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

Question

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!

Kathy Frazar, DDS, FAGD · Answer

Treatment options for replacement of your upper 4 teeth would include a removable partial like you have, an implant supported bridge or a permanent bridge covering 2 natural teeth and spanning over the 4 missing teeth.If you are a candidate for implants, you have the advantage of not cutting enamel away from 2 healthy teeth.  Sometimes cosmetic considerations such as lip position and how high the lip is when smiling affects treatment options.

Brian Dorfman, MD, DMD · Answer

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 decreases the average life. you will ulimateley need root canals in those teeth or even need tose extracted requiring more implants.  This makes the implant bridge a much more cost effective treatment as well. Avoid the 6 unit bridge if possible

Peter Mann, DDS · Answer

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!

Mitchell A. Josephs, DDS · Answer

Avoid cutting down your canines to make a bridge. Place implants in the lateral incisor spots and make a four tooth bridge.

Martin Frankel, DDS · Answer

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 other is the length of the span of missing teeth.  This means that the bridge is 6 teeth long, and is supported by 2 teeth.  With an implant-supported bridge, the bridge is 4 teeth long supported by two implants.  This puts less stress on the implants, than the 6 tooth bridge places on the 2 teeth.  It also places less stress on the bridge framework which is shorter.

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

Answers (10)

Answer: Implants for front tooth bridge

Answer: Implants for front tooth bridge

Answer: Implants usually win - but there is a lot to consider

Answer: Implants usually win - but there is a lot to consider

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Everything you need to know about ClearChoice Dental Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

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

Answers (10)

Answer: Implants for front tooth bridge

Answer: Implants for front tooth bridge

Answer: Implants usually win - but there is a lot to consider

Answer: Implants usually win - but there is a lot to consider

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about ClearChoice Dental Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.