If you are researching full-arch dental implants, you have probably seen both "All-on-4" and "All-on-6" mentioned — sometimes interchangeably, sometimes as though they are completely different procedures. The truth sits somewhere in the middle, and the cost implications matter more than most practices let on.
This guide explains the real difference between All-on-4 and All-on-6, what each approach costs, and why our practice in Temecula typically places up to 6 implants per arch — at no extra charge.
The Real Difference Between All-on-4 and All-on-6
Both procedures follow the same principle: a full arch of fixed teeth supported by implants placed into the jawbone. The difference is the number of implant posts.
- All-on-4 uses 4 implants per arch. It was originally developed as a cost-reduction strategy — fewer implants means a lower starting price and, in some cases, the ability to avoid bone grafting by angling the rear implants.
- All-on-6 uses up to 6 implants per arch. The additional implants distribute chewing forces more evenly, reduce stress on each individual implant, and provide a stronger long-term foundation.
Both approaches give you a full set of fixed teeth on the same day as surgery. The question is whether 4 points of support are enough for your specific situation — or whether 6 would serve you better over the next 20+ years.
Cost Comparison: All-on-4 vs All-on-6
At most practices, upgrading from 4 implants to 6 adds $4,000 to $8,000 per arch to the total cost. Each additional implant is typically billed at $2,000 to $4,000, plus any additional surgical time and components.
| Approach | Typical cost elsewhere | Temecula Dental Implants |
|---|---|---|
| All-on-4 (4 implants) | $20,000-$30,000/arch | $12,000-$18,000/arch |
| All-on-6 (up to 6 implants) | $25,000-$40,000/arch | $12,000-$18,000/arch |
At our practice, there is no upcharge for additional implants. Every full-arch case — whether you choose acrylic at $12,000, armoured acrylic at $15,000, or zirconia at $18,000 — includes up to 6 implants per arch, depending on your clinical needs. You are getting a stronger foundation at a price lower than what many practices charge for All-on-4.
Why 6 Implants Is the Better Foundation
Dr. Dmitry Tsvetov typically places 5 to 6 implants per arch because the clinical benefits are meaningful:
Load distribution
Six implants spread biting force across more points, which reduces the stress on each implant and the surrounding bone. This is particularly important for patients who grind or clench — the prosthetic and the implants last longer when the load is shared properly.
Redundancy and safety
In the rare event that an implant encounters an issue during healing, five remaining implants can still support your prosthetic. With only four implants, losing one creates an immediate structural problem.
Future-proofing for zirconia
Zirconia prosthetics are heavier and more rigid than acrylic. Six implants provide the ideal foundation if you choose to upgrade to zirconia later. Patients who start with Phase I acrylic at $12,000 can upgrade to zirconia at $18,000 when the timing is right — and the 6-implant base is already in place.
All-on-6 Included at No Extra Cost
Every full-arch case at our practice includes up to 6 implants (depending on your case), bone grafting, same-day teeth, and free follow-ups. Book a free consultation to get your personalised plan.
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Think You Are Not a Candidate?
One of the most common concerns patients bring to their consultation is bone loss. If another dentist has told you that you do not have enough bone for implants, that may not be the end of the story.
Dr. Tsvetov is trained in advanced techniques including zygomatic implants, pterygoid implants, and subperiosteal implants that can work in situations where traditional implants cannot. These approaches anchor into alternative bone structures and can eliminate the need for extensive bone grafting procedures that other practices require.
Being told "not a candidate" often means "not a candidate at that practice." It is worth getting a second opinion from a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon who specialises in complex cases.
What It Costs in Temecula
Whether you call it All-on-4, All-on-6, or full-arch dental implants, the pricing at Temecula Dental Implants & Oral Surgery is the same. Here are the three tiers:
- $12,000/arch — Phase I acrylic on titanium (5-year warranty)
- $15,000/arch — Phase II armoured acrylic (10-year warranty)
- $18,000/arch — Phase II zirconia on titanium (lifetime warranty)
All tiers include up to 6 implants (depending on your case), bone grafting, same-day fixed temporaries, free 3D X-rays, and free follow-ups. Optional general anesthesia is available at $2,600 (single arch) or $3,600 (both arches).
Serving patients across Temecula, Murrieta, Menifee, and the wider Inland Empire. Learn more about All-on-6 at our practice or book your free consultation today.