An “arch” in dentistry refers to a full set of upper or lower teeth. Therefore a “full arch dental implant” would replace your entire upper or lower set of teeth using dental implants. This is also called a “single arch” vs. a “double arch” (or two sets of teeth).
Full arch dental implants are a modern, fixed alternative to traditional dentures for patients who need to replace all of the teeth in the upper or lower jaw. Instead of placing an implant for every missing tooth, this treatment typically uses 4 to 6 titanium implants strategically positioned in the jawbone to support a full set of replacement teeth. The implants fuse with the bone, creating a stable foundation that looks, feels, and functions like natural teeth, while also helping to preserve facial structure over time.
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Full arch implants is a general term to describe replacing an entire arch of teeth. You may hear the term All-on-4 used to describe this approach, however this is just one method that describes a specific full arch technique that relies on four implants to anchor the restoration. The broader term All-on-X simply means that the arch is supported by four, five, six, or more implants depending on your unique anatomy and treatment plan. Both are forms of full arch dental implants, and your Smart Arches doctor would recommend the number of implants best suited to your needs. Older implant treatments required more implants (6, 8 or sometimes more) per jaw for stability. The number of implants you may need to support an upper or lower arch will depend on your specific situation.
Another type of full arch implant is an implant-supported denture. Compared to traditional dentures which sit on top of gums, implant-supported dentures are anchored with a few implants surgically placed in the jawbone. Depending on the type you choose, these dentures can either be removable or fixed, which stay in place permanently and are cared for just like natural teeth.
All-on-4® and All-on-X/All-on-6 dental implants differ primarily in the number and placement of implants used to support full-arch prosthetics. The All-on-4 procedure uses four strategically angled implants per arch, while All-on-6 employs six straight, parallel implants with two additional supports placed closer to the back of the jaw.
The additional implants in All-on-6 can provide enhanced stability and strength, which can benefit patients with very long dental arches where four implants alone might lead to fracture and breakage of the final prosthesis. The extra implants help minimize the “cantilever effect” that can cause prosthesis issues, whereas All-on-4 achieves this through slightly tilted outer implants to reduce stress on the restoration.
However, All-on-6 typically requires more existing bone for proper placement and has a higher likelihood of requiring bone grafting procedures, especially since the additional implants are positioned in the back areas of the mouth where bone is generally more limited. This increased complexity makes All-on-6 typically more expensive, due to the additional implants and their prosthetic components.
From a maintenance perspective, All-on-6 can present more cleaning challenges since there are additional implant posts that require careful hygiene care between them.
Takeaway: we would discuss which approach works best for you. Ultimately, the choice between these approaches depends on a number of factors, including a patient’s jawbone condition, oral health status, the length of their dental arch, budget considerations, and their ability to maintain proper oral hygiene around the implant sites.
Includes: Implant + Abutment + Crown
Titanium Implant
Free Initial Consultation with Advanced Scanning
0% APR Financing Available
Actual loan pricing is determined by personal credit score. Most patients are approved with a credit score of 650 or above. Co-signers are accepted but must be present. Pricing is subject to change and may vary by location. Offer valid for new patients only. APR and final price may vary by patient.
As low as $9/day (per arch)
Lightweight premium zirconia teeth
Includes general anesthesia
Customized, natural-looking appearance
5-year warrranty
Lasts a lifetime with proper care
Zygomatic implants may increase treatment fees. Actual loan pricing is determined by personal credit score. Most patients are approved with a credit score of 650 or above. Co-signers are accepted but must be present. Pricing is subject to change and may vary by location. Offer valid for new patients only. APR and final price may vary by patient.
As low as $9/day (per arch)
Lightweight premium zirconia teeth
Includes general anesthesia
Customized, natural-looking appearance
5-year warrranty
Lasts a lifetime with proper care
0% APR financing available
Zygomatic implants may increase treatment fees. Actual loan pricing is determined by personal credit score. Most patients are approved with a credit score of 650 or above. Co-signers are accepted but must be present. Pricing is subject to change and may vary by location. Offer valid for new patients only. APR and final price may vary by patient.
Not sure which treatment is right for you? Explore implants for a single tooth, implant-supported bridges for multiple teeth, or comprehensive full mouth implant solutions including All-on-X systems that secure entire arches with fewer implants. Advanced options like zygomatic and pterygoid implants serve patients with insufficient bone, while full mouth reconstruction combines implants with restorative work for complete smile transformation.
Smart Arches patients save
33-40%of the cost of full mouth implants vs. other implant providers.
1,200+ 5-Star Reviews
While other clinics require multiple visits and offer only basic services, Smart Arches provides comprehensive dental implant care from experts using advanced technology.
Smart Arches | Other Dental Clincs | |
|---|---|---|
Advanced 3D Imaging | ||
On-site 3D Prosthetic Printing | ||
Placed 2,000+ Arches and 20,000+ Implants | ||
Same Day Implants / 24-Hour Implants | ||
On-site Full Time Anesthesiologist | ||
Pioneering Research in Zygomatic & Pterygoid Implants | ||
Board-Certified Implantologists |
Follow along as we take you through exactly what happens at your complimentary consultation. You’ll meet with your patient ambassador, review your dental needs, medical history, and properly educate you on the full procedure. We’ll also take CT scan as well as 3D facial scanning that allows us to create a digital simulation of your future smile! You’ll leave with a clear treatment plan, cost and understanding of financing options.
Answer a few quick questions about your oral health and get instant results on your eligibility for permanent tooth replacement. No appointment needed – discover your options right now.
