Fix-on-Six vs. All-on-4: Which Offers Superior Denture Stability?

For years, traditional dentures have served as the standard solution for complete tooth loss. However, as advancements in dental technology continue to evolve, implant dentures have emerged as the pinnacle of tooth replacement. Their benefits lie in resolving the limitations and challenges often experienced with traditional dentures. From stability and comfort to enhanced functionality, implant dentures have redefined dental prosthetics. Providing a transformative solution beyond what traditional dentures offer, implant dentures provide a lasting fit that functions like natural teeth. Two systems—All-on-4® and Fix-on-Six®—are used to support implant dentures. At the Mini Dental Implant Centers of America in Union City, we typically recommend Fix-on-Six over All-on-4 because of the many benefits of this system.

What Are Implant Dentures?

Like traditional dentures, implant dentures are prosthetics that replace natural teeth. However, this is where the similarities end. Traditional dentures often pose issues like discomfort, slipping, and challenges in eating and speaking. In contrast, implant dentures are supported by dental implants and locked into place without the need for suction or messy adhesives.

When you lose teeth, your jawbone begins to weaken and recede. As a result, traditional dentures require frequent adjustments due to changes in the form of the jaw. Dental implants play a crucial role in preventing bone loss caused by the absence of teeth. By providing proper stimulation, they help preserve the form and strength of your jaw. This means that dental implants preserve long-term jaw health and eliminate the need for frequent adjustment of the prosthetic. As a result, you’ll save time and money.

Another key benefit of implant dentures is their far superior functionality. Fixed to the jawbone like natural teeth, implant dentures allow you to eat the foods you love. With a stronger bite, you can enjoy a wider range of foods and improve your diet. Additionally, the implants’ stability facilitates clear speech, unlike traditional dentures that shift during conversations.

Looking, feeling, and functioning more like natural teeth, implant denture options like All-on-4 and Fix-on-Six improve the denture experience.

All-on-4 and Fix-on-Six: What’s the Difference?

Aptly named, All-on-4® uses four traditional implants on the top and bottom jaw to support implant dentures, while Fix-on-Six® utilizes a range between six to ten implants. While Fix-on-Six employs more implants, it specifically utilizes mini dental implants. Understanding the differences between traditional and mini implants is crucial, as these differences impact the process and outcomes for the All-on-4 and Fix-on-Six systems.

Measuring half the size of traditional implants, mini implants are less than 3 millimeters in diameter. While their size is a key distinguisher, so is their design. Traditional implants comprise three components, including the screw, the connector secured atop, and the denture. Mini implants streamline the design into a single unit with a built-in connection point for the denture.

These features make the procedure for mini implants much quicker. Thanks to the mini implant’s slender form, it does not require a large space in the jawbone to be placed, unlike a traditional implant. As a result, patients getting traditional implants will usually have to undergo bone grafting to accommodate the size of the implant. Bone grafting is generally not needed for mini implants.