Will a dental bridge of 5 or 6 units be better? (Photos)

Hello, A bridge of six would be better with aesthetic aspect and also more durable. You can ask us any questions you have via the link below.

From the images and the situation you’ve described, it seems your dentist has suggested a 6-unit bridge (anchored on teeth 4, 6, 8, and 9) as opposed to a 5-unit bridge (anchored on teeth 4, 6, and 7). Here are some considerations for both options:
1. 6-Unit Bridge (4-6-8-9)Advantages:- More abutment teeth (anchors): By including tooth 9 as an additional anchor, the bridge becomes more stable and better distributes the forces during chewing.- Reduced risk of overloading individual abutment teeth, which can minimize complications like loosening or fracturing of the bridge or natural teeth.- May last longer due to better support and durability.Disadvantages:- Involves more teeth: If tooth 9 is healthy and unprepared, preparing it for the bridge could involve unnecessary removal of tooth structure.- Higher cost and more extensive work.
2. 5-Unit Bridge (4-6-7)Advantages:- Less invasive: Fewer teeth are involved in the preparation, which means less removal of natural tooth structure.- Less costly than a 6-unit bridge.Disadvantages:- Reduced stability: With only three abutment teeth, there may be higher stress on each tooth, especially on tooth 7, which may be less ideal for supporting a bridge.- Potential for early failure if the bridge experiences heavy functional forces.
Key Factors to Consider:- Health of Abutment Teeth: The condition of teeth 4, 6, 8, and 9 will play a critical role in deciding the best option. If tooth 9 is structurally sound and has no other issues, including it may be a wise choice for added support.- Force Distribution: For a long-span bridge (replacing teeth 5 and 7), distributing the forces evenly is crucial for durability. Including an extra abutment (tooth 9) reduces the risk of overloading.- Bone Structure and Alignment: The stability of the bridge will depend on the alignment and bone support of the abutment teeth. Your dentist likely made the 6-unit recommendation to enhance this stability.
My Recommendation:Your dentist's suggestion of a 6-unit bridge (4-6-8-9) seems like a more durable and reliable solution, especially for a long-span bridge replacing two teeth. It provides better distribution of chewing forces, reducing the risk of complications in the long term. However, this decision also depends on the current health of tooth 9 and your priorities (e.g., preserving natural teeth vs. maximizing durability).
If you’re uncertain, consider getting a second opinion or discussing in detail with your dentist the specific reasons for their recommendation. Additionally, you may want to ask about other options, like implant-supported bridges, if feasible, for better preservation of adjacent teeth.
Dr. Miller Vieira