An implant bridge is how several teeth get replaced without an implant under each one. Fewer surgical sites, lower cost than individual implants across the same span, and a fixed result. An implant-supported bridge replaces a run of missing teeth on two or more posts and avoids grinding down healthy neighbours, and because the span of teeth is carried by the implants, the position of each post is planned to share the biting load and to leave room for cleaning underneath.
Situations that lead to implant-supported bridges
- Three or more adjacent teeth missing
- Wanting a fixed replacement rather than a removable one
- Limited bone in part of the span
- Balancing cost against the number of implants
- Replacing a failed conventional bridge
What the plan may involve
- Implant bridge supported at each end
- Individual implants with separate crowns
- A conventional bridge using natural teeth, where they are sound
- A partial denture as a lower-cost alternative
- Grafting first where bone is insufficient
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How bridges compare with single crowns in the survival data
Systematic reviews of fixed prostheses find that three-unit bridges survive significantly less well than single-unit crowns over both five and ten years. A bridge is one connected unit, so a failure at either support can take the whole restoration with it.
A retrospective study of single implant crowns against three-unit implant-supported bridges found ten-year survival of 89.4 percent and 86.7 percent, and measured greater bone loss around the supporting implants of the bridge at one year. Neither figure is a prediction for one mouth. They are a reason to ask how the plan copes if one support fails.
Common questions
Implant-Supported Bridges: questions people ask
How many implants support a bridge?
It depends on the span, the bone and the bite forces. A three-tooth span is commonly supported at each end, but that is a starting point rather than a rule.
Is it as strong as individual implants?
A well-planned implant bridge is a well-established restoration. Individual implants offer more redundancy if one fails; a bridge needs fewer surgical sites. Both are legitimate.
How do I clean under it?
Specific floss or interdental brushes designed to pass under the bridge. The practice should demonstrate the technique for your particular design.
What if one implant fails?
The consequence depends on the design and how much redundancy it has. Ask this before treatment, because the answer varies significantly between plans.
What are the options for replacing several teeth?
An implant bridge supported at each end. Individual implants with separate crowns. A conventional bridge using natural teeth, where they are sound. A partial denture as a lower-cost alternative. Grafting first where bone is insufficient.
Who is an implant bridge for?
Someone missing three or more adjacent teeth. Someone wanting a fixed replacement rather than a removable one. Someone with limited bone in part of the span, or balancing cost against the number of implants. It is also an option for replacing a failed conventional bridge.