Some terms just sound more complicated than they really are. They carry a certain clinical weight, dressed up in technical language that feels foreign to most of us. Fix-on-Six is one of those terms. At first glance, it might sound like a mechanical repair, a cryptic code, or the answer to a puzzle you didn’t know you were solving. But that is the funny thing about dentistry. Behind these impressive-sounding names are often straightforward ideas rooted in simplicity and function. Fix-on-Six refers to an implant-supported denture system that replaces a full arch of teeth.
When you first hear the name, it is natural to feel like you are being dropped into a world of jargon. At Utah Denture and Implant Center, we can help you cut through the confusion and understand what Fix-on-Six really means for you.
Fix-on-Six and All-on-4: What’s the Difference?
Both All-on-4® and Fix-on-Six® are dental implant systems that support a full-arch roundhouse bridge. While they achieve the same goal of replacing all the teeth in an upper or lower jaw with a stable, implant-supported prosthetic, they differ in two important ways: the type of implants used and the number of implants supporting the bridge.
Comparing Implant Types: What It Means for You
The All-on-4® system uses traditional dental implants, which are about 5 millimeters in diameter. These larger implants provide strength, but they require a significant amount of healthy jawbone for placement. Because jawbone loss begins soon after teeth are lost, many patients do not have enough bone to support traditional implants without additional procedures. Bone grafting is often necessary to rebuild the jawbone before the implants can be placed. This extra step adds time, cost, and complexity to treatment.
The Fix-on-Six® system uses mini dental implants, which are much smaller in diameter. Dr. Tillmann can place mini implants even in areas where the jawbone has thinned, which often happens after tooth loss. This option usually avoids the need for bone grafting. Because mini implants are less invasive, patients can complete treatment more quickly and with greater comfort.
Comparing Implant Numbers: Why It Matters
The All-on-4® system relies on just four traditional implants to hold the entire bridge. This approach limits the number of surgical placements and can work well for patients with adequate bone density. However, concentrating all the biting and chewing forces on only four points places a greater demand on each implant. If even one implant fails, the remaining three are left to carry the full load, which can compromise the stability and function of the bridge.
By comparison, the Fix-on-Six® system spreads those forces across six to ten mini implants. Using more points of support distributes pressure more evenly throughout the jaw, which reduces stress on each individual implant. This design can lead to greater overall stability and a lower risk of failure at any single site.
Why a Roundhouse Bridge Feels More Natural Than Dentures
Traditional dentures have helped many people restore their smiles, but they come with limitations. These dentures consist of artificial teeth set into an acrylic base that sits directly on your gums. For upper dentures, the base covers the roof of your mouth, creating suction. The lower dentures rest on the gum ridge.
A roundhouse bridge is a full-arch tooth replacement that combines the stability of dental implants with the natural appearance of a complete set of teeth. It replaces all of the teeth in your upper or lower jaw using a single, custom-made prosthetic that fits your mouth precisely. Unlike traditional dentures, it doesn’t sit loosely on your gums or depend on suction to stay in place. Instead, the bridge is securely anchored to dental implants that Dr. Tillmann places in your jawbone.
A dental laboratory crafts the bridge from a single, solid piece of high-strength zirconia—a tooth-colored material that looks and feels remarkably natural. The bridge follows the natural curve of your jaw in a horseshoe shape, with all the replacement teeth fused into one continuous framework. Because it eliminates the need for a bulky pink acrylic base or coverage over the roof of your mouth, it feels slimmer and more comfortable.
Discover the Benefits of Fix-on-Six Today
At Utah Denture and Implant Center, we make it easy to move beyond the limits of traditional dentures. With the stability and comfort of a custom implant-supported bridge, you can enjoy eating, speaking, and smiling without worry. Schedule your free consultation to learn how Fix-on-Six® can help you feel at home in your smile again.
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