If you’ve been researching full arch or full mouth tooth replacement, you have likely come across the term, “3 On 6 Dental Implants”. It is one of the newer solutions marketed for full-arch tooth replacement, providing a fixed alternative to traditional dentures and implant bridges. This approach has been gaining traction as it is heavily marketed as a better option to the well-known “All-On-4” treatment.
The 3-On-6 treatment design utilizes six titanium implants to support three individual dental bridges. 3 On 6 implants, like the FP-1 full arch implant bridge, LOOKS just like natural teeth, because there is no pink on the prosthesis; the gums are the patients’ own gums. So, yes, they look great. But let’s delve into the pros and cons of this prosthetic option.
What Are 3 On 6 Dental Implants?
The name “3 On 6” comes from the structure of the treatment:
- Three individual dental bridges replacing a full arch of teeth
- Each bridge is supported by two dental implants (totaling six implants per arch)
This design provides a beautiful full-mouth restoration option. Unlike traditional dentures that rely on suction or adhesive, or the All-On-4, which is a bulky, hard to clean option, 3 On 6 implants look and function just like natural teeth, eliminating concerns about slipping, clicking, or discomfort while eating or speaking.
A Key Concern with 3 on 6
Despite its esthetic strengths, 3 on 6 does present some concerns, particularly in its reliance on just two implants for each individual bridge. If one of the two implants supporting any one of the three bridges fails, that entire bridge is lost.
A vulnerable area: One notable concern is the reliance of just two implants supporting the bridges in the posterior maxilla (upper back sections of the mouth). The bone in this area is recognized as one of the weakest bones in the mouth. It is also the part of the mouth that must support the bulk of the chewing forces. Depending on just two implants to support a span of 4-5 teeth in the part of the jaw providing the greatest amount of bite support, in bone that is known to be softer and more delicate, just doesn’t make sense.
This dependency poses potential long-term risks, including the greater possibility of implant failure, thereby warranting careful consideration.
Risks and Complications of 3-On-6:
- Possible Risks
- Implant Failure: Some implants may fail to integrate properly (especially in smokers or diabetics).
- Failure is a big risk for patients who tend to clench or grind their teeth. MANY patients who find themselves in need of full arch tooth replacement do so BECAUSE of the problems their clenching and grinding caused in the first place.
- Bridge failure with 3-On-6 due to implant failure: THIS IS THE BIG DOWNSIDE TO THIS OPTION. If one of the implants supporting a bridge fails, the entire bridge is lost. When that happens, and IF you’re lucky enough at that point to still have enough bone for another implant, you must go through the procedure all over again. Additionally, you’ll have another new bridge made for the section of the mouth where the implant failed.
Contrarily: Implant failure with a bridge: We believe the better option, for MOST ALL patients, is the single arch fixed implant bridge, and for precisely this reason. Esthetically, they may look the same: Beautiful teeth and the patients’ own gums. But that’s where the similarities end. The big difference between the bridge and the individual 3-On-6 bridges – lies in the greater stability that more implants supporting a segment provides. The cross-arch stabilization of a full arch bridge provides far better stabilization. It shares the load across the entire arch, supported by 6-10 implants, strengthening it, instead of just two implants
- If an implant fails in the future with a single bridge design, it’s not a catastrophe. We just unscrew the bridge, remove the implant, and screw it back in. We can do this because there is still support provided by the cross-arch stabilization. With less chewing forces per implant, this design results in far better bite support.
- Nerve Damage: Improper placement can affect nerves, leading to numbness or tingling.
- Sinus Issues: Upper jaw implants may interfere with sinus cavities if not placed correctly.
- How to Minimize Risks
- Choose an experienced implant specialist (Prosthodontist, Periodontist or Oral Surgeon) with extensive experience.
- Follow post-operative care (antibiotics, soft diet, and proper oral hygiene).
- Attend regular dental check-ups to monitor implant health.
- Consider the full arch (all teeth connected) implant bridge as a better option.
Insurance & Financing Options
- Dental insurance plans do not fully cover the entire implant treatment costs, but usually cover diagnostic tests, extractions, and crowns-up to your annual yearly maximum allowed benefit, which is usually between $1,000-$2,500 per year.
- Payment plans & financing (e.g., CareCredit, in-house dental financing) can help spread out costs.
Conclusion
Although 3 On 6 Dental Implants stand out as an aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional dentures or the All-On-4 prosthesis, it is not without its limitations.
We have been providing dental implant solutions for over 35 years. We have many of our patients over a 20+ year period. Over those decades, we have learned through experience that the shorter, individual bridges are not nearly as predictable as full arch implant bridges when it comes to preventing potential problems and additional costs.
At The Dental Implant Center, we go beyond conventional techniques by prioritizing implant quantity, strategic implant placement, and using durable, esthetic, high-quality materials like zirconia. Our goal is to deliver life-lasting, comfortable, and beautiful results for every patient.
While the cost may be a consideration for some, the longevity and durability of full arch the implant bridges make them a worthwhile investment for those seeking a permanent solution to tooth loss.
Check out our Gallery page with cases of this type; Before and after photos, including (& this, too, is very important: LIPS-RETRACTED photos, so you can see the results up close, to the gum level, just what the results look like. Not just a smile with lips covering up everything important.)
If you’re considering treatment like this, contact us for a complimentary consultation.
