3-on-6 Dental Implants (FP1)

All-on-4 replaces both teeth and gums with a prosthesis that includes a pink acrylic base (gum replica), while 3-on-6 (FP1) replaces only the teeth and preserves your natural gum architecture. FP1 requires more implants (5-8 vs 4) but is more conservative overall: less bone reduction, less swelling, and less post-operative pain. The result looks more natural because it uses your actual gum tissue rather than an acrylic replica.

Same-day loading is critical for preserving the triangular papilla: the gum tissue between teeth. Without immediate placement of the bridges, the gum architecture collapses and the natural contours are lost. This cannot be recovered later, making same-day loading essential for the FP1 approach. This is one reason why very few dental clinics offer this procedure: it requires both surgical expertise and an in-house lab capable of fabricating bridges the same day.

You may be a good candidate for 3-on-6 if you have: healthy existing bone architecture, are a younger patient (20s-30s) wanting to preserve future options, have a high smile line (showing significant gum when you smile), or simply want the most natural-looking result possible. Patients who have not worn dentures for extended periods typically have better bone preservation. During your free consultation, we will use 3D imaging to assess your specific bone structure and recommend the best approach.

Yes, 3-on-6 is typically more involved than All-on-4 due to the additional implants (5-8 vs 4), multiple bridges (2-4 vs 1), and the complexity of coordinating same-day loading with an in-house lab. The exact cost varies based on your specific needs. We offer flexible financing options including 0% interest plans, insurance coordination, and payment plans. Contact us for personalized pricing based on your situation.

The triangular papilla is the gum tissue that forms a small triangle between adjacent teeth. It is what creates the natural look of a smile: the subtle shadows and contours that make teeth appear to emerge organically from the gums. In traditional approaches, this papilla is lost because the gum tissue changes shape during healing. With 3-on-6/FP1, same-day bridge placement preserves this architecture, resulting in a smile that looks genuinely natural rather than artificially perfect.

3-on-6 provides the most natural-looking full arch restoration available. Because it preserves your actual gum tissue rather than using a pink acrylic replica, the transition from tooth to gum looks organic and realistic. The triangular papilla between teeth creates natural shadows and contours. For patients with a high smile line (showing significant gum when smiling), this difference is particularly noticeable. Most people will not be able to distinguish your 3-on-6 restoration from natural teeth.

Your natural gum architecture is preserved throughout the process. The bridges are designed to work with your existing gum contours, and same-day loading helps maintain the triangular papilla between teeth. However, there is some aesthetic unpredictability: the dentist controls the teeth placement, but your natural gum healing determines the final architecture. This is why careful candidate selection is important. We monitor your gum health closely during follow-up visits and can make refinements to the bridges as needed.

Very few dental clinics offer 3-on-6/FP1 because it requires three things most practices lack: (1) a dentist with specific FP1 expertise and training, (2) an in-house prosthetic lab capable of fabricating bridges the same day as surgery, and (3) the ability to coordinate complex surgery and prosthetics in real-time. Dr. Gregory Broyde has specific expertise in FP1 procedures, and Smile Now has an in-house prosthetic team and lab on site. We offer both All-on-4 and FP1 because we believe in recommending the right solution for each patient, not just the one every clinic can do.