What Are All-on-6 Implants and Who Are They For?

January 1, 2026

If you are missing most or all of your teeth, everyday life can feel like hard work. Smiling, eating, and speaking may all take extra effort. Many adults start to look for long-term options, such as implants in Markham, that feel more like natural teeth.

All-on-6 dental implants are designed for people who want a stable, fixed set of teeth supported by six implants in the jaw. Rather than replacing every tooth with its own implant, six well-placed implant posts work together to support the entire arch. This approach can restore your smile, your bite, and your confidence in one integrated solution.

What All-on-6 Dental Implants Are

All-on-6 is a full-arch implant treatment. By placing six titanium implants in the jawbone, your dentist can support a full arch of new teeth that feel secure and look much like your own. Once they bond with the bone, they act like artificial roots. A custom bridge, designed to look like natural teeth, is then attached to these implants.

The restoration is fixed in place. That means you do not take it out at night the way you would with a removable denture. The arch is shaped and shaded to match your face, lips, and smile line. For many patients, this creates a more natural look and feel than a traditional denture.

Because the chewing forces are spread across six implants, the design provides strong support. This can help with biting into firmer foods and may reduce the movement and rubbing that people often notice with removable options.

How All-on-6 Differs From Traditional Implant Options

There are multiple implant methods available, and comparing them can seem overwhelming without guidance. All-on-6 stands out in a few key ways:

Number of implants: Instead of one implant per missing tooth, six implants support an entire arch.
Fixed vs. removable: All-on-6 is usually a fixed solution. Many single implants or overdentures can be removed, or you may still use a removable denture on top.
Treatment time: In some cases, a temporary fixed bridge can be attached soon after surgery, giving you teeth to wear while healing continues.
Bone use: The six implants are placed in parts of the jaw with the best bone support. This careful positioning sometimes reduces the need for extensive grafting, though some patients will still need bone procedures first.

Compared with a full traditional denture, All-on-6 offers a more secure bite and less movement. Compared with many single implants across the arch, it can be more efficient and may involve fewer surgeries and appointments.

Who Is an Ideal Candidate for All-on-6 Implants

Many adults who have lost most of their teeth may qualify for this treatment, though your dentist will first confirm that it’s the right and safest choice for your health. You may be a good fit if:

You are missing most or all of the teeth in one or both arches
You have healthy gums, or you can be treated for gum disease before implant surgery
You have enough jawbone to support implants, or are willing to consider bone grafting
You do not smoke, or are prepared to stop before and after surgery as advised
You can commit to daily cleaning and regular checkups

During your assessment, your dentist will review your medical history, the medicines you take, and any health conditions like diabetes or osteoporosis to plan treatment with your overall health in mind. These do not rule out treatment on their own, but they must be well managed. The team will also look at your goals. Some patients want to move away from loose dentures. Others have failing teeth and are looking for a fresh start instead of ongoing patchwork repairs or searching for “implants near me” without a clear plan.

A full exam, X-rays, and 3D scans help your dentist decide whether All-on-6 is the safest and most predictable option in your case.

How Computer-Guided Technology Improves Implant Accuracy

Planning is the foundation of successful All-on-6 treatment. Modern clinics use 3D scans of your jaws, digital photos, and advanced software to map out the ideal position for each implant before surgery even begins.

With computer guided dental implants, your dentist can:

See the exact shape and density of your jawbone
Avoid key structures such as nerves and sinuses
Plan the angulation and depth of each implant
Design the final bridge to match your bite and smile, then place implants to support that design

A custom surgical guide is often created from this plan. During surgery, the guide sits over your gums and helps the dentist place each implant in the pre-planned position. This can increase precision, reduce guesswork, and support more consistent outcomes. Guided surgery may also shorten chair time and can improve comfort during healing for many patients.

Key Benefits of Choosing All-on-6 Implants

Every patient is unique, but All-on-6 can offer several important advantages:

Strong, stable bite
The bridge is fixed to the implants, so it does not slip or lift when you chew or speak. Many patients feel more confident eating a wider range of foods.
Natural look and feel
The teeth are shaped to fit your face and smile. Because they are fixed in place, they often feel more like your own teeth than a removable denture.
Bone support
Implants stimulate the jawbone, which can slow down the bone loss that happens after tooth loss. This helps support your facial profile over time.
Streamlined treatment
Using six implants per arch can be more efficient than placing many individual implants. In some plans, you may receive a temporary fixed bridge soon after surgery, so you are not without teeth while you heal.
Long-term value
With good home care and regular professional maintenance, implants and full-arch bridges can last many years. While the upfront cost is higher than that of a conventional denture, the long-term stability and comfort can make it a worthwhile investment for many people.

Your dentist will also explain the limitations. All-on-6 requires surgery, healing time, and strict daily cleaning around the implants and under the bridge. Regular professional cleanings and checkups are essential to keep your gums and implants healthy.

Final Thoughts: Exploring All-on-6 Implants in Markham

If you are living with loose dentures or extensive tooth loss, you do not have to face these challenges alone. A thorough consultation can help you understand whether All-on-6 is the right path for your health, your lifestyle, and your smile goals. A dentist will review your scans, your medical history, and your expectations before recommending any treatment.