3-On-6
Dental Implants
Tacoma, WA

We’re proud to be one of only two providers in all of Washington!

Model of 3-On-6 dental implants

What Are 3-On-6 Dental Implants?

The 3-On-6 dental implant procedure is a permanent, fixed, full-arch solution designed to replace one or both arches of failing or missing teeth. 3-On-6 implants provide the most life-like appearance and performance, while also having the easiest maintenance of any full-arch treatment, making it the preferred choice by many of our patients.

Dr. Tolbert is one of only two dentists in all of Washington certified to perform this cutting-edge procedure, making Smile Now Tacoma Dentures and Implants the go-to office for this highly sought after dental implant treatment. If you are looking to replace a full arch of failing or missing teeth, please give us a call at (253) 343-1470 to schedule your FREE 3-On-6 dental implant consultation.

3-On-6 vs All-On-4

Feature 3-On-6 Dental Implants All-On-4 Dental Implants
Number of Implants 6 implants per arch 4-6 implants per arch
Chewing Power Superior chewing power and stability Excellent chewing power and stability
Feel & Function Three separate, non-removable bridges that feel and function just like a set of healthy, natural teeth A single, non-removable arch that looks and feels very similar to natural teeth
Aesthetics Offers the most lifelike look and feel with superior aesthetics Provides a beautiful, long-lasting, and confident smile
Bridge Design The full arch is divided into three smaller, custom-made bridges The entire arch of teeth is one fixed bridge
Gum Line Preserves and utilizes your natural gum line for a seamless, lifelike appearance Includes a prosthetic gum line on the bridge
Image comparison showing 3-on-6 vs all-on-4 dental implants

How it Works

Each 3-On-6 arch is made up of 3 separate bridges, supported by a total of 6 dental implants…hence the name 3-On-6. Since each arch is broken up into 3 sections, there is no need for the fixed gumline that you see with All-On-4 treatment. This not only provides a more life-like appearance, but also a more hygienic final result since there is no gap for food to get stuck underneath your new teeth!

The first step for any full-arch procedure is to remove any existing teeth on the arch getting treatment. We have a variety of sedation options to choose from, but most patients prefer to be fully sedated during their 3-On-6 treatment. During your procedure, Dr. Tolbert will expertly place each implant into your jawbone, secure your temporary bridges, and you will wake up with a brand new smile!

Once the implants have fully healed, you will work with Dr. Tolbert to customize the fit, shape, and color of your final teeth. Once you are happy with the look and feel, he will mill, and then place your final bridges. Your final bridges will be made from a top-of-the-line dental material called zirconia, which is more durable and stain resistant than your natural teeth ever were!

Am I a Candidate?

Most patients will be a candidate for the 3-On-6 procedure – even those who have been told they don’t have enough bone for dental implants. This is due to advanced technology and techniques that have emerged over the past decade, as well as Dr. Tolbert’s experience with the 3-On-6 procedure.

During your consultation, Dr. Tolbert will perform a thorough evaluation, including 3D x-rays, and talk to you about your goals to see if 3-On-6 implants are the best option for you!

Why Zirconia is Better Than Traditional Denture Material

Zirconia is the “gold standard” material for the 3-On-6 procedure. Zirconia is a type of ceramic that is extremely durable and resistant to wear and corrosion, making it an excellent choice for 3-On-6 dental restorations.

One of the main benefits of using zirconia for 3-On-6 dental implants is its strength and stability. Zirconia bridges can withstand high chewing forces without cracking or chipping, ensuring that your new teeth perform impeccably for decades. Zirconia is also biocompatible, which means it’s unlikely to cause an allergic or inflammatory reaction. This makes it an ideal option for patients with sensitive or allergy-prone skin.

Another advantage of zirconia is its stunning, natural-looking appearance. Unlike metal or acrylic, zirconia has a translucent quality that closely mimics the look of natural teeth, giving your new teeth a realistic and aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Finally, zirconia is easy to clean, maintain, and can be easily polished to keep its shine and prevent discoloration over time. This helps ensure the longevity and durability of your new 3-On-6 teeth.

Overall, zirconia is an excellent choice for 3-On-6 dental implants, offering a number of benefits that make it an attractive option for patients seeking a beautiful, long-lasting, natural-looking, and easy-to-maintain smile.

Life-Changing Results

24-hour smiles from happy patients

3-On-6 Dental Implants Cost

Pricing includes all extractions, implants, temporary teeth, final Zirconia teeth, AND general anesthesia.

Our pricing is the lowest in the area while also providing the best final result. We are able to achieve this with our full in-house dental lab and our highly trained 3-On-6 specialist who performs the entire procedure from start to finish.

Available Financing Options

Dental Implants are an important investment in yourself. Having the option to break this investment down into monthly payments can help make these life-changing services more accessible and easier to fit into your budget. We work with a variety of financing providers that offer payment plans to cover either all or part of your dental implant procedure. This is a great option for all patients, especially those who are on a fixed income. With these flexible financing options, you can enjoy the benefits of a healthy, beautiful smile without breaking the bank.

