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Treatment · Full arch

Full-arch implants: fixed teeth for a whole jaw

When all or most teeth in a jaw are missing, implants can support either a fixed bridge (only the dentist removes it) or a removable overdenture (you take it out to clean). The number of implants and the design depend on your bone and your wishes.

In short
  • Fixed: typically 4 to 6 implants per jaw.1
  • Removable overdenture: often 2 to 4 implants.
  • Severe upper-jaw bone loss: zygomatic implants may be considered.2

The main options

OptionImplants per jawRemovable?
All-on-4® treatment concept4No
Fixed bridge on 5–6 implants5–6No
Implant overdenture2–4Yes, by you
Zygomatic implants2–4 zygomatic ± regularNo
Systematic review

A 2026 systematic review of 55 studies found similar implant survival for four-implant and six-implant full-arch bridges, with long-term (≥5 years) pooled survival of about 98% for both. 1

Pooled data from many clinics and implant brands; not specific to one manufacturer.

Full-arch bridge
Illustration of a full-arch implant bridge.

Questions to ask

  • How many implants, and why that number?
  • Which implant system, and will I receive an implant passport?
  • Is the temporary bridge fixed, and when?
  • What is the final bridge made of, and what is its warranty?
  • What maintenance is included, and what if an implant fails?

Would you like a dentist to assess whether this treatment suits you?

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Clinical review pending. Facts on this page are checked against the sources listed below (regulatory records, manufacturer documents, peer-reviewed research). A named clinician will review it before we call it medically reviewed.
Last updated 28 Sep 2026 · How we review

Sources

  1. Systematic reviewShao WH et al. All-on-4 and All-on-6 implant-supported fixed prostheses: systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2026 — Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg, 2026. Accessed 28 Sep 2026.
  2. Consensus / guidelineAl-Nawas B et al. ITI consensus report on zygomatic implants — Int J Implant Dent, 2023. Accessed 28 Sep 2026.

Educational information only. The choice of implant system depends on your anatomy, restorative plan, bone quality and the clinician's assessment. This website does not recommend a specific implant for you.

Clinical assessment

Find out whether implant treatment suits you

Send a few details and, if you have one, a recent x-ray. A dentist from our clinical partner reviews your case and replies with next steps. Free and without obligation.

This website does not diagnose. Only an examination by a dentist can confirm a treatment plan.

Dentist explaining a panoramic x-ray to a couple
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