For instance, a bridge that replaces two or more teeth has an even shorter life span than a bridge that replaces one tooth, due to the additional forces placed on the adjacent teeth. If a bridge like this fails, it is often necessary to cut down another tooth to incorporate into the bridge. Unfortunately, as the bridge continues to fail over time, the health of more teeth compromised - and there is usually more extensive, costly treatment involved.

A removable prosthesis, such as a partial denture, actually accelerates the bone resorption process, resulting in more rapid bone deterioration. In addition, the clasps which hold the partial denture in place put extreme pressure on the natural teeth they hook onto, loosening them and in many cases, eventually leading to the loss of those teeth. Most patients with partial dentures state that they are uncomfortable and that they rarely wear them.

The advantages of replacing multiple missing teeth with implant supported bridges include the following:

• They look feel and function like natural teeth
• They are much more comfortable and stable than partial dentures
• Natural biting and chewing capacity is restored
• They virtually stop the bone resorption process (deterioration)
• The integrity of the facial structures is maintained
• Adjacent natural teeth are not compromised (ground down into peg shapes or loosened)