Contact us to learn more about our financing options and schedule your FREE Consultation with Dr. Tolbert today!

Frequently Asked Questions

3-On-6 Dental Implants Tacoma, WA

Do you accept insurance?

Yes, we bill out of network. As long as you have implant coverage, we will likely be able to max out what your annual maximum is!

Yes! Financing is a popular option for our patients.

If you have a credit score of 600 or higher, chances are you qualify for financing. Generally, you’ll need to be able to afford a payment of at least $350 per month (per 3-On-6 arch). If you don’t have good credit, there may be some other lending services we can refer you to but it will require a down payment of about half the total treatment cost.

The 3-On-6 is a permanent smile restoration treatment.

It uses 6 implants to secure 3 bridges on a full upper or lower arch in the mouth. You never have to remove it and it can be cleaned at home with brushing and flossing. It feels and functions just like natural teeth, meaning you will be able to bite an apple or eat a steak!

The 3-On-6 is generally used for people replacing all of their teeth, but we can also do partial mouth restorations if there are existing good teeth. Your doctor will make that determination in your Free Consultation.

We can sometimes use existing implants that you have, but this will have to be determined by your doctor.

You will have great looking teeth the day of your surgery. You won’t be able to eat everything right off the bat, but from your Free Consultation to getting your final zirconia bridges it generally takes around 6 months.

Your first appointment will be a Free Consultation where our doctor will take a scan of your mouth to see if you’re a candidate. We will then create a custom treatment plan and help you figure out any necessary financing. At this appointment or another you will have x-rays and pictures taken to prepare for your surgery day.

On your surgery day, after being sedated, your doctor will place the implants and do any other procedures as needed such as extractions or bone grafting. You’ll leave this appointment with great looking temporary teeth. You will have some eating restrictions to allow for the implants to heal, which takes 3 – 4 months.

Next, we will place a second set of temporary bridges, and then a few weeks later your final bridges. You will receive your final zirconia bridges with any adjustments to size, color, and shape that you or your doctor have requested.

Refer to our procedure timeline for a full breakdown of the process.

During the procedure you won’t be in any pain, as you will be sedated throughout the surgery.

Most patients experience some level of pain for 24 – 48 hours after the appointment. Some patients report pain up to ten days after surgery, but are also able to manage it with the prescribed medications, or often simply with over the counter Ibuprofen and Tylenol. Many of our patients are back to work within a day or two after surgery. Patients are also on a soft foods diet for 12 – 16 weeks while they heal.

We offer a few options for sedation depending on what is the right fit for you. Most patients opt to be completely asleep under general anesthesia, which we include in the cost of treatment. We’ll discuss all of the options during your free consultation.

We can treat you even if you have to travel for treatment.

Talk with our office manager to find out how many visits you would need to make to complete your treatment. We can also sometimes do a virtual consultation to make sure you’re a qualified patient before you come out to our office.

Model of 3-On-6 dental implants

3-On-6 Dental Implants Step by Step

The procedure itself typically takes 4-6 hours depending on whether you are having a single arch treated (upper or lower) or both arches (full mouth). When you leave our office, your temporary 3-On-6 bridge(s) will be securely attached to your new implants.

You will wear your temporary bridge(s) for about 3-4 months to allow time for your implants to integrate with your bone and for your jaw and gums to heal into a stable, long-term position before we fabricate your final bridge(s). This healing time ensures the closest possible fit for your final bridges.

After you have healed, we will begin fabricating your final zirconia bridge(s). This involves a few appointments over a 5-6 week period, during which time you’ll help us design your ideal smile for your permanent teeth.

Free Consultation
This is the introductory appointment for the patient. They will meet the team, have a CBCT taken, meet Dr. Tolbert, and be presented with their treatment options.
Free Consultation
Start Up
Also known as the "records appointment", this is where we collect all the information needed by the lab to start the case. This includes planning the implant placement, creating a surgical guide and fabricating the immediate restorations for the day of surgery.
Start Up
Surgery
The day of surgery. The patient will typically be sedated at the beginning of the appointment. All their teeth will be extracted, bone grafting if necessary, followed by implants and immediate restorations. The patient will wake up with brand new teeth!
Surgery
Post-Op
This is a short post-operative visit. Dr. Tolbert will check on the health of the patient's mouth and implants and make any needed adjustments to their bite.
Post-Op
Second Set of Temps
This appointment occurs after the implants have healed. Typically, around 3 - 4 months after surgery. Scans will be taken and their second set of temps will be fabricated in-house!
Second Set of Temps
Scanning for Finals
Dr. Tolbert will make any adjustments to prepare the patient for their finals. Scans will be taken and final zirconia bridges ordered.
Scanning for Finals
Delivery of Final Zirconia
This is the patient's final big appointment. The second set of temps will be removed and finals will be seated. The patient now has their brand new smile!
Delivery of Final Zirconia
Follow-Ups
We recommend the patient come in for a follow-up within a couple weeks after receiving their finals. They should also be scheduled for regular cleanings every 6 months similar to a standard hygiene schedule.
Follow-Ups
Download our Dental Implant info & pricing guide!