How long does All-on-6 last?
Implants are a long-term treatment, but not a permanent one. Here's what lasts, what wears, and what you can do about it.
Medically reviewed by Dt. Hüseyin Yavuz Özbek, implant surgeon · Updated October 2026The British Society of Periodontology says implants may be expected to last 10 to 20 years before retreatment, with care and maintenance, and that the crown, bridge or denture on top may need replacing more often. There is no lifetime guarantee. Daily cleaning, regular check-ups and not smoking make the biggest difference.
Two different lifespans
| Part | What to expect |
|---|---|
| The implants | A long-term treatment. The BSP says that with care and maintenance they may be expected to last 10 to 20 years before retreatment. |
| The bridge and teeth | May need repair or replacing more often, depending on material, bite and wear. See materials. |
| Screws and small parts | Can loosen or wear over time and are usually checked and replaced at maintenance visits. |
The BSP is clear: implants "must not be thought of as permanent".
What shortens the life of All-on-6
- Peri-implantitis: infection of the gum and bone around an implant. The AO/AAP review summarised by the BSP found it in about 12% of patients at five years, 14% at ten years and 22% at twenty years.
- Smoking, diabetes and a history of gum disease: the main risk factors in the same review.
- Missed check-ups, so small problems go unnoticed.
- Grinding or clenching without a night guard.
- Hard foods and habits: ice, shells, opening packets with teeth.
What helps it last
- Clean under the bridge every day. See cleaning and care.
- Regular check-ups, hygiene visits and X-rays, for life.
- Don't smoke.
- Keep diabetes well controlled.
- Report bleeding, looseness or chips early.
- Keep your implant passport, so any dentist can find compatible parts.
Four or six: does it change the lifespan?
A 2024 meta-analysis of 53 studies found no significant difference in implant or bridge survival between four and six implants in the upper jaw, but significantly more bone loss around the implants with four. Read why six implants.
Guarantees
Guarantees vary between clinics and usually have conditions, such as yearly check-ups. Read the written terms before treatment. Precious Dental's terms are on our guarantee page.
Common questions
Is All-on-6 permanent?
No. The British Society of Periodontology says implants are a long-term option but "must not be thought of as permanent". With care they may last 10 to 20 years before retreatment.
Does six implants last longer than four?
Research hasn't shown a clear difference in survival. A 2024 review found similar implant and bridge survival with four or six implants in the upper jaw, with less bone loss in the six-implant group.
How long does an All-on-6 bridge last?
It varies with the material, your bite and care. Acrylic teeth wear and may need replacing sooner than zirconia; both can chip or crack. Regular checks catch problems early.
Is there a guarantee on All-on-6?
Clinics offer different guarantees, often with conditions such as regular check-ups. The Oral Health Foundation says there is no lifetime guarantee. Read the written terms before treatment.
Sources
- British Society of Periodontology — Patient FAQs: dental implants (how long implants last)
- Oral Health Foundation — Understanding dental implants (no lifetime guarantee)
- Sharaf et al. (2024) — Four or six implants in the upper jaw: systematic review and meta-analysis. Heliyon
- British Society of Periodontology — Research Corner: prevalence of peri-implant diseases (AO/AAP review)
Checked October 2026. Where we give our own view as a clinic, we say so.
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