What are 3 on 6 Dental Implants?
3 on 6 dental implants consist of three individual dental bridges that are attached to six dental implants. This restoration is similar to a dental bridge but with artificial roots instead of natural teeth.
The approach is ideal for full-mouth reconstruction, as it restores the teeth’s natural function by evenly distributing bite forces. It doesn’t require bone removal and even preserves bone and tissue.
3 on 6 dental implants are an excellent solution to missing an entire arch of teeth and are an alternative to a permanent denture that uses two to four implants. Since it does not require synthetic gums, it is also aesthetically pleasing.
Dental providers must be trained and certified to provide 3 on 6 implants. You can find a full list of authorized providers at https://www.3on6.com/locations.
How Do 3 on 6 Implants Function?
3 on 6 implants work by separating the upper or lower arch into three independent sections. These are called bridges.
Each bridge holds four artificial crowns and is anchored into the jaw by two implants. Since it takes 3 bridges to cover an arch, you will have a total of six implants.
Who is a Candidate for These Implants?
Your eligibility for 3-on-6 implants largely depends on how much bone you have.
To determine your eligibility, your dentist will examine your mouth and do a 3D scan during your initial consultation. The findings from these diagnostic tests will determine the most suitable treatment plan for your condition.
You may be a candidate for implants if you:
- Have a good general and oral health standing
- Do not have cavities or gum disease
- Have enough healthy bone structure remaining to support the implant
On the other hand, you may not be a candidate for implants if you:
- Have untreated dental health conditions
- Grind your teeth (bruxism), which can damage the implant over time
- Take steroid drugs or other medications that suppress your immune system
- Do not have enough healthy bone structure remaining due to advanced gum disease
Pros & Cons of 3 on 6 Dental Implants
Here are some pros and cons of 3 on 6 dental implants:
Pros
Some pros of 3 on 6 dental implants include:
Durability
One of the main benefits of dental implants is that they are remarkably durable.
Since they fit into your jawbone, they are very stable. If properly maintained, they’ll last as long (or even longer) than natural teeth. They’re an excellent choice for anyone considering long-term tooth replacement.
Convenience
3 on 6 implants can be cleaned at home by flossing and brushing and don’t need to be removed for cleanings. They also look and feel more like natural teeth.
There is no need for a fake acrylic gum line above the bridges, so they are ideal for achieving a beautiful smile.
Improves Oral Health
3 on 6 implants don’t require tooth reduction. They’re a more suitable alternative to tooth-supported bridges because more of your teeth are left undisturbed, which improves your long-term oral health. (7)
Cons
Some cons of 3 on 6 dental implants include:
Limited Eligibility
3 on 6 implants are not ideal for everyone. The procedure requires dense, healthy bone to succeed. If you don’t meet these requirements, you aren’t eligible for surgery.
Time-consuming
Implant surgery is a complex, multi-stage process. Consequently, it will take a longer time to complete (from 1 to 3 months, depending on how long it takes your implants to heal). (5)
In some scenarios, implant placement may require additional surgery. (4) If there isn’t enough bone to accommodate the implants, doctors may perform a sinus lift or bone grafts. These procedures will increase healing time and procedural costs.
Costly
3 on 6 dental implants are a significant investment. While still cost-effective, they still have a higher price tag than other teeth improvements like snap-on dentures.
How Long Do 3 on 6 Dental Implants Last?
If you maintain your implants properly, they should last a lifetime. You will still need to floss and brush and avoid smoking and drugs; these habits can affect bone density and the implant’s longevity.
How Much Do 3 on 6 Dental Implants Cost?
The cost of having 3 on 6 implants will vary based on where you choose to have the procedure. It will vary, but the cost starts at around $22,000 per arch, or $44,000 for a full mouth restoration.
Does Insurance Cover 3 on 6 Dental Implants?
Most dental clinics capable of offering 3 on 6 implants also partner with various insurance providers.
There are other options if you do not have dental insurance.
If you have a good credit score (600 or higher), you will qualify for financing. Even if you don’t have good credit, your dentist may still help with payments, but you will need to have a stable income and provide a down payment.
3 on 6 Dental Implant Procedure (Step-by-Step)
The procedure for 3 on 6 dental implants consists of the following steps:
Step 1. Consultation
The process starts with a consultative meeting with a certified dentist who will examine your mouth. Then, the dentist performs X-Ray and CT scans to determine if the 3 on 6 treatment is right for you.
During this session, you’ll also discuss financing and payment options and when to start the treatment.
Step 2. Implant surgery
Your doctor will perform implant surgery at your second appointment. While the procedure can be achieved with local anesthesia, you may also choose general anesthesia if you’re nervous.
Your implants will need to heal after the procedure. The process may take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Your dentist will give you a temporary full arch bridge during this time, so you don’t remain toothless while your gums heal. This bridge also provides stabilization to protect the implants while they heal.
The dental team will use scans of your teeth or pre-designed models to design a new smile for you. You will have input on the shade and design of the teeth.
Step 3. Temporary restoration
Once your implants heal, your doctor will remove the denture, attach abutments, and give you temporary bridges. They’ll help you test the look and feel of your new teeth before the dentist orders a more durable ceramic replacement.
You’ll have them on for a week or two, then meet with your dentist to provide feedback. If you’re unhappy with your smile or would like to make some changes, the doctor will take note of your concerns and forward them to his or her team.
Step 4. Final bridges
Your doctor will schedule one more appointment to place your zirconia bridges and ensure everything meets your expectations.
All-on-4 Implants vs. 3 on 6 Implants
3 on 6 and All on 4’s are similar in that both give you artificial roots and crowns. A key difference, however, is that All-on-4’s include synthetic gums.
3 on 6 implants don’t involve bone removal. All-on-4 implants have a bulky prosthetic that needs more space. They usually require an alveoplasty wherein healthy bone is amputated from the mouth. With the 3 on 6, however, the bone and tissue is preserved.
An All-on-4 works best in situations where the patient doesn’t have sufficient bone to support an implant. It’s also the best treatment solution for patients with combination defects, i.e., missing teeth, insufficient bone, and overlying tissue problems.
The choice between All-on-4 and 3 on 6 implants should be driven by clinical evaluation, not personal preference. If you’re only missing teeth and no severe level of bone loss, then 3 on 6 implants are usually the ideal treatment option.
What is the Failure Rate of Implant Procedures?
The treatment process can have a failure rate of between 1 and 5 percent.3 Failure typically happens when the implant body (typically looks like a small screw) works its way out of the bone or completely detaches from the gum.
It occurs because there’s insufficient bone to support the implant during the initial procedure or as a result of bone loss after the implant has been successfully placed. Implants may also fail due to infection.
Since the procedure requires cuts into the gum line, there is a significant risk of infection. Even though surgeons take all the necessary precautions to limit this risk, the patient has to keep the area clean.
Although implants rarely fail, you should schedule regular dental visits (once every six months) to have your implants examined and cleaned.
Summary
3 on 6 implants are a surgical treatment that can help replace teeth. It’s more expensive than traditional dental implants but can last a lifetime if properly maintained.
To know whether you’re a good candidate for this procedure, please consult with a licensed 3 on 6 provider. A full list of licensed providers can be found at https://www.3on6.com/locations.
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