All-on-4 dental implants use 4 titanium posts to support a full arch of teeth and cost £6,000–£9,000 in Turkey, compared to £20,000–£28,000 in the UK. All-on-6 uses 6 implants for greater stability and costs £8,000–£12,000 in Turkey versus £25,000–£35,000 in the UK. The right choice depends on your bone density, budget, and long-term stability needs. Most patients with adequate bone density benefit from All-on-6; those with bone loss or budget constraints are strong All-on-4 candidates.
Key Takeaways
- All-on-4 uses 4 implants per arch — ideal for patients with moderate bone loss who want a faster, more affordable solution
- All-on-6 uses 6 implants per arch — provides superior stability and load distribution, ideal for patients with good bone density
- Turkey offers 50–70% savings on both procedures compared to UK, US, and European prices
- Both procedures can be completed in 3–5 days at an accredited Istanbul clinic
- All-on-4 is not a lesser option — it is a clinically validated technique used worldwide since the 1990s
- Bone grafting is rarely needed for All-on-4 but may be required before All-on-6
- Both solutions are fixed, non-removable not dentures
What Is All-on-4?
All-on-4 is a full-arch dental implant solution that uses four titanium implants to anchor a complete set of prosthetic teeth. Two implants are placed vertically at the front of the jaw, and two are angled at 45 degrees at the back a design that maximises contact with available bone without requiring bone grafts in most cases.
Developed by Nobel Biocare in the 1990s and refined over decades, All-on-4 has become one of the most widely performed implant procedures globally. It is particularly effective for patients who have experienced significant tooth loss, jawbone deterioration, or those who have been wearing dentures for years.
Who is All-on-4 best for?
- Patients with moderate to severe bone loss
- Patients who want to avoid bone grafting
- Those seeking a faster treatment timeline
- Budget-conscious patients who still want a permanent, fixed solution
What Is All-on-6?
All-on-6 follows the same principle as All-on-4 but uses six implants per arch four at standard positions and two additional implants placed toward the back of the jaw. The extra implants provide a larger surface area for the prosthetic bridge, distributing biting force more evenly across the jawbone.
All-on-6 is considered the gold standard for full-arch restoration in patients with sufficient bone volume. The additional implants reduce stress on each individual post, which can extend the long-term lifespan of the restoration.
Who is All-on-6 best for?
- Patients with good to excellent bone density
- Those prioritising maximum chewing strength and stability
- Patients replacing teeth that were recently lost (less bone deterioration)
- Those willing to invest more for enhanced long-term outcomes
All-on-4 vs All-on-6: Complete Comparison
| Feature | All-on-4 | All-on-6 |
|---|---|---|
| Number of implants | 4 per arch | 6 per arch |
| Bone requirement | Low to moderate | Moderate to high |
| Bone graft needed? | Rarely | Sometimes |
| Stability level | High | Very high |
| Chewing force | Strong | Strongest |
| Treatment days (Turkey) | 3–5 days | 4–6 days |
| Cost in Turkey | £6,000–£9,000 | £8,000–£12,000 |
| Cost in UK | £20,000–£28,000 | £25,000–£35,000 |
| Healing period | 3–6 months | 3–6 months |
| Longevity | 15–25+ years | 20–25+ years |
| Implant failure risk | Slightly higher | Slightly lower |
| Best candidate | Bone loss patients | Good bone density |
Cost Comparison: Turkey vs UK vs Europe
All-on-4 Prices by Country:
| Country | All-on-4 Cost (per arch) |
|---|---|
| Turkey (Istanbul) | £6,000–£9,000 |
| United Kingdom | £20,000–£28,000 |
| Germany | £18,000–£25,000 |
| Spain | £14,000–£20,000 |
| United States | £22,000–£35,000 |
All-on-6 Prices by Country:
| Country | All-on-6 Cost (per arch) |
|---|---|
| Turkey (Istanbul) | £8,000–£12,000 |
| United Kingdom | £25,000–£35,000 |
| Germany | £22,000–£30,000 |
| Spain | £18,000–£25,000 |
| United States | £28,000–£40,000 |
The price difference is not a quality difference. Turkey’s lower costs are driven by lower operating costs, labour costs, and government incentives for medical tourism — not by lower implant quality or less experienced surgeons. Most accredited Istanbul clinics use the same Nobel Biocare, Straumann, or Zimmer Biomet implant brands used in UK and European clinics.
