Should I get a 4-unit bridge or a 6-unit bridge to replace my two front teeth? I'm a 24 year old male.

Question

I'm getting my two front teeth extracted at some point. I'm not a good candidate for implants. I'm worried about the 4-unit bridge because my incisors are really small I feel like they would easily fracture. A 6-unit bridge I feel more confident with, anchoring on 4 teeth, the incisors and the k9's, I feel like that would more stable, more durable, solid foundation, I think. Should I get a 4-unit bridge to anchor my two fake front teeth or a 6-unit bridge to anchor my two fake front teeth?

John F. Calvert, DDS · Answer

First of all, I agree with Dr. Tau. If you have been told by a qualified oral surgeon who is very experienced with implants that you are not a candidate for implants, then I would get another opinion just to be sure, given your young age. However, if for some reason, implants are not a possibility then there are many questions that need to be answered as to having a 4 unit or 6 unit bridge done. At your young age you should have plenty of supporting bone to your teeth. If that is the case and your lateral incisors are strong enough, I would have the 4 unit bridge done. When you involve the canines which would be then splinted to the lateral incisors for extra support, it becomes very important to every day, floss in between the splinted teeth that are part of the bridge. In my experience, failure to do this becomes one of the most common reasons for failure of the bridge. There are way too many factors to tell you right here, but I would consult with a very good cosmetic dentist. Good luck.

Marielaina Perrone, DDS · Answer

I would definitely recommend a second opinion for a dental implant consultation. That being said if there is enough bone and stability around the exisiting teeth a 4 unit bridge will be much easier to maintain than a 6 unit bridge. A good cosmetic dentist working with their lab can make the teeth look just as natural as your own teeth. My concern would be your dental hygiene and being able to maintain such a large span.I would defintiely start with a 2nd consult for dental implants because that will be your best long term option if it is a possibility. The dental hygiene will be easier with dental implants vs a fixed bridge.

Leonard Tau, DMD · Answer

The other doctors did not ask but why are you not a candidate for implants.  There are very few patients who cannot have implants with the amazing technologies that we have at our disposal.  As a 24 year old I would be uncomfortable bridging any of your front teeth.  The average bridge may last 15 years tops, which means you will need that bridge replaced often if you live a normal life span.  I would recommend checking the implant route again.  Good luck

Sharde Harvey, DDS · Answer

So many factors go into this decision, the way your bite comes together, whether your teeth is malaligned, too many factors without a proper evaluation and xrays hard to give you an answer. Any prostodontist would tell you the same. Sharde Harvey

Mona Goodarzi, DDS · Answer

for a 24 yo male, with a healthy bite, i would rec a 6 unit. if you have a bite where your anteriors are not that functional  (which maybe a different issue on it's own) you can get away with a 4 unit.

Should I get a 4-unit bridge or a 6-unit bridge to replace my two front teeth? I'm a 24 year old male.

Answers (6)

Answer: Should I get a 4-unit bridge or a 6-unit bridge to replace my two front teeth? I'm a 24 year old male.

Answer: Should I get a 4-unit bridge or a 6-unit bridge to replace my two front teeth? I'm a 24 year old male.

Answer: 4 units vs 6 unit anterior bridge

Answer: 4 units vs 6 unit anterior bridge

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Should I get a 4-unit bridge or a 6-unit bridge to replace my two front teeth? I'm a 24 year old male.

Answers (6)

Answer: Should I get a 4-unit bridge or a 6-unit bridge to replace my two front teeth? I'm a 24 year old male.

Answer: Should I get a 4-unit bridge or a 6-unit bridge to replace my two front teeth? I'm a 24 year old male.

Answer: 4 units vs 6 unit anterior bridge

Answer: 4 units vs 6 unit anterior bridge

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Dental Bridge

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