Dental Implants
Implant Supported Bridges in Gladstone
Several teeth, anchored where they belong.
When a few teeth in a row are missing, an implant supported bridge closes the gap with a fixed set of teeth that stays in your mouth. It is held by implants, so your natural teeth are not asked to carry the load.
Exceptional Dentistry in Gladstone, MO
A bridge that stands on implants
An implant supported bridge follows the same idea as a conventional bridge, with one important difference in what holds it up. A traditional bridge is anchored by crowns placed on the natural teeth at each side of a gap, which means those teeth are reshaped to support it. With an implant supported bridge, implant posts placed in the jaw serve as the anchors instead, and the replacement teeth between them rest across the space. Because the bridge is fixed, it does not come out at night and is cleaned in place with a brush and special floss or a water flosser. It is often considered when several neighboring teeth are missing and placing an implant for every single tooth is not needed.
Side by side
How it compares with other bridges
Your dentist will talk through each approach in light of the teeth and bone around your gap.
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Implant supported bridge
Anchored on implants, so the teeth next to the gap stay untouched and the replaced section has roots of its own.
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Traditional bridge
Anchored on crowned natural teeth. Learn more on our dental bridges page.
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Individual implant crowns
An implant under every missing tooth, each with its own crown, which some gaps call for.
What the process looks like
- An exam, panoramic X-rays and cone beam CT to plan where the implants go
- Placement of the implant posts that will anchor the bridge
- A healing period while the implants and bone join together; your dentist may discuss a temporary replacement for this stage
- Impressions or iTero scans to design the bridge
- Fitting the finished bridge and checking how your teeth meet with digital occlusal analysis
Dental implant consultation
$50
A $608 value
Missing teeth? For only $50, our team will evaluate your oral health and guide you through your implant options. Your consultation includes:
- Comprehensive oral exam
- 3D X-rays (CT scan) for precise planning
- Panoramic X-rays
- Personalized implant treatment plan
- Detailed information on the procedure
- Answers to all your questions
Why choose Marx Family Dental for an implant bridge?
An implant bridge has to fit the bone, the gums and the bite all at once. We plan the implant positions with the finished bridge in mind, explain each stage before it happens and check the fit closely when the bridge goes in.
If most or all of an arch is missing
When the gap runs across much of the jaw, a larger fixed option may make more sense. A hybrid prosthesis replaces a full arch of teeth on implants, and our dental implants page outlines every implant treatment.
Book a consultation
Close the gap with a fixed bridge
Schedule an implant consultation. Bring your questions about the gap, and we will weigh an implant bridge against every other way to fill it.
The short answer
An implant supported bridge is a fixed row of replacement teeth held in place by dental implants rather than by natural teeth. Implant posts placed in the jaw anchor each end of the bridge, and after a healing period while the implants and bone join together, the finished bridge is designed from impressions or iTero scans and fitted. It is often considered when several neighboring teeth are missing, because it closes the gap without reshaping the natural teeth beside it.
Implant Supported Bridge FAQ
- Do I need an implant for every missing tooth?
- Not always, because an implant supported bridge uses implants as anchors and suspends replacement teeth between them. That means a row of missing teeth can often be replaced on fewer implants than there are teeth. Some gaps do call for an implant under every missing tooth, each with its own crown. Your dentist plans the implant positions after an exam, panoramic X-rays and cone beam CT.
- Can I take the bridge out?
- No, an implant supported bridge is fixed in place and does not come out at night. It is cleaned in place with a brush and special floss or a water flosser. Your dentist can remove certain designs during a visit if they ever need attention. That keeps the bridge secure day to day while still allowing it to be looked after.
- How do I clean under an implant bridge?
- Daily brushing keeps the visible surfaces clean, while floss threaders, bridge floss or a water flosser reach the space beneath the bridge. The area under the replacement teeth is where food and plaque tend to collect, so it needs attention every day. Keeping the gums around the implants healthy helps support the bridge over time. Your hygienist can show you which tools work well for your bridge.
- Is an implant bridge better than a regular bridge?
- Each has advantages, so the right choice depends on your mouth. An implant bridge leaves the neighboring teeth alone and gives the replaced section roots of its own. A traditional bridge avoids implant surgery but is anchored on crowned natural teeth, which are reshaped to support it. Your dentist will explain which suits you after looking at the teeth and bone around your gap.
Your dentist
Meet Dr. Emily Marx
A skilled family dentist, Dr. Marx is passionate about helping patients feel comfortable while achieving their best smile. Meet Dr. Marx