For a full breakdown of what is included in treatment packages, see our dental treatment cost and price list.
The Procedure: What to Expect Step by Step
Both All-on-4 and All-on-6 follow a similar treatment pathway. Here is what a typical 5-day Istanbul treatment looks like:
Day 1 — Consultation and Scanning 3D CT scan and digital planning. Your bone structure is assessed to determine whether All-on-4 or All-on-6 is clinically appropriate.
Day 2 — Extraction and Implant Placement Remaining teeth are extracted (if needed) and implants are placed under local anaesthesia or sedation. Temporary teeth are often fitted the same day — a technique called immediate loading.
Day 3 — Rest and Recovery Soft foods, ice packs, prescribed antibiotics and pain relief. Most patients report mild discomfort manageable with standard medication.
Day 4 — Check and Adjustments Bite alignment checked, temporary prosthesis adjusted for comfort.
Day 5 — Final Review and Discharge Healing instructions provided. Permanent prosthesis is fitted 3–6 months later, once osseointegration (bone fusion) is complete.
Is All-on-4 or All-on-6 Better for Bone Loss?
This is the most important clinical question and it has a clear answer.
All-on-4 wins for bone loss patients. The angled posterior implants in All-on-4 are specifically designed to bypass areas of bone deterioration, reaching denser bone further back in the jaw. This is why most patients with bone loss can proceed with All-on-4 without bone grafting.
All-on-6 requires more bone volume. The additional two implants need sufficient bone depth and width to anchor securely. Patients with significant bone loss may need a sinus lift or bone graft before All-on-6 — adding cost and extending the treatment timeline by 4–6 months.
The clinical decision is made during your CT scan. No article including this one can tell you which procedure you need without imaging. What we can tell you is that both are proven, safe, and life-changing solutions when performed correctly.
To understand how our team assesses candidacy, visit our page on how safe dental surgery in Turkey is.
All-on-4 vs All-on-6: Longevity and Success Rates
According to a 2019 systematic review published in the International Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Implants, All-on-4 implants show a 10-year survival rate of 94.8% across multiple international studies. All-on-6 data suggests comparable or slightly higher rates due to reduced load per implant.
Factors that influence longevity for both solutions:
- Oral hygiene — daily cleaning around the prosthesis is essential
- Smoking — significantly increases implant failure risk
- Bone quality — denser bone supports better osseointegration
- Implant brand — premium brands (Nobel, Straumann) outperform budget alternatives
- Surgeon experience — volume and specialisation matter
At Dr. Wonder Clinic, we exclusively use Grade 4 titanium implants from internationally certified brands and follow strict sterilisation protocols accredited by Turkish Ministry of Health standards.
Common Myths About All-on-4
“All-on-4 is just cheaper dentures.” False. All-on-4 implants are surgically fixed into your jawbone. They cannot be removed. They function and feel like natural teeth.
“All-on-6 is always better.” Not always. For patients with bone loss, All-on-4 is clinically superior because it works within the existing bone structure. Placing 6 implants in compromised bone creates more risk, not less.
“Turkey implants are lower quality.” The implant brand is what determines quality — not the country. A Nobel Biocare implant placed in Istanbul is identical to one placed in London.
“You’ll need multiple trips.” Most patients complete the core procedure in one visit of 5–7 days. Follow-up can often be done with a local dentist using records from our clinic.
How to Choose Between All-on-4 and All-on-6
Use this decision framework as a starting point before your consultation:
Choose All-on-4 if:
- Your CT scan shows moderate to severe bone loss
- You want to avoid bone grafting
- Budget is a primary consideration
- You want the fastest treatment timeline
Choose All-on-6 if:
- Your bone density is good to excellent
- You prioritise maximum chewing strength
- You are replacing recently lost teeth
- Long-term durability is your top priority
The final decision always rests with your implantologist after reviewing your 3D CT scan. Both options are valid — the right one is the one that fits your specific anatomy and lifestyle.
