3 on 6 vs All-on-4 Dental Implants: Understanding the Differences
When exploring full mouth dental implants in Las Vegas, it’s common to come across terms like “3 on 6” and “All-on-4.” Both approaches are designed to replace missing teeth using dental implants, but they differ in structure, design, and long-term experience.
Understanding how each option works can help you have a more informed conversation about which approach aligns best with your oral health, goals, and lifestyle.
Understanding the 3 on 6 and All-on-4 Approaches
What Is All-on-4?
The All-on-4 approach uses four dental implants to support a single full-arch prosthetic. This design is commonly used when space or bone availability is limited and relies on a single structure that sits over the gums.
- Number of implants: Four implants per arch
- Design: One full-arch prosthetic
- Structure: Typically thicker to provide strength
Because the prosthetic is one piece, it often includes artificial gum material to replace missing tissue and provide support.
What Is 3 on 6?
The 3 on 6 approach uses six dental implants to support three individual bridges per arch. This method is designed to more closely resemble how natural teeth function and appear.
- Number of implants: Six implants per arch
- Design: Three separate bridges
- Structure: Lighter, segmented restoration
The bridges are designed to follow the natural gumline rather than covering it with artificial material.
Key Structural Differences
Number of Implants
All-on-4 relies on four implants to support the entire arch, while 3 on 6 distributes support across six implants. This difference affects how forces are shared during chewing and daily use.
Thickness and Space Requirements
All-on-4 restorations are typically thicker because they are designed as a single piece. The 3 on 6 approach uses multiple bridges, which allows for a thinner, more natural profile.
Gumline Design
With the 3 on 6 approach, we do not remove excess gum tissue or replace it with bulky artificial acrylic. Our bridges are scalloped to meet your natural gumline.
All-on-4 designs often include artificial gum material to compensate for space and structure.
Maintenance and Daily Care
All-on-4 Maintenance
Because All-on-4 restorations sit over the gums as one piece, cleaning underneath typically requires professional maintenance. Patients often return to their dentist for regular cleanings to maintain hygiene around the prosthetic.
3 on 6 Maintenance
The 3 on 6 design allows for regular home care using flossing. The segmented bridges make it easier to access areas around the implants without removing the restoration.
Function and Everyday Comfort
Both approaches are designed to restore chewing and speaking ability. However, the segmented design of 3 on 6 allows each bridge to function more independently, which many patients find feels closer to natural teeth.
The difference in structure can influence how the bite feels during daily activities.
Who Each Approach May Be Designed For
All-on-4 is often considered when bone availability is limited and a single-arch design is needed. The 3 on 6 approach typically requires sufficient healthy bone to support six implants, but the only way to know if you are a candidate is to come in and see us at All Out Dental in Las Vegas.
Each patient’s anatomy, goals, and oral health history play a role in determining which option may be appropriate.
You can explore a detailed comparison on our 3 on 6 vs alternatives page.
Why Patients Choose 3 on 6 at All Out Dental
All Out Dental is the only provider offering the 3 on 6 dental implants in Las Vegas. Our focus is on long-term function, comfort, and natural-looking results for both local and traveling patients.
To learn more about how 3 on 6 works, visit our 3 on 6 dental implants in Las Vegas page.
Schedule a Free Consultation
The best way to determine if you are a candidate for 3 on 6 is through a comprehensive consultation. Every patient is unique, and treatment planning should reflect that.
📍 All Out Dental
7670 W Lake Mead Blvd #130, Las Vegas, NV 89128
📞 (702) 710-9006
Your new smile begins with the right team — and the right approach.