All-on-4 vs. All-on-6 vs. 3-on-6 vs. Snap-In Dentures: Cost Compared
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How Do the Options Compare?
Full-mouth tooth replacement comes in several forms, from traditional dentures to fixed zirconia teeth. Each option has a different cost, feel and lifespan. Here’s how they compare.
Here’s a quick look at the main options, from lowest to highest initial cost:
| Option | How it’s held in | Teeth material | Removable? | Initial cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional dentures | Rests on the gums | Acrylic | Yes | Lowest |
| Snap-in dentures | Snaps onto 2 to 4 implants | Acrylic | Yes | Low |
| All-on-4 (acrylic) | Fixed to 4 to 6 implants | Acrylic | No | Moderate |
| All-on-4, All-on-6 or All-on-X zirconia hybrid | Fixed to 4 to 6 implants | Zirconia | No | Higher |
| 3-on-6 | Three bridges fixed to 6 implants | Bridges in three segments | No | Highest |
Your exact cost depends on your anatomy and needs, and our pricing is all-inclusive with no hidden fees. See our full dental implant cost guide for Mesa, AZ.
How Much Does a Full Mouth of Implants Cost?
When patients ask how much they should pay for a full set of upper and lower teeth, prices can vary quite a bit.
If you are considering a full mouth of implants, here are a few questions beyond price to consider before making a final decision:
If you end up with a full set of teeth backed by a lifetime warranty, the real cost can be lower, because you have certainty. At My Dental Implant Center, our zirconia teeth are backed by the My Dental Lifetime Guarantee.
Is an All-on-4 Always the Right Choice?
It depends on the case. Not everyone who needs a complete restoration is a candidate for an All-on-4, an All-on-6 or an All-on-X.
Sometimes the best choice is to save your natural teeth with a reconstruction: using the existing foundation, removing the decay and building up from there, typically with crowns, bridges and maybe a single implant.
We weigh the risk factors, the longevity, your age and the financial investment. For patients in their 60s, 70s or older, saving existing teeth may not make sense. It can cost twice as much, and it may not last long, depending on periodontal conditions, smoking and other factors.
Some implant centers are like a one-lane highway: everyone who comes through the door gets implants, often because they don’t offer other services and options. Our sister practice, in the same building, offers general reconstructive dentistry and specializes in fabricating high quality crowns. So even though we’re an implant center, if reconstruction is best for you, we’ll present it as an option.
How Do Dentures and Snap-In Dentures Compare?
Traditional dentures are the lowest-cost option for replacing teeth. We provide them for patients who can’t afford fixed, implant-retained teeth.
Snap-in dentures, which we call click-tight snap-in dentures, use the same type of acrylic prosthetic, attached to two or four implants. They snap in and out, so they still have to be removed, and they come with some maintenance costs.
If a patient’s budget only allowed for snap-in dentures or traditional dentures, I’d recommend the snap-in dentures. Anything implant-retained is a better choice than a traditional removable denture. But when it comes to long-term maintenance costs, zirconia teeth are the lowest-maintenance option. Snap-in dentures cost less initially, but over time, they can cost more in the long run. See how implants vs. dentures compare over 10 years.
What’s the Difference Between Acrylic and Zirconia All-on-4?
An acrylic set of teeth attached to implants is a common type of All-on-4. It’s typically a shorter-term solution, because acrylic needs to be replaced. Acrylic can flex, which is good, but it can also break, crack and chip.
Our All-on-4, All-on-6 and All-on-X zirconia hybrids use the strongest, most biologically compatible material. Zirconia is also one of the more expensive materials, and it takes a little longer to make, but like many things in life… good things take some extra time. Zirconia gives you the strongest chewing ability and the most natural look as well. Here’s more on choosing zirconia or acrylic arches.
What Is a 3-on-6, and Why Does It Cost More?
An All-on-4 is a single, connected row of teeth attached to four to six implants. A 3-on-6 is three separate bridges attached to six implants, with a small gap every few teeth where one bridge meets the next.
It costs more because more pieces are made. Some patients feel it’s more like natural teeth, since natural teeth have spaces between them. More and more of our patients who are candidates for a 3-on-6 prefer it, even though it costs a little more. They see it as a better long-term solution and a better look.
Each option is recommended based on your needs. For example, an All-on-4 can include a thin margin of artificial gum tissue, which can be important for patients with bone loss and gum recession. We also make a prosthetic without the artificial gum, where we contour your own gums and the zirconia fits into them. These anatomical needs can affect the price as much as the type of restoration.
Are All-on-4 and All-on-6 Considered Dentures?
By definition, they’re all considered dentures. Some are removable, like a traditional denture, the kind grandma takes out and puts in a cup. Others, like the All-on-4 and All-on-6, are hybrid dentures: prosthetics that are fixed to implants.
The exception is the 3-on-6. Because it uses bridges, it’s not considered a denture.
Can Fewer Implants Lower the Cost?
Yes and no. Fewer implants cost less because there’s less surgery involved. The risk is not having enough implants to support the prosthetic if something goes wrong with one of them. It’s up to your doctor to decide how many implants are recommended.
In some cases, patients on very limited budgets start with two implants and a snap-in prosthetic, which gets them by until they can afford additional implants.
What’s the Next Step?
Monthly payments start as low as $149 through our dental partner loans. Before you decide, review these questions to ask before accepting dental implant treatment. To find out which option fits your mouth and your budget, schedule your complimentary consultation.
Financing is subject to credit approval by our lending partners. Promotional terms are for a limited time, can change and cannot be combined with other offers.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today!
Feeling pumped about starting your journey to a full, radiant smile? Call us at (480) 618-1148 to schedule your complimentary consultation with Dr. Fulcher. We’re all ears, and excited to understand your needs and explore the best implant options with you.
Don’t let worries about procedures or costs deter you from discovering the joy of a complete, confident smile. Reach out, explore your options, and let’s work together to revive those beautiful smiles at My Dental Implants Center!
Remember, a smile is a lifelong asset, and investing in it goes beyond mere cost. So, let’s dive in, explore, and decide the best route to get you the smile you deserve!
