What an Implant Bridge Does Differently

What carries the restoration

A conventional bridge is carried by the natural teeth on either side of a gap. To hold it, those teeth are prepared — reshaped so the bridge can sit over them.

An implant bridge is carried by dental implants placed in the jaw instead. The neighbouring healthy teeth are not relied on for support, which is the practical difference patients are usually weighing.

When it comes up

The conversation usually starts when more than one adjacent tooth is missing and replacing each one with a separate single-tooth implant is not the chosen direction.

It also comes up when someone would rather not have healthy teeth prepared to carry a conventional bridge. That preference is legitimate, but it does not by itself determine the treatment.

What decides whether it is possible

Implants need bone to support them. Whether implants can be placed in a particular area, and how many, is assessed with an examination and imaging.

The number of implants supporting a bridge and where they sit are decided for each patient. There is no standard configuration, which is also why the published fee depends on the number of units rather than being a single figure.

If more of the arch is involved

A bridge addresses a run of missing teeth. Where most or all teeth in an arch need replacing, the conversation moves toward Permanent Teeth or an implant denture instead.