ClearChoice Dental Implants: Q&A

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Is a Dental Implant-supported Bridge a Wise Choice for 4 Front Upper Teeth and 4 Front Lower Teeth?

I have had a partial for 4 years and have a small mouth. Oral surgeon recommends 2 implants on top and 2 implants on bottom supporting a bridge? Regular dentist recommends a fixed 6 unit bridge supported by my own canines.. Any advice on esthetics or functionality of implants in the front would be much appreciated!

9 Doctor Answers | Asked by Nikadee in Columbus, GA
+2

Implants for front tooth bridge

Avoid cutting down your canines to make a bridge. Place implants in the lateral incisor spots and make a four tooth bridge.
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Anterior Implant Bridge has Great Aesthetic Results

I would recommend an implant bridge over tooth supported bridge every time if implants can be placed. By doing so you do not have to prepare (cut down) the adjacent teeth to support a traditional bridge. You can get great aesthetic results with an implant bridge which would replace your front four teeth.
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Dental Implant Bridge

Every situation needs to evaluated on its own. This being said, an implant supported bridge to repalce 4 front teeth is very esthetic and has a very good long term prognosis. This is a restoration that will most likely last you the rest of your life. A six unit bridge on the other hand requires you to have healthy teeth "cut" down to make the bridge. A bridge on natural teeth has an average life pan of only 5 yrs based on reasearch and a six unit span only... more
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Anterior bridge dilemma

THe oral surgeon has reasonable advice. If your canines are good teeth I would suggest you preserve them and not widdle them down to make a 6 unit anterior bridge. In fact I have had beopel come to me with 6 unit anterior bridges that had shown signs of early failure and replace them with implants and crowns over the canines. Your dentist may have a valid point in that iti is easier to get the esthetics with a 6 unit bridge, but with a good clinician you can get the same... more
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Implants usually win - but there is a lot to consider

As a general rule, I would say that an implant supported bridge in this situation would be the way to go. There are many things to consider however to achieve the best esthetics and long-term success. a) How long have the teeth been missing? b) How much bone is available? Are bone grafts necessary? c) Do you have a high lip-line when you smile? d) Do you grind your teeth? The problem with a bridge from one canine tooth to the... more
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Implants are the way to go!

With the modern success rate of dental implants they are really more conservative than fixed bridges on natural (virgin) teeth. However to be fair to your dentist he may have a reason for his preference. Before implants can be places all the other stars so to speak must be aligned No Medical contraindications Adequate bone quantity and quality No adverse medications being taken Of course cost can be a factor as well. Make sure you know all... more
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Implant supported bridge.

Hi Nikadee, Its impossible to say for sure in any case without the benefit of an exam, i can say that if the bone and gum tissue are of good quality your best best for a long term esthetic and functional solution will be 2 implants supporting a bridge. Does your dentist have experience with implant bridges in the anterior? One reason that might warrant caution is if you have a 'gummy' smile. I have restored 4 unit bridges on 2 implants in the anterior many times,... more
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Implant bridge vs. bridge over teeth

One of the great things about implants is that we no longer have to shave down healthy teeth to replace missing teeth. If your canines are perfectly healthy and you have an adequate amount of bone for dental implants then I would advise you have an implant supported bridge. Two implants are a terrific option to support four front teeth. Esthetics should be the same whether you have a bridge supported by implants or by teeth. Good Luck!
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Dental implants vs bridge

Hi, Dental implants are the standard of care now for replacement of missing teeth. A bridge should not be done, althought it is an option. They have poor longevity and are prone to many complications. Bridges may last about 6.7 years according to some studies. Implant can be a life long solution if done properly (placement by surgeon and restored by a good restoring dentist) Dr. Kazemi see video
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These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.

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