4 tooth bridge supported by 2 implants?

Question

Hello I have missing teeth 7,8,9 and 10. I thought I was getting individual implants but my dentist advised a 4 tooth bridge supported by 2 implants would be better. Would my hygiene be affected? Won't I have bone loss if I don't put individual implants? He said if I put four implants, the biologic width could be violated? Please help!

Scott Young, DDS · Answer

It is very common to place dental implants in the 7 and 10 postitions, then place a four unit bridge across the front.  When placed properly, a four until bridge can be a very aesthetic option for missing front teeth.  These are very durable bridges that should be fairly easy to keep clean and maintain.  Good luck.

Patrick Broome, DMD · Answer

There are many reasons that an implant supported bridge may have been suggested. Biologic width is not a concern with implants. Hygiene should not be an issue with a well designed restoration. Space between the remaining teeth, bone height/ volume, gum tissue volume, and end goal aesthetic planning are several issues that must be considered when dealing with upper anterior restorations. Excellent planning and communication between dentist, surgeon, and laboratory technician is critical for success. It sounds like you have a team that is working hard to provide excellent service and suggesting cost-effective solutions for you. We wish you all the best!

Mark Bishara, DDS · Answer

Dental Implants that are required for the replacement of front teeth often vary in number, typically we do not need 4 implants to replace 4 missing teeth.  Often there are space issues and placement of 4 implants can cause the implants to be too close to each other.  This can make the new crowns and gums appear not natural.  We often suggest placement of two implants in the lateral incisor positions and splinting a 4 unit bridge across.  The lab technician can mimic the illusion of 4 teeth much easier with this setup. Goodluck !

Richard Champagne, DMD, MAGD · Answer

Biologic width infringement refers to a crown or filling that is placed too far under the gumline. What your dentist was probably referring to is the space that's required between implants.Either way, there are actually many advantages to placing only two implants and getting a four tooth bridge.So long as the two implants are placed in the areas of #7 & 10, and they have significant length and width, then you should have sufficient support for this bridge.In addition, typically the aesthetics are actually nicer with this technique than placing four individual implants

4 tooth bridge supported by 2 implants?

Answers (4)

Answer: Two dental implants holding a 4 tooth bridge verses four individual implants

Answer: Two dental implants holding a 4 tooth bridge verses four individual implants

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4 tooth bridge supported by 2 implants?

Answers (4)

Answer: Two dental implants holding a 4 tooth bridge verses four individual implants

Answer: Two dental implants holding a 4 tooth bridge verses four individual implants

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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.