If you have researched full-arch dental implants in Turkey, you have almost certainly run into three terms that sound similar but are not the same: 3-on-6, All-on-4 and All-on-6. For most UK patients replacing a full upper or lower arch, the choice between them is the single biggest decision in the whole treatment — it affects stability, longevity, how much bone you need, and how much you pay.
This guide breaks down all three in plain English, compares them side by side, and helps you work out which one actually fits your mouth and your budget. As always, the final call should be made with a dentist who has reviewed your CT scan — but by the end of this page you will know exactly what questions to ask.
Quick comparison at a glance
| All-on-4 | All-on-6 | 3-on-6 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Implants per arch | 4 | 6 | 6 |
| Prosthesis | One-piece full bridge | One-piece full bridge | Three separate bridges |
| Bone needed | Least (angled implants) | Moderate | Moderate to good |
| Stability | Good | Excellent | Excellent |
| Repairs | Whole bridge affected | Whole bridge affected | Fix one section only |
| Typical cost in Antalya (per arch) | from £3,500 | from £4,200 | from £4,500 |
What is All-on-4?
All-on-4 replaces a full arch of teeth using just four implants. The two front implants are placed straight, while the two back implants are angled to make the most of the available bone. A single, one-piece bridge of 12–14 teeth is then fixed on top.
The clever part is that angling the rear implants often lets the surgeon avoid bone grafting and sinus lifts, even when bone has been lost after years of missing teeth. That makes All-on-4 the most accessible and usually the most affordable full-arch option — and in many cases you can leave with a fixed temporary bridge the same day.
Best for: patients with reduced bone volume who want a fixed, non-removable solution at the lowest full-arch price point.
What is All-on-6?
All-on-6 uses the same principle but adds two more implants — six in total per arch. Those extra fixtures spread the biting load across more anchor points, which improves long-term stability and lets the clinic support a longer, stronger bridge. It is often recommended for the upper jaw, where bone is naturally softer and biting forces are demanding.
All-on-6 does require a little more bone than All-on-4, so it is not for everyone. But if your CT scan shows you have the bone for it, it is widely considered the more robust long-term choice for a one-piece full-arch bridge.
Best for: patients with adequate bone who want maximum stability from a single fixed bridge, especially on the upper arch.
What is 3-on-6?
3-on-6 also uses six implants per arch, but instead of one long bridge it supports three separate, smaller bridges — each resting on two implants. The result feels and functions like a full set of fixed teeth, with one important practical advantage.
Because the arch is split into three sections, a problem with one bridge — a chip, wear, or damage — can be repaired or replaced without disturbing the other two. With a one-piece All-on-4 or All-on-6, the entire prosthesis usually has to come off to fix a single tooth. Many patients also find the three-piece design easier to clean around.
Best for: patients who want the stability of six implants plus the long-term convenience and easier maintenance of a segmented bridge. You can read our full 3-on-6 dental implants UK patient guide for a deeper look.
Head to head: the differences that actually matter
Bone requirements
If bone loss is your main obstacle, All-on-4 is often the only option that avoids grafting. All-on-6 and 3-on-6 both ask for a bit more bone because they place six implants. A CT scan is the only way to know for certain — never accept a treatment plan quoted without one.
Stability and bite force
More implants means better load distribution. All-on-6 and 3-on-6 both edge out All-on-4 here, which is why they are frequently chosen for the upper jaw and for patients who want the most solid feel possible.
Repairs and maintenance
This is where 3-on-6 stands apart. Segmented bridges mean localised repairs and lower long-term hassle. With one-piece designs, any repair means removing the full bridge.
Cost
All-on-4 is typically the most affordable because it uses fewer implants. All-on-6 and 3-on-6 cost a little more for the two extra fixtures and, in the case of 3-on-6, the more complex three-bridge prosthetics.
The cost in GBP: Turkey vs the UK
Cost is the reason most UK patients look to Antalya in the first place. Here is roughly how the numbers compare, per arch:
- UK private clinics: All-on-4 from around £10,000–£15,000; All-on-6 and full-arch fixed solutions £18,000–£28,000 per arch.
- Antalya, Turkey: All-on-4 from around £3,500; All-on-6 from around £4,200; 3-on-6 from around £4,500 per arch.
That is a saving of roughly 70–80%, typically including your accommodation and airport transfers within the treatment package. Because exact pricing depends on your scan, the implant brand and how many arches you need, the honest answer is to get a written quote for your specific case. See real numbers and patient outcomes on our dental implants Turkey cost & reviews page.
So which one is right for you?
- Choose All-on-4 if you have experienced significant bone loss, want to avoid grafting, and want the most budget-friendly fixed full arch.
- Choose All-on-6 if you have enough bone and want the strongest possible one-piece bridge, particularly on the upper jaw.
- Choose 3-on-6 if you have the bone for six implants and value easier long-term maintenance and section-by-section repairs.
There is no single “best” option — only the best option for your jaw, bite and goals. That is decided from your CT scan, not from a price list.
What to insist on, wherever you go
Whichever design you choose, the quality of the implants and the clinic matters far more than the name of the technique. Before you commit, make sure your plan includes:
- Genuine, branded implants — Straumann, Nobel Biocare or MegaGen — with certificates you can verify.
- A written guarantee — reputable Antalya clinics offer a 10-year guarantee on the implants and 5 years on the prosthetic bridges.
- A CT-based treatment plan with inclusions and exclusions in writing.
- Clear UK aftercare — who to contact by WhatsApp or email if you have any concern during healing.
Last medically reviewed by the Amazing Smile Turkey (AST) Clinical Team, August 2026.
Ready to find out which option fits you?
Send us your CT scan or a few photos and our clinical team will tell you honestly whether All-on-4, All-on-6 or 3-on-6 is the right fit — with a transparent GBP quote and no pressure. Book a free online meeting with Amazing Smile Turkey today.
Frequently asked questions
Is 3-on-6 better than All-on-4?
Neither is universally “better”. 3-on-6 uses six implants and segmented bridges, giving excellent stability and easier repairs, but needs more bone. All-on-4 uses four implants and often avoids grafting, making it more accessible and affordable. The right choice depends on your bone volume and priorities.
How many implants do I really need for a full arch?
A full arch can be restored on four, six or occasionally more implants. Four (All-on-4) is the minimum for a fixed bridge; six (All-on-6 or 3-on-6) distributes bite force better and is often preferred for the upper jaw. Your CT scan determines what your bone can support.
How much do full-arch dental implants cost in Turkey?
In Antalya, prices typically start from around £3,500 per arch for All-on-4, £4,200 for All-on-6 and £4,500 for 3-on-6 — usually including accommodation and transfers. UK private clinics charge roughly £10,000–£28,000 per arch, so savings of 70–80% are common.
Can I get full-arch implants in one trip?
Yes. Implants and a fixed temporary bridge are usually placed on the first trip. After a healing period of a few months, you return for your final permanent bridge, so most patients complete treatment in two visits.
Which is best for the upper jaw?
The upper jaw has softer bone and heavier biting demands, so six-implant designs — All-on-6 or 3-on-6 — are frequently recommended there for extra stability, provided you have adequate bone.
Are these implants guaranteed?
At reputable Antalya clinics, yes — typically a 10-year guarantee on the implants themselves and 5 years on the prosthetic bridges, using branded systems such as Straumann, Nobel Biocare or MegaGen.
