All-on-6 implants are:

  • Permanently fixed — they do not come out
  • Fully functional — eat, speak and smile with complete confidence
  • Natural looking — carefully crafted to complement your facial features
  • Long lasting — with proper care, they can last a lifetime
  • Bone preserving — the implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss

How Is All-on-6 Different From All-on-4?

You may have heard of All-on-4 dental implants, which use four implants to support a full arch. Both treatments achieve similar results, but there are some important differences:

Number of Implants
All-on-4 uses four implants per arch. All-on-6 uses six, providing a wider distribution of support across the jawbone.

Stability & Load Distribution
With two additional implant posts, All-on-6 distributes the biting force more evenly across the jaw. This can result in a more stable, secure restoration — particularly important for patients who want to eat hard or crunchy foods with confidence.

Bone Requirement
All-on-4 was specifically designed for patients with reduced bone density, as the rear implants are angled to avoid areas of bone loss. All-on-6 generally requires slightly more available bone but offers greater overall support in return.

Longevity
The additional implants in All-on-6 can contribute to greater long-term stability and load-bearing capacity, which many patients and dentists prefer for a full upper or lower arch restoration.

Which Is Right for You?
The choice between All-on-4 and All-on-6 depends entirely on your individual bone structure, dental health, and clinical needs. A thorough examination and 3D CBCT scan at your consultation will determine the most suitable option for you.

Who Is a Good Candidate for All-on-6 Dental Implants?

All-on-6 implants are an excellent solution for patients who:

  • Are missing all or most of their teeth on the upper or lower arch
  • Have been wearing dentures and want a permanent, fixed alternative
  • Are experiencing significant tooth decay and require full extractions
  • Have failing teeth that cannot be saved through other treatments
  • Want to restore full chewing function and enjoy all foods again
  • Are looking for a long-term, permanent solution rather than a temporary fix
  • Have sufficient jawbone density to support six implant posts

All-on-6 may not be immediately suitable for patients who smoke heavily, have uncontrolled diabetes, or have significant bone loss — though bone grafting procedures can sometimes make treatment possible in these cases.

A comprehensive consultation with your implant dentist is essential to determine your suitability.

What Does the All-on-6 Treatment Process Look Like?

The All-on-6 journey is carefully planned and carried out in stages to ensure the best possible outcome for every patient.

Stage 1 — Initial Consultation & Assessment

Your dentist will carry out a full clinical examination, review your dental and medical history, and take a 3D CBCT scan of your jaw. This allows the implant team to assess bone density, identify the optimal implant positions, and create a fully personalised treatment plan.

Stage 2 — Treatment Planning & Smile Design

Using advanced digital planning software, your implant dentist will map out the exact placement of all six implants. You will also have the opportunity to preview your new smile through digital design tools before any treatment begins.

Stage 3 — Implant Placement

Under local anaesthetic (or sedation if preferred), the six titanium implant posts are precisely placed into the jawbone according to the pre-planned positions. In many cases, any remaining failing teeth are extracted at the same appointment.

Stage 4 — Temporary Teeth (Teeth in a Day)

In most All-on-6 cases, a temporary fixed bridge is attached to the implants on the same day as surgery. This means you leave the clinic with a full set of fixed teeth — not a gap, not a denture — on the very same day as your procedure.

Stage 5 — Healing & Osseointegration

Over the following 3 to 6 months, the implants naturally fuse with the surrounding jawbone in a process called osseointegration. During this period, your temporary teeth remain in place, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile normally while your implants fully integrate.

Stage 6 — Final Permanent Restoration

Once your implants have fully integrated, your temporary bridge is replaced with your final permanent restoration — a beautifully crafted, full-arch dental bridge made from high-quality zirconia or porcelain-fused materials, designed to look, feel, and function exactly like natural teeth.

All-on-6 vs Traditional Dentures — Why Make the Switch?

For patients who have been living with dentures, the difference that All-on-6 implants make is often described as life-changing. Here is how the two compare:

Stability
Traditional dentures rely on adhesives and suction to stay in place and can shift during eating and speaking. All-on-6 implants are permanently fixed — they will never move, slip, or fall out.

Eating
Denture wearers often avoid certain foods due to discomfort or instability. All-on-6 patients can enjoy virtually all foods — including hard, crunchy, and chewy foods — with full confidence.

Bone Loss
Dentures sit on top of the gum and do nothing to prevent the jawbone from deteriorating over time. Dental implants actively stimulate the bone, preserving facial structure and preventing the sunken appearance commonly associated with long-term denture wear.

