3 teeth on 1 implant — a bridge on the implant in practice

Implant bridges — what are they?
Implant bridges are an advanced prosthetic solution that allows you to restore missing teeth without having to grind adjacent teeth, which is required for traditional dental bridges. Instead, dental implants are used as support points, that is, titanium or ceramic screws that are surgically implanted into the jaw bone or jaw bone at the site of the lost teeth. After the implant is integrated into the bone, a bridge is placed on them, which is a fixed prosthetic structure imitating missing teeth. The bridge on implants consists of two main components: dental implants and the right bridge. Implants act as artificial tooth roots and provide a strong, durable support for the bridge. The bridge is made of materials such as ceramics or porcelain, ensuring the natural appearance and functionality of the reproduced teeth.

When are bridges on implants used?
Implant bridges are used in many situations that require the restoration of one or more missing teeth. They are especially recommended in the following cases:

• Loss of several teeth in one segment — When a patient has lost two or more teeth next to each other, a bridge on implants can replace them without having to involve adjacent teeth as support points, which is required with traditional bridges.
• Insufficient number of teeth to support a traditional bridge — When an adequate number of healthy adjacent teeth are missing that could serve as a support for a traditional bridge, implant bridges are an excellent alternative.
• Prevention of bone atrophy — tooth loss leads to a gradual loss of bone mass in areas where teeth are missing. Implants stimulate the bone, helping to preserve it and prevent atrophy, which is impossible with traditional bridges or removable prostheses.
• The search for a permanent solution — For those looking for a long-term and stable solution to missing teeth, bridges on implants offer durability and stability superior to other types of prosthetic restorations, such as removable dentures or traditional bridges.
• Expectations towards aesthetics and comfort — patients who expect a natural look and feel and high comfort of use often choose bridges on implants. Thanks to them, you can achieve the appearance and function close to natural teeth.
• Alternative to removable dentures — For people who cannot or do not want to use removable dentures due to discomfort, difficulties in adaptation or maintenance problems, bridges on implants are an excellent alternative.
• Improving the quality of life — bridges on implants can significantly improve the quality of life of people who have lost their teeth, restoring their ability to eat, talk and laugh normally without worrying about the stability of the prosthetic replacement.

Bridge on the implant and own tooth
The construction of a bridge based on the combination of a dental implant and a natural tooth may seem like an attractive option, especially when the patient has a limited number of own teeth, but wants to avoid wearing a removable denture. However, this practice is relatively rare and may involve additional challenges and limitations. Typically, such a bridge could replace one or two missing teeth, and the details of the solution depend on an individual assessment of the patient's condition, including bite strength, tooth position, bone quantity and quality, and overall oral health.

Dental implants are directly embedded in the bone, which makes them immobile. Natural teeth, even healthy ones, possess a certain degree of mobility due to the presence of periodontal ligament. The combination in one bridge of a rigid abutment point (implant) with a flexible one (natural tooth) can lead to an excessive load on the natural tooth or implant, which in turn can result in their damage. Bridges based on a combination of implant and natural tooth may be less durable than those based solely on implants. This is due to the difference in the absorption of forces by the implant and the natural tooth, which over time can lead to complications such as bone resorption around the implant or excessive load and damage to the natural tooth.

Bridge for 3 teeth
For an implant bridge to replace three missing teeth, two implants are usually needed. These implants serve as points of support at both ends of the missing space, and a bridge consisting of three artificial teeth is attached to these implants. This configuration allows for the restoration of three missing teeth using only two implants, which is both cost-effective and medically effective.

This solution provides several key benefits. First, implants prevent further atrophy of the jaw bone, which could occur after the loss of natural teeth. Secondly, the bridge on implants can be made to imitate the natural appearance of the teeth, which provides an aesthetic and natural-looking complement. Third, the patient can enjoy the full functionality of chewing and speaking, which often exceeds the capabilities of other prosthetic solutions, such as partial dentures.

It is a common practice and recommended method to restore a small section of missing teeth, as it provides adequate stability and force distribution, minimizing the risk of implant overload.

Bridge on one implant — how many teeth can you have?
A bridge based on a single implant is a less typical solution and is generally used to a very limited extent. Typically, a bridge consisting of two dental crowns can be fixed on a single implant, one of which is directly supported by the implant and the other is a “hanging” tooth, that is, a pontic not based directly on the implant, but on the crown on the implant. However, this is a solution used in specific situations.

The bridge on one implant must be designed so as not to overload the implant and the surrounding bone tissue. Due to these limitations, such a solution is rarely used and is recommended only in exceptional cases. A bridge based on a single implant can be considered in areas less burdened with chewing function, where the priority is aesthetics rather than maximum chewing functionality.

Advantages of prosthetic bridges
Restoring missing teeth with a prosthetic bridge is a method that is very popular with both patients and dental specialists. It is a solution that offers a number of important benefits that significantly improve the quality of life and the comfort of everyday functioning.

First of all, a prosthetic bridge allows you to get natural-looking teeth, which is crucial for many people. Thanks to advanced materials and precise manufacturing technology, artificial teeth blend into the dental arch almost indistinguishable from natural ones, restoring an aesthetic and radiant smile.

In addition, prosthetic bridges provide full functionality, allowing you to chew and speak freely without fear of discomfort. This is especially important for people who, after losing their teeth, experienced difficulties in daily activities or dietary restrictions.

Another significant advantage is the effect on the stability of neighboring teeth. A missing tooth in the dental arch can cause the remaining teeth to gradually shift towards the resulting gap, leading to bite disorders and other complications. The prosthetic bridge effectively inhibits these undesirable processes, supporting the preservation of the correct structure and function of the dental arch.

Moreover, tooth restoration by the prosthetic bridge method does not require invasive surgical procedures, such as bone augmentation, which are often necessary for implant treatment. For many patients, this aspect is crucial, avoiding more complicated and expensive procedures and longer treatment and recovery times.

The speed of the procedure is also noteworthy. Restoring missing teeth with a prosthetic bridge is a process that usually requires only two visits to the dentist. After just a few weeks, the patient can enjoy not only a beautiful, but also a fully functional smile, which is a significant advantage compared to long-term treatments.

Disadvantages of prosthetic bridges
Although prosthetic bridges are a popular and often chosen solution in the restoration of missing teeth, it is also worth familiarizing yourself with the potential disadvantages of this method. Fortunately, the list of minuses is much shorter compared to the numerous advantages.

One of the key aspects is the determined service life of the prosthetic bridge. Research by the American Dental Association indicates that bridges may need to be replaced as early as 5-7 years after installation. This means that patients should be prepared for potential further procedures and the associated costs.

Another important factor is the need to work out (grind) adjacent teeth, which serve as pillars for the bridge. Often these are healthy teeth, which otherwise might not require dental intervention. This procedure is irreversible and can lead to weakening of natural teeth, making them more susceptible to injury or disease.

Despite these challenges, for many patients, prosthetic bridges remain a valuable option, allowing for the effective restoration of missing teeth and improving the aesthetics and function of the bite. It is crucial that you carefully discuss all available options with your dentist before deciding on treatment, understand the potential risks and benefits, and learn how to effectively care for the bridge and the surrounding teeth to maximize its durability and prevent caries problems.