Sometimes, a new creation fits perfectly into our lives. It solves a problem we didn’t realize we had, reshapes how we move through the day, or simply adds a little more ease, delight, or clarity. In its presence, things just click. But as its brilliance shines, its reach may remain narrow—limited by jawbone density, cost, or a patient’s health history. A solution like All-on-4 can feel expansive for one person but remain out of reach for another. That’s when it’s worth pausing—not just to celebrate the breakthrough, but to question the boundaries around it. Who is left out, and why? What stands between innovation and inclusion? Progress should not be a private experience. If something holds the power to transform, then the next challenge is finding a way to extend that change outward, so that more people can benefit from it.
Fix-on-Six® is one way we do that at the Aesthetic Associates Centre. This technique, patented by Dr. Todd Shatkin, offers a simpler path to denture stabilization. It provides a practical and patient-friendly alternative to more invasive procedures, expanding access to care without sacrificing quality.
What Is All-on-4?
The term “All-on-4” may sound a bit like industry shorthand. However, there’s a lot of meaning packed into those three words. It refers to a method of restoring a full arch of teeth using just four dental implants as anchors. “All” indicates that the entire upper or lower arch of missing teeth is being replaced. The “4” tells us how many implants are doing the work—four traditional implants strategically placed in the jaw support the entire prosthesis.
This technique provides a solution for patients who have lost most or all of their teeth in one arch, but desire a more secure and natural-feeling alternative to traditional dentures. What gets attached to these implants is not a standard denture—it’s a fixed full-arch prosthesis called a roundhouse bridge. This bridge is shaped like a horseshoe to match the curve of your jaw and is typically made from zirconia, a durable and lifelike material.
Now, it’s essential to understand why we don’t simply refer to this prosthesis as a denture. Conventional dentures sit on top of the gums, relying on suction or adhesive to stay put. They can shift, slip, or come loose—especially when eating or speaking. In contrast, a roundhouse bridge is firmly attached to implants, so it remains in place. Because it doesn’t require a bulky acrylic base or a palate that covers the roof of your mouth, it feels more natural and allows for better taste and speech.
Fix-on-Six® vs. All-on-4: How Are They Different?
Replacing a full arch of teeth using just four implants may sound simple on the surface. After all, four on top, four on bottom—it seems efficient. However, to fully understand what this option entails, it’s essential to examine the type of implant used in the All-on-4 method.
This approach uses traditional dental implants, which are roughly 5 millimeters in diameter and made from titanium. The first part to be placed is the implant post, which is surgically inserted into the jawbone to act as an artificial tooth root.
At this point, bone quality becomes critical. Implants of this size require a substantial amount of bone volume to remain stable. And that’s a challenge for many patients. In fact, by the time someone is exploring full-arch tooth replacement, they’ve often already experienced some degree of bone loss. This happens because losing teeth leads to a lack of stimulation in the jawbone. Over time, that lack causes the bone to shrink or resorb.
When the jawbone isn’t strong or thick enough to support a traditional implant, bone grafting may be required. Grafting builds up the bone using special materials to prepare the site for implant placement. While this step is effective, it also extends the overall treatment timeline. Healing from the graft must occur before the implant process can move forward.
Traditional implant placement is also more invasive. It involves creating incisions in the gums, inserting the implant posts, and then suturing the tissue closed for healing. Once that healing period is complete, an abutment is attached. This small connector, situated just above the gum line, serves as the link between the implant and the final prosthesis.
Fix-on-Six®: A Simpler Alternative
Fix-on-Six® offers a strong and practical alternative to the All-on-4 system for full-arch restoration. Rather than relying on just four traditional implants, we use six to ten mini dental implants to support the bridge of teeth. This approach directly addresses the limitations of All-on-4, especially for patients with reduced bone volume.
Mini implants differ in both size and structure. They are less than 3 millimeters in diameter and are made as a single, solid piece. When we place a mini implant, the top portion that connects to the bridge is already in place above the gums. There are no separate abutments or junction points.
This one-piece design offers several clinical advantages. First, it eliminates the small gaps and internal screw channels found in traditional multi-part implants. Those areas can be difficult to keep clean and may allow bacteria to accumulate. By removing these potential trouble spots, the one-piece mini implant reduces the risk of infection around the implant site. This matters because infection is one of the leading causes of implant failure. Conditions like peri-implantitis begin when bacteria invade the tissue surrounding the implant, often due to poor sealing or inaccessible areas around hardware. Mini implants significantly reduce these risks by presenting fewer entry points for bacteria.
We also use more implants in the Fix-on-Six system to improve load distribution. In All-on-4, each implant absorbs more pressure because there are fewer of them. If one implant fails, the entire bridge may be compromised. By using six to ten implants, we spread the forces of biting and chewing more evenly. This not only adds strength, it also reduces stress on each implant, which supports better long-term outcomes.
Discover a Simpler Path to Full-Arch Stability
Fix-on-Six is changing what’s possible in full-arch restoration—and you can get it right here at the Aesthetic Associates Centre. Created by Dr. Todd Shatkin, this technique offers a streamlined, less invasive solution for patients who want lasting stability without the roadblocks of traditional implants. Contact us today to book your consultation!
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