3-on-6 Dental Implants: Costs, Pros & Cons

Key Takeaways

• 3-on-6 dental implants use six implants to support three bridges that replace a full arch of teeth. 
• They offer a fixed alternative to removable dentures and are designed to look and function just like natural teeth. 
• Treatment usually takes several months as the implants need time to heal and fully integrate with the jawbone. 
• Costs can vary pretty widely depending on your oral health and additional procedures you need. 
• 3-on-6 isn’t right for everyone, especially if you don’t have enough healthy jawbone to support six implants. 
• Alternatives include all-on-4 implants, traditional dental implants, and implant-supported dentures. 

If you’re missing multiple teeth, it can be daunting to figure out how to replace them without spending a fortune or settling for something you aren’t truly comfortable with. 3-on-6 dental implants are one option you might come across, along with All-on-4®, implant-supported dentures, and other full-arch treatments. 

Because leaving missing teeth untreated can eventually cause long-term issues that can affect your bite, jawbone, and your overall smile, it’s important to move forward with some form of tooth replacement treatment as soon as possible. If you need dental implants in the Salt Lake area, we can help you. We have multiple offices in and around Salt Lake City for you to choose from, including in Salt Lake City and South Jordan, near Bountiful, West Jordan, and Draper.  

What are 3-on-6 Dental Implants? 

The good news is that there are more ways to replace missing teeth today than ever before. With 3-on-6 implants, six dental implants are placed in the jaw and used to support three separate bridges that together replace a full row of teeth. The bridges stay securely in place, giving you an option that look and function much more like natural teeth than traditional removable dentures. 

As you continue reading, we’ll give you all the details about 3-on-6 dental implants, the process, cost, alternatives, and hopefully help make it easier for you to decide what works best for your unique smile. 

3-on-6 vs. All-on-4: How Are 3-on-6 Dental Implants Different? 

What makes a 3-on-6 dental implant a little different is the way the replacement teeth are supported. Instead of replacing every missing tooth with its own implant, six implants are used to support three separate bridges that together replace a full arch of teeth. This gives you the stability of implants without needing an implant for every individual tooth. 

Another popular full-arch option is All-on-4, which typically uses four implants to support one full-arch prosthesis. Traditional dental implants take a different approach, usually replacing individual missing teeth with individual implants and crowns, using implants to support smaller bridges. 

Here’s an easy way to see how the options compare: 

Keep in mind that there isn’t one option that automatically works best for everyone. The amount of healthy jawbone you have, the condition of your gums, how many teeth you need to replace, your overall oral health, and your budget are all significant factors. Your periodontist can look at your specific situation and help you move forward with the treatment that works best for you. 

How Much Do 3 on 6 Dental Implants Cost in Utah? 

3-on-6 dental implants can cost around $10,000 to $25,000 per arch, based on current national estimates. Your actual cost in Utah can vary depending on the provider, materials used, and whether you need any additional procedures such as extractions or bone grafting. Because every smile is different, an implant consultation is really the best way to get an accurate idea of what 3-on-6 dental implants would cost for you.

What Are the Problems With 3-on-6 Dental Implants? 

Every dental treatment has its pros and cons. While 3-on-6 implants have some potential drawbacks, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re a bad choice. Here are a few important things to consider when comparing your options: 

• You need enough healthy jawbone. Because six implants need to be securely placed, some patients might require bone grafting before treatment. 
• The upfront cost can be pretty significant. Replacing a full arch with implants is generally a major investment, particularly if you need extractions, grafting, or other procedures first. 
• Implants can fail. While dental implants are typically very successful, there is still a risk of infection, poor healing, or an implant failing to integrate with the jawbone. 
• Good oral hygiene is still very important. The bridges can’t develop cavities, but the gums and bone around the implant still need to be kept healthy. 
• They aren’t right for everyone. Bone health, gum health, certain medical conditions, smoking, and other factors can affect whether you’re a good candidate or not. 

What Are the Benefits of 3-on-6 Dental Implants? 

