3 on 6 and All on 4 dental implants are two implant-supported prosthetic options for replacing multiple missing or failing teeth. Both involve surgical placement of titanium implants into the jawbone, which serve as anchors for prosthetic teeth. This page compares the two approaches across treatment process, duration, technology, cost, aftercare, and risks.
All costs on this page are indicative. Full costs will be discussed with your dentist prior to treatment and may vary based on your individual case.
Both treatments follow a similar structure but differ in timing. With 3 on 6, temporary bridges are used while the implants heal before permanent bridges are placed. With All on 4, prosthetic teeth are typically fitted within days of surgery.
Step 1 — Consultation: Scans are taken to assess whether 3 on 6 implants are suitable. Your dentist discusses the treatment plan, timeline, and answers questions.
Step 2 — Implant surgery: Six implants are placed per arch under sedation or local anaesthetic. Temporary bridges are provided while the implants heal over several months.
Step 3 — Temporary bridges: Updated temporary bridges are provided during healing. You can request adjustments before your permanent prosthetics are fabricated.
Step 4 — Final bridges: Permanent bridges are fitted once the implants have fully healed and integrated with the jawbone.
Step 1 — Consultation: Your teeth and bone structure are examined with X-rays to determine the appropriate treatment. Your dentist discusses the plan, timeline, and costs.
Step 2 — Teeth impressions: Impressions, 3D scans, and photographs are taken. These are sent to the laboratory for prosthetic design and manufacture.
Step 3 — Surgery: Under general or local anaesthetic, any teeth requiring removal are extracted, and four titanium implants are placed per arch. Prosthetic teeth are typically fitted within a few days of surgery.
Step 4 — Healing and aftercare: Recovery involves a soft food diet for several months while the jaw heals around the implants. You may experience bruising, discomfort, and swelling. Regular check-ups are scheduled to monitor healing.
3 on 6: The full treatment process typically takes several months from start to finish, as the implants must heal before permanent bridges are placed.
All on 4: The consultation and prosthetic design phase typically takes a few weeks. The surgical procedure itself is usually completed in one day. However, full healing takes several months.
Both systems use titanium implants placed at angles (typically 30 to 45 degrees) to maximise contact with available bone. 3 on 6 uses six implants per arch; All on 4 uses four. Both approaches are designed to provide stable anchoring for prosthetic teeth.
Implant placement may help maintain jawbone density in the areas where implants are placed, though bone changes can still occur in other areas over time.
All costs are indicative. Full costs will be discussed prior to treatment.
3 on 6: $22,000 to $25,000 per arch. Cost varies depending on how many arches are treated and whether additional procedures such as bone grafting are required.
All on 4: $15,000 to $20,000. Cost varies depending on case complexity and whether treatment involves one or both jaws. Additional bone grafting increases the cost.
Payment plans are available. Your dentist will provide a specific cost at your consultation.
Both treatments include regular follow-up appointments. With 3 on 6, more frequent appointments are involved during the temporary bridge phase. With All on 4, follow-up appointments focus on monitoring healing and adjustment to the prosthetics. Support is also available via phone and email.
Both treatments require a soft food diet during the healing period, which can last several months (up to six months in some cases). Hard, crunchy, and sticky foods should be avoided until your dentist confirms healing is complete. Brush and floss prosthetic teeth as you would natural teeth. Attend regular dental check-ups so your dentist can monitor the implants, prosthetics, and your oral health.
Dental implant surgery is a significant surgical procedure that carries risks. Risks include pain, swelling, and bruising during recovery; infection at the implant site; implant failure (the implant does not integrate with the bone); nerve damage, which can cause numbness or tingling in the lips, chin, or tongue; sinus complications (for upper jaw implants); bone graft failure if grafting is required; prosthetic failure, loosening, or breakage over time; and the possibility that the treatment may not achieve the planned outcome.
Implants and prosthetics require ongoing maintenance and monitoring. While implants can last many years, they are not guaranteed to last a lifetime — prosthetic components may need repair or replacement over time. Individual outcomes depend on factors including bone quality, oral hygiene, smoking status, and overall health.
Your dentist will discuss all risks specific to your case before surgery.
For full information about risks and potential side effects, please visit our treatment risks page: https://www.gorgeoussmiles.com.au/treatment-risks/
If you're considering dental implants, a consultation is the appropriate starting point. Your dentist will assess your teeth, bone structure, and oral health, discuss which implant option may be clinically appropriate, provide a treatment plan with costs, and discuss all risks involved. There is no obligation.
For full information about treatment risks, please visit: https://www.gorgeoussmiles.com.au/treatment-risks/
Gorgeous Smiles Melbourne CBD | 121 Exhibition St | Book online or call (03) 9042 0483
All dental treatment carries risks. The treatments described on this site may not be appropriate for your oral health. A full consultation with an AHPRA-registered dental professional is required before confirming suitability for any procedure. Individual results vary. For information about treatment risks, please visit our treatment risks page.