All-on-6 vs dentures
Fixed teeth aren't the only answer. Here's an honest comparison with clip-on and conventional dentures.
Medically reviewed by Dt. Hüseyin Yavuz Özbek, implant surgeon · Updated October 2026All-on-6 gives fixed teeth that don't come out and leave the palate uncovered, but needs surgery, enough bone and lifelong maintenance. A denture that clips onto two to four implants is more stable than a normal denture with less surgery, but comes out to clean. A conventional denture needs no surgery and is usually available on the NHS, but can move and needs relining as gums change.
Side by side
| All-on-6 | Clip-on (implant-retained) denture | Conventional denture | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comes out? | No; only your dentist can remove it | Yes, for cleaning and at night if advised | Yes |
| Implants | Six per jaw | Usually two to four | None |
| Surgery | Yes | Yes, less | No |
| Palate covered (upper)? | No | Sometimes less | Usually yes |
| Stability when eating | Like fixed teeth | Much better than a normal denture | Can move, especially lower |
| Needs enough bone | Yes, along the jaw | Less than All-on-6 | No |
| On the NHS? | Rarely | Rarely | Yes (Band 3) |
| Daily care | Clean under the bridge in the mouth | Take out, clean denture and implants | Take out and clean |
When All-on-6 tends to be worth it
- You can't get on with dentures: gagging, sore spots, movement.
- You want to bite and chew without thinking about your teeth.
- You have enough bone, reasonable health, and can commit to daily care and check-ups.
When a denture may be the better choice
- Your denture is already comfortable and secure.
- Surgery isn't advisable for health reasons, or worries you a lot.
- Very little bone, and you'd prefer to avoid grafts.
- Cleaning in the mouth would be hard, for example with limited hand movement. A removable denture can be easier to clean.
The British Society of Periodontology reminds patients that conventional options, including partial or complete dentures, may be viable alternatives, and that every option has risks and benefits to discuss with your dentist.
The middle ground
A denture that clips onto implants often solves the biggest denture complaint, movement, with fewer implants. Our sister guide Dentures or Implants compares these options in detail.
Common questions
Is All-on-6 better than dentures?
For some people, yes: fixed teeth that don't move. For others, a good denture or a clip-on denture is the better choice, with less surgery and lower long-term upkeep.
Can I switch from dentures to All-on-6?
Often, yes, if there's enough bone. Bone shrinks over years without teeth, so long-term denture wearers may need a 3D scan to check whether grafts are needed.
Are dentures available on the NHS?
Yes. Dentures are an NHS Band 3 treatment. The NHS says implants are usually only available privately.
What is an implant-retained denture?
A denture that clips onto two to four implants. It's much more stable than a normal denture but comes out for cleaning. Our sister guide Dentures or Implants explains it in detail.
Sources
- NHS — Dentures (false teeth)
- NHS — Dental treatments (implants usually only available privately)
- NHS — How much NHS dental treatment costs (Band 3)
- British Society of Periodontology — Patient FAQs: dental implants (alternatives, denture care)
Checked October 2026. Where we give our own view as a clinic, we say so.
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Tell us what you're considering. A real person replies in plain English, and will tell you honestly if All-on-6 isn't the right step for you.