To understand how to evaluate clinics before committing, read our guide on how to choose a dental clinic in Turkey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between All-on-4 and All-on-6?
All-on-4 uses four implants per arch; All-on-6 uses six. The additional two implants in All-on-6 provide greater stability and load distribution, but require more bone volume. All-on-4 is designed to work with less bone.
How much does All-on-4 cost in Turkey?
All-on-4 costs £6,000–£9,000 per arch at an accredited Istanbul clinic, compared to £20,000–£28,000 in the UK. See our All-on-4 cost page for a detailed breakdown.
How much does All-on-6 cost in Turkey?
All-on-6 costs £8,000–£12,000 per arch in Turkey, versus £25,000–£35,000 in the UK. Full details are available on our All-on-6 cost page.
Is All-on-4 or All-on-6 more painful?
Both procedures are performed under local anaesthesia or sedation. Post-operative discomfort is similar for both — typically managed with prescribed pain relief for 3–5 days. Most patients describe the experience as less painful than expected.
How long do All-on-4 implants last?
With proper care, All-on-4 implants last 15–25+ years. The titanium posts are designed to be permanent; the prosthetic teeth may need replacement after 10–15 years due to normal wear.
Can I get All-on-4 if I have bone loss?
Yes — All-on-4 is specifically designed for patients with bone loss. The angled rear implants reach denser bone, eliminating the need for bone grafting in most cases.
Do I need bone grafting for All-on-6?
It depends on your bone density. Patients with significant bone loss may need a sinus lift or bone graft before All-on-6 placement. This is determined by a 3D CT scan during your consultation.
How many days do I need in Turkey for All-on-4 or All-on-6?
Most patients complete the procedure in 5–7 days in Istanbul. This includes consultation, CT scanning, implant placement, and temporary prosthesis fitting. The permanent prosthesis is fitted 3–6 months later.
Is dental implant surgery safe in Turkey?
Turkey is one of the world’s leading medical tourism destinations. Accredited Istanbul clinics operate under Turkish Ministry of Health regulations and many hold international certifications. Success rates at experienced clinics are comparable to UK and European standards.
What implant brands are used in Turkey?
Leading Istanbul clinics use internationally certified brands including Nobel Biocare, Straumann, Zimmer Biomet, and Dentsply Sirona — the same brands used in UK and European clinics.
Can I eat normally after All-on-4 or All-on-6?
You will follow a soft food diet for the first 6–8 weeks while healing. Once osseointegration is complete and your permanent prosthesis is fitted, you can eat normally — including hard and chewy foods.
What happens if an implant fails?
Implant failure is rare (less than 5% in healthy patients at experienced clinics). If failure occurs, the implant is removed, the site is allowed to heal, and re-implantation is performed. Reputable clinics offer guarantees on their implant work.
Conclusion
Both All-on-4 and All-on-6 are clinically proven, life-changing solutions for full-arch tooth replacement. The choice between them is not about which is “better” it is about which is right for your bone structure, your lifestyle, and your goals.
If you have significant bone loss: All-on-4 is likely your best option. If you have good bone density and want maximum stability: All-on-6 delivers superior long-term results. If you are unsure: a 3D CT scan will give you a definitive answer and we provide this as part of your free consultation.
Turkey offers both procedures at 50–70% less than UK prices, using the same implant brands, with comparable clinical outcomes. The savings are real. The quality is real.
Ready to find out which option is right for you? Contact Dr. Wonder Clinic for a free online consultation. We review your existing scans or arrange a 3D CT on arrival in Istanbul and give you a clear, honest treatment plan within 24 hours.
Medical Disclaimer
The information in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual treatment recommendations depend on clinical assessment, 3D CT scanning, and personal health history. Always consult a qualified implantologist before making treatment decisions. Results and pricing may vary based on individual circumstances.
