When most or all of your teeth are gone, every meal, every conversation, and every glance in the mirror serves as a reminder of what’s missing. Traditional dentures have long been the standard answer, but for many patients, the shifting, soreness, and ongoing maintenance make them feel like a compromise. 3 on 6 dental implants take a fundamentally different approach, using six dental screws or posts to anchor three permanently fixed bridges directly into the jaw, with no removable components.
At Willden Family Dental, Dr. Ryan Willden has spent over two decades helping patients in South Jordan, UT, rebuild their smiles after significant tooth loss. He knows a full-arch restoration is one of the most significant decisions a patient can make, and every person who walks through our doors receives the education and personalized attention to move forward with confidence. If you’ve been exploring your options, our dental implants page is a helpful starting point.
What Sets 3 on 6 Apart?
Most full-arch implant systems use a single connected prosthetic spanning the entire upper or lower arch. 3 on 6 is built differently, placing six dental screws or posts to support three individual bridges, each anchored by a pair of implants. This segmented design distributes chewing forces more evenly across the jaw, creating a feel more closely resembling natural teeth. A 2025 study from the National Institutes of Health tracked 943 patients with six-implant full-arch restorations over an average of 5 years, reporting high mid- to long-term implant survival rates.
One aspect setting 3 on 6 apart is its approach to the gumline. Many full-arch restorations incorporate an acrylic base to fill the space between the prosthetic teeth and the gumline, which can affect the overall appearance of the restoration. Since 3 on 6 uses three separate bridges, the design may allow for a more natural-looking result when the patient’s gum tissue and bone structure support it. Your specific outcome will depend on your anatomy and Dr. Willden’s clinical recommendations following a thorough evaluation.
How Does 3 on 6 Compare to Traditional Dentures?
The most immediate difference is that 3 on 6 stays in. Dentures rest on the gumline and rely on adhesives or suction, which often leads to movement and discomfort during everyday activities. With 3 on 6, the six dental screws or posts are anchored directly into the jawbone, giving each bridge a permanent, stable foundation. For a deeper look at how implants and dentures stack up, our dental implants vs. dentures blog covers the comparison in full.
Beyond stability, there is a meaningful long-term health advantage: preserving the jawbone. Without stimulation from natural tooth roots, the jaw naturally begins to recede after tooth loss. Six dental screws or posts distribute bone stimulation across multiple points in the arch, helping maintain density over time. Thanks to the bridges being permanently fixed, patients may also find day-to-day maintenance feels more similar to caring for natural teeth, without the removable components or adhesives dentures require.
Who Is a Candidate for 3 on 6?
3 on 6 is designed for patients who are missing most or all of their teeth in one or both arches. Since the system relies on six dental screws or posts placed across the arch, good bone density is an important part of candidacy. Patients with healthy, adequate bone structure are often well-suited for this approach, while those who have experienced significant bone loss may be directed toward an alternative restoration option.
What Does Dr. Willden Evaluate?
Every 3-on-6 consultation at Willden Family Dental begins with a thorough review of your oral health, jawbone density, and medical history. Dr. Willden takes the time to understand your anatomy and goals before recommending a course of action, so the plan you receive is built around you, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
What Does the 3 on 6 Process Look Like?
What Does the 3 on 6 Process Look Like?The 3 on 6 process follows a clear path from your first consultation to your final restoration. Here is what you can typically expect at each stage:
- Consultation and imaging: Dr. Willden evaluates your bone structure, oral health, and candidacy before building a personalized treatment plan.
- Surgery day: The six dental screws or posts are placed, and a temporary restoration is attached, so you leave our office with a functional smile.
- Osseointegration: Over the following months, the implants fuse with the jawbone, building a stable foundation for your final bridges.
- Final placement: Once healing is complete, your temporary restoration is replaced with your custom-crafted bridge segments.
Our dental implant post-recovery blog covers what patients typically experience throughout the healing period. Our team takes your comfort seriously at every stage, from in-ceiling TVs with noise-canceling headphones to sedation options for patients with dental anxiety or past dental trauma.
Ready to Restore Your Smile? Contact Willden Family Dental Today
For patients ready to move beyond dentures and into a restoration that looks, functions, and feels like their own teeth, 3 on 6 may be a meaningful long-term path forward. Our office provides flexible financing solutions designed to make quality tooth replacement affordable and accessible for our patients, with more information available on our dental financing page.
Dr. Willden and the entire Willden Family Dental team are here to guide you from your very first question to your final, confident smile. With over two decades of experience and a practice built around trust, comfort, and personalized care, we’re ready to help you take the next step. Reach out through our contact form to schedule your 3 on 6 consultation today.
