All-on-4 and All-on-6 are the two most common full-arch implant protocols for patients who need to replace most or all of their teeth. Both are available at Phu Quoc’s top clinics at prices 70–80% below what you would pay in Australia, the UK, or the United States. The decision between them is not simply about the number of implants — it is about bone anatomy, bite forces, long-term prognosis, and budget.
This guide explains the real differences between the two protocols, what each costs in Phu Quoc in 2026, and how to determine which one your situation calls for.
For the broader context on full-arch treatment in Phu Quoc, see All-on-4 and All-on-6 treatments.
What All-on-4 and All-on-6 Actually Are
Both protocols place a full arch of fixed, non-removable teeth on a small number of strategically positioned implants.
All-on-4
Four implants are placed per arch (upper or lower jaw). Two implants go at the front of the jaw (vertical placement). Two implants go toward the back, angled at 30–45° to avoid anatomical barriers — the maxillary sinuses in the upper jaw and the inferior alveolar nerve in the lower jaw.
The angled posterior implants serve a dual purpose: they extend reach into denser bone posterior to the sinus or nerve, and the angle creates better distribution of bite forces across the arch. The entire fixed bridge is attached to all four implants on the same day as surgery (immediate loading).
All-on-4 was developed by Nobel Biocare and has the most extensive published clinical evidence of any full-arch protocol — 20+ years of data.
All-on-6
Six implants are placed per arch — typically four anterior implants and two additional posterior implants, or varying placements depending on bone topography. All six can be placed vertically, or a mix of angled and vertical placement depending on anatomy.
The additional two implants distribute bite forces across a larger contact area. This can be particularly valuable in:
- The upper jaw, where bone tends to be less dense
- Patients with high bite forces or bruxism
- Cases where the prosthesis design requires more support points
- Situations where the remaining bone allows six vertical implants without angling (simpler surgery)
Comparing All-on-4 vs All-on-6
| All-on-4 | All-on-6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Implants per arch | 4 | 6 |
| Placement | 2 vertical + 2 angled | Varies; often 4–6 with less angling |
| Immediate loading | Standard | Standard |
| Bone requirement | Lower (angling avoids deficient zones) | Moderate — needs 6 suitable implant sites |
| Force distribution | Good — validated by 20+ years data | Slightly better — more contact points |
| Upper jaw suitability | Excellent | Excellent |
| Evidence base | Extensive (Nobel Biocare protocol) | Good — growing |
| Cost per arch (Phu Quoc) | $3,500–5,500 | $4,500–8,500 |
| Cost per arch (Australia) | $25,000–35,000 | $30,000–45,000 |
Which Is Right for You?
This decision should be made by a dentist reviewing your CBCT scan — not by a website. But understanding the factors helps you ask the right questions.
Choose All-on-4 if:
Bone loss is significant. All-on-4’s angled posterior implants were specifically designed for patients who cannot support six vertical implants. If your CBCT shows insufficient bone in the posterior jaw, All-on-4 may be the only full-arch option without extensive bone grafting.
Budget is a constraint. At $1,000–3,000 less per arch, All-on-4 makes full-arch restoration significantly more accessible. For patients doing both upper and lower arches, this difference can be $2,000–6,000.
You want the most evidence-backed protocol. The All-on-4 concept has two decades of published literature and clinical data. For patients who want to choose the most validated approach, this matters.
Choose All-on-6 if:
Bone volume allows it. If your CBCT shows sufficient bone for six vertical implants, All-on-6 may provide better long-term load distribution — particularly in the upper jaw where bone density is naturally lower.
You have heavy bite forces or grind your teeth. More implants distribute the forces of parafunctional habits (grinding, clenching) more evenly. This is particularly relevant for the upper arch.
The dentist recommends it after imaging. If a skilled implant surgeon reviews your CBCT and recommends All-on-6 based on your specific bone topography, follow that clinical guidance.
You want maximum stability. For patients doing demanding activities — contact sports, unusual dietary habits — the additional implants offer an extra margin.
The Phu Quoc Process: What to Expect
First Trip (7–10 days minimum)
Day 1–2: Consultation, full-mouth X-ray (OPG), CBCT scan, treatment planning discussion. For patients replacing remaining teeth, extractions may be scheduled at this stage.
Day 2–3: Implant surgery. This is a significant surgical procedure, typically lasting 2–4 hours per arch under local anaesthetic and sedation. The temporary acrylic bridge is fitted on the same day (“teeth in a day”).
Days 4–10: Recovery, post-operative checks, diet adjustment to soft food. Most patients experience significant swelling for 3–5 days. The clinic will check healing before clearing you to fly.
Flying home: Allow 7–10 days minimum. The clinic typically does a post-op check at day 7 before flight clearance.
Second Trip (3–6 months later)
The temporary bridge is replaced with the definitive prosthesis — typically a high-strength acrylic or zirconia-based full arch. This trip is shorter (3–5 days) and involves less recovery.
Cost Breakdown: Full Mouth Restoration in Phu Quoc
If you need both upper and lower arches:
| Treatment | Phu Quoc cost | Australia |
|---|---|---|
| All-on-4 (one arch) | $3,500–5,500 | $25,000–35,000 |
| All-on-4 (both arches) | $7,000–11,000 | $50,000–70,000 |
| All-on-6 (one arch) | $4,500–8,500 | $30,000–45,000 |
| All-on-6 (both arches) | $9,000–17,000 | $60,000–90,000 |
Even including two round trips to Phu Quoc, flights, and 10+ days accommodation, patients doing full-mouth restorations save $35,000–70,000 compared to Australian pricing.
Best Phu Quoc Clinics for All-on-4 / All-on-6
Tri Hao Dental — experienced with full-arch implant cases. Uses Nobel Biocare and Osstem implant systems. English-speaking team. Written treatment plans and warranties.
Phu Quoc Luxury Dental — handles full-arch cases with premium prosthesis options (zirconia arch). Best for patients prioritising the aesthetic quality of the final bridge.
Vinmec International Hospital — hospital-level support for complex cases. Recommended for patients with medical comorbidities (diabetes, heart conditions, anticoagulants), for cases requiring sedation beyond local anaesthetic, and for all-on-4 in the context of full-mouth rehabilitation.
Submit your most recent OPG or CBCT scan to begin the assessment process. A qualified Phu Quoc clinic can review your imaging and confirm whether All-on-4, All-on-6, or an alternative approach is appropriate for your bone anatomy — before you book flights. Use SmileJet to coordinate the pre-assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Related treatments & clinics
Treatments
Ready to plan your dental trip?
Compare verified Phu Quoc clinics with real pricing and get a personalized quote on SmileJet.
Explore SmileJetarrow_forward