For the right person, 3-on-6 dental implants can be very instrumental in getting their smile back. Rather than relying on a removable denture, your replacement teeth are securely supported by implants in your jaw. Some of the biggest benefits include:

• A secure, stable smile. Your bridges stay in place so you don’t have to worry about taking them out or having a denture shift while you eat or speak. 
• More natural-looking teeth. The three separate bridges can be designed to closely resemble the shape and appearance of natural teeth. 
• Improved chewing ability. Implant-supported teeth can make it easier to comfortably enjoy a wider variety of foods. 
• Helps preserve your jawbone. Dental implants stimulate the surrounding bone, which can help reduce the bone loss that normally occurs after a tooth has been lost. 
• Only six implants support a full arch. You can replace an entire upper or lower row of teeth without needing an individual implant for every missing tooth. 
• Three separate bridge sections. Rather than one large full-arch prosthesis, the teeth are divided into three bridges, which can give more access around the restoration for cleaning. 

The 3-on-6 Dental Implant Process 

The process takes place over several stages because implants need time to heal and become securely integrated with your jawbone before moving to the next step. Your exact treatment plan and timeline can vary, but here’s a general idea of what to expect. 

1. Consultation and Treatment Planning 

Your dentist or periodontist will examine your teeth, gums, and jawbone and typically use dental imaging to determine whether you have enough healthy bone for six implants. They’ll also go over any other preparatory treatments. 

2. Dental Implant Placement 

All six dental implants are surgically placed at carefully planned locations throughout the jaw. These implants will eventually act like tooth roots, providing a stable foundation for your three bridges.

3. Healing and Osseointegration 

Over the next several months, the implants gradually fuse with the surrounding jawbone. This process is called osseointegration. Depending on your treatment plan, you might wear temporary teeth while your mouth heals. 

4. Placing Your Final Bridges 

Once the implants have healed and are stable, your three custom bridges can be attached. Your dentist will check the fit, appearance, and bite and make any necessary adjustments so your new teeth feel as comfortable and natural as possible. 

3-on-6 Dental Implant Alternatives 

There’s no single solution that works best for everyone. An experienced periodontist can compare these options based on your oral health and what you want from your new smile. 

• All-on-4® dental implants: Use four strategically placed implants to support a fixed full-arch restoration. 
• Traditional dental implants: Individual implants and implant-supported bridges can replace missing teeth without relying on one full-arch restoration. 

• Implant-supported dentures: Attach to dental implants for greater stability than traditional dentures and may be fixed or removable depending on the design. 
• Traditional dentures: A non-surgical, removable option that generally costs less upfront but doesn’t provide the same implant-supported stability. 

Finding the Right Tooth Replacement Option for You 

Choosing how to replace missing teeth is a very personal decision. The best treatment depends on things like your lifestyle, oral health, and budget. While 3-on-6 dental implants are one option, it isn’t a treatment we currently offer at Utah Periodontal Specialists. We do offer All-on-4 dental implants, which is another secure, natural-looking full-arch tooth replacement. 

If you want an opinion you can trust, come see our friendly staff at Utah Periodontal Specialists. We can help you understand your choices and find an approach that makes sense for you. Contact us at our Salt Lake City or South Jordan location to schedule a consultation and start working toward a healthy, confident smile.

FAQs 

What Is the Recovery Time for 3-on-6 Dental Implants? 

Initial soreness and swelling often improve within a week or two, but the implants typically need several months to fully integrate with the jawbone. Your individual recovery time can vary depending on your health and whether you need procedures such as bone grafting. 

Why Should Someone Not Get 3-on-6 Dental Implants? 

3-on-6 implants may not be the best choice if you don’t have enough healthy jawbone, have active gum disease, or have certain health or lifestyle factors that could interfere with healing. Cost and the amount of treatment required can also make another option a better fit. 

Why Don’t Some Periodontists Offer 3-on-6 Dental Implants? 

Not every periodontist uses the 3-on-6 approach. Implant specialists sometimes prefer other full-arch techniques based on their training, experience, available research, and what they believe will provide the best long-term results. 

How Long Do 3-on-6 Dental Implants Last?

With good oral hygiene and regular dental care, the implants can potentially last for decades. The bridges might experience normal wear over time and could eventually need to be repaired or replaced. 

Are 3-on-6 Dental Implants Better Than All-on-4®? 

Neither treatment is automatically better. 3-on-6 uses six implants and three separate bridges, while All-on-4® typically uses four implants to support a full-arch restoration. Which is better for you depends on your bone health, oral health, and individual treatment needs.