Comparing All-on-4 and Fix-on-Six: The Case for Mini Implants

For much of modern dentistry, full dentures were seen as the final step after tooth loss. Viewed as a practical solution that restored appearance but not always ease or stability. Over time, as materials improved and new methods emerged, dentistry began to shift toward a more permanent approach. Implant dentures marked that turning point. They do what traditional dentures cannot: stay secure, preserve bone, and function as part of the mouth rather than something placed upon it. Among the implant systems available today, two names often surface in conversation: All-on-4 and Fix-on-Six. Both aim to restore the foundation of a full smile, yet the way they achieve it differs.

As a Mini Dental Implant Center of America in Union City, we find that Fix-on-Six often aligns more closely with the outcomes patients hope to achieve. But what truly sets these two systems apart?

The Limitations of Traditional Dentures

Implant dentures are similar to traditional dentures in that they replace missing teeth, but that’s where the resemblance ends. Traditional dentures rest on the gums, which can lead to slipping, irritation, and difficulty eating or speaking. Implant dentures, however, attach securely to the jaw using dental implants, keeping the restoration steady without the need for adhesives or suction.

How Implant Dentures Protect and Strengthen the Jaw

When teeth are lost, the jawbone begins to shrink and weaken over time. This natural process often changes the fit of traditional dentures, leading to frequent adjustments. Because dental implants stimulate the bone just like natural tooth roots, they prevent this deterioration and preserve your facial structure. That stability helps protect your long-term oral health while reducing the need for future maintenance.

Implant dentures also restore function. Anchored firmly in the jaw, they provide a stronger bite and allow for natural speech. With support from implants, everyday activities like chewing and talking feel more secure and effortless.

Both All-on-4® and Fix-on-Six® use implant support to deliver these benefits, but each takes a different approach to achieving them.

Fix-on-Six vs All-on-4: Key Differences

As the name suggests, All-on-4® uses four traditional implants placed in the upper or lower jaw to hold the denture in place. Fix-on-Six®, by contrast, uses between six and ten mini dental implants for support. Although the Fix-on-Six system involves more implants, it relies on a different design that changes how the denture attaches to the jaw and how the procedure is performed.

Traditional Implants vs. Mini Implants

Mini implants measure less than 3 millimeters in diameter, about half the size of traditional implants. The distinction lies not only in size but also in structure. Traditional implants consist of several components: a screw placed into the bone, a connector on top, and a separate attachment for the denture. Mini implants combine these elements into one piece with an integrated connector for the denture, creating a simpler and more streamlined design.

Because of their slender form and one-piece structure, we can place mini implants with minimal disturbance to the bone and surrounding tissue. They typically do not require the amount of jawbone density needed for traditional implants, so bone grafting is rarely necessary. This simplified process allows for a shorter, less invasive procedure and a quicker recovery period.