How Many Teeth Does an Implant-Supported Bridge Have?
It’s important to replace missing teeth. Whether one or more teeth are missing, it can cause serious oral health issues. Missing teeth can also be rough on your self-esteem, and it can make it difficult to do things like speak and chew.
If you have more than one missing tooth, you may be wondering what options are available to you. One popular option for multiple missing teeth is implant-supported bridges.
What Is an Implant-Supported Bridge?
Implant-supported bridges are similar to traditional dental bridges, with the main exception being how they are placed. Traditional dental bridges are attached to a healthy tooth or teeth. Implant-supported bridges, on the other hand, are held in place via implants. This makes them more secure and a great long-term solution.
How Many Teeth Does an Implant-Supported Bridge Have?
The number of teeth an implant-supported bridge has varies. With that said, they are generally 3-4 teeth. A similar option for a larger number of teeth (like a full row) is an implant-supported denture.
Why an Implant-Supported Bridge?
There are a few advantages to implant-supported bridges. These include:
- Stops migration. One of the main reasons for replacing missing teeth is to prevent teeth migration. Many people don’t consider what happens to surrounding teeth when they have teeth pulled, are knocked out, or fall out. The surrounding teeth will slowly begin to shift. This can lead to impacting of healthy teeth, along with crooked teeth and crowding. Implant-supported bridges help to keep migrating teeth in place.
- Better oral health. Besides the way they look, crooked and crowded teeth can be very problematic for your oral health. It can be very difficult to properly care for teeth that are crooked or crowded. Brushing and flossing become a lot harder, which makes it that much easier to develop tooth decay and gum disease. By preventing migration, an implant-supported bridge helps to keep teeth healthy.
- Stronger bite strength. Having missing teeth can make it difficult to bite and chew. An implant-supported bridge provides additional strength—making it easier to bite and chew your favorite foods.
- A full smile. With an implant-supported bridge, you can smile wide without feeling self-conscious!
Is an Implant-Supported Bridge Right for Me?
Whether or not an implant-supported bridge is right for you will depend on a few factors. First, your dentist will need to take a look at your gums and jawbone to determine whether or not you are a candidate. From there, you’ll have to consider things like insurance coverage and cost. If for some reason an implant-supported bridge isn’t the right choice, your dentist will provide you with other options.
Reach Out Today
If you would like to learn more about implant-supported bridges or any other replacement option, reach out today. We’d be happy to set an appointment to take a look at the gap in your teeth and determine the best replacement option.
We look forward to meeting you and helping you with your oral healthcare needs.