Maintenance
Dentures must be removed for cleaning and soaking overnight. All-on-6 implants are cleaned just like natural teeth — brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups.

Confidence
Perhaps most importantly, patients with All-on-6 implants consistently report a dramatic improvement in self-confidence, quality of life, and willingness to smile, laugh, and engage socially.

How Long Do All-on-6 Dental Implants Last?

With the right care and maintenance, All-on-6 dental implants can last a lifetime. The titanium implant posts themselves are designed to be permanent. The prosthetic bridge attached to the implants typically lasts between 15 and 25 years before requiring replacement, depending on the material used and how well it is maintained.

Factors that contribute to the long-term success of your implants include:

  • Maintaining excellent oral hygiene at home
  • Attending regular dental check-ups and hygiene appointments
  • Avoiding smoking, which significantly increases the risk of implant failure
  • Managing any underlying health conditions such as diabetes
  • Wearing a night guard if you grind your teeth while sleeping

How Much Do All-on-6 Dental Implants Cost in the UK?

All-on-6 dental implants represent a significant investment in your long-term oral health and quality of life. In the UK, the cost typically ranges from £10,000 to £18,000 per arch, depending on:

  • The complexity of the case and level of bone available
  • Whether extractions or bone grafting are required
  • The material chosen for the final restoration (zirconia, porcelain, hybrid)
  • The experience and location of the implant dentist
  • Whether sedation is required during treatment

While the upfront cost may seem significant compared to dentures, it is important to consider the long-term value. Dentures require ongoing costs for adhesives, replacements, and adjustments over many years. All-on-6 implants, by contrast, are a one-time investment in a permanent solution that can last a lifetime.

At Luxe Smile, we offer flexible finance options to spread the cost of your treatment into manageable monthly payments, making All-on-6 implants more accessible than ever.

Caring for Your All-on-6 Dental Implants

Looking after your All-on-6 implants is straightforward and very similar to caring for natural teeth:

  • Brush twice daily using a soft-bristled electric toothbrush
  • Use interdental brushes or a water flosser to clean beneath the bridge
  • Use a non-abrasive toothpaste to protect the surface of your restoration
  • Attend 6-monthly dental check-ups and hygiene appointments
  • Avoid biting on extremely hard objects such as ice or hard boiled sweets
  • Wear a night guard if you are prone to grinding
  • Quit smoking if applicable — smoking is the leading cause of implant failure

Why Choose Luxe Smile for Your All-on-6 Dental Implants in Manchester?

At Luxe Smile Manchester, our implant team combines years of specialist experience with a compassionate, patient-centred approach. We understand that choosing to undergo a full smile makeover is a significant decision — which is why we take the time to ensure every patient fully understands their treatment options, feels completely comfortable, and is supported every step of the way.

From your very first consultation through to your final restoration and beyond, we are with you throughout your entire All-on-6 journey.

✅ Free smile and implant consultation available
✅ State-of-the-art 3D CBCT scanning on site
✅ Experienced specialist implant team
✅ Flexible finance options available
✅ Teeth-in-a-day protocol available
✅ Central Manchester location
✅ Hundreds of life-changing smile transformations

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the All-on-6 procedure painful?
The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic, so you will not feel pain during treatment. Some discomfort and swelling in the days following surgery is normal and manageable with prescribed pain relief. Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how comfortable the experience is.

How long does the procedure take?
The implant placement surgery typically takes between 3 and 5 hours per arch. Most patients are able to leave the clinic the same day with their temporary fixed teeth in place.

Can I eat normally after All-on-6 implants?
During the healing phase, a soft food diet is recommended for the first few weeks. Once your permanent restoration is fitted, you can enjoy virtually all foods with complete confidence.

What if I don't have enough bone for implants?
If you have experienced bone loss, a bone grafting procedure may be recommended prior to implant placement to build up the required volume of bone. This is assessed fully during your initial consultation and 3D scan.

Am I too old for dental implants?
There is no upper age limit for dental implants. Many of our patients are in their 60s, 70s, and beyond. Suitability is determined by overall health and bone density, not age.

Ready to Start Your All-on-6 Journey?

If you are missing multiple teeth, struggling with unstable dentures, or simply want a permanent, beautiful smile that gives you back your confidence — All-on-6 dental implants could be the life-changing solution you have been looking for.

Book your free consultation with the Luxe Smile implant team in Manchester today. We'll take the time to fully assess your suitability, answer every question you have, and create a personalised treatment plan built entirely around you.

👉 Book Your Free All-on-6 Consultation at Luxe Smile Manchester

Luxe Smile — Manchester's Premier Dental Clinic
luxesmile.co.uk | 0161 327 4814