The 3 on 6™ dental implant approach has been used in full-mouth restoration for over a decade, with thousands of procedures completed worldwide. Today, extensive clinical experience and modern planning technology allow providers to carefully evaluate candidates and design treatment with a high level of predictability.
While no dental procedure is without risk, many concerns patients hear about 3 on 6™ stem from outdated information or confusion with other full-arch options. Below, we address some of the most common misconceptions and explain how the 3 on 6™ approach is designed.
Misconception #1: “The bridges will break”
Earlier generations of dental bridges were more susceptible to fracture due to material limitations and less precise fabrication methods. Modern 3 on 6™ bridges are different.
With 3 on 6™, each arch is restored using three individual bridges supported by six implants. These bridges are fabricated from zirconia, a strong ceramic material commonly used in modern restorative dentistry.
Why segmented bridges matter
- Shorter bridge spans help distribute bite forces more evenly.
- Smaller segments may reduce stress compared to a single full-arch prosthetic.
- If damage occurs from trauma, individual bridge replacement may be more manageable.
At All Out Dental, advanced digital scanning and photogrammetry are used to achieve a precise fit, helping balance forces across the implants and supporting long-term function.
Misconception #2: “Gaps will form between the gums and the teeth”
Gum appearance is closely tied to bone health and prosthetic design. With the 3 on 6™ approach, bridges are carefully shaped to meet the natural gumline.
We do not remove excess gum tissue or replace it with bulky artificial acrylic. Our bridges are scalloped to meet your natural gumline. This design choice supports a more natural transition between the teeth and gums.
Factors that support long-term gumline appearance
- Consistent home care and routine professional cleanings.
- Well-fitted bridges designed to rest naturally at the gumline.
- Balanced bite forces and ongoing monitoring over time.
Bone responds to function, and proper loading of implants plays a role in long-term stability when paired with good oral care habits.
Misconception #3: “One full-arch bridge is better than segmented bridges”
In many implant protocols, a single full-arch bridge is used temporarily during healing to stabilize implants — a concept known as cross-arch stabilization.
With the 3 on 6™ process:
- A full-arch provisional bridge is placed at surgery.
- After healing, the final restoration is delivered as three separate bridges.
- This approach allows each implant to function independently once healing is complete.
Segmented bridges are one of the key distinctions when comparing 3 on 6™ versus other full-arch dental implant options.
Misconception #4: “Very few people qualify for 3 on 6™”
This misconception often arises when patients consult providers who are not familiar with the 3 on 6™ protocol.
Adequate bone volume is required, but many patients who believe they are not candidates actually qualify after proper imaging and evaluation. Advanced diagnostics help determine whether 3 on 6™ or another approach is more appropriate.
If a patient does not qualify for 3 on 6™:
- Alternative full-arch implant solutions may still be viable.
- An experienced provider can explain the reasoning and outline next steps clearly.
The Bottom Line
The 3 on 6™ approach is not the right solution for every patient — but misinformation should never be the deciding factor.
At All Out Dental, patients receive a clear explanation of how 3 on 6™ dental implants in Las Vegas are designed, how they differ from other options, and whether the approach aligns with their goals.
If you have questions or want to understand your options more fully, the next step is a personalized consultation.
📍 All Out Dental
7670 W Lake Mead Blvd #130, Las Vegas, NV 89128
📞 (702) 710-9006
🌐 www.alloutdental.com
Your new smile begins with the right team — and the right approach.