You usually don't need one implant for every missing tooth. Implants are placed at key points and a bridge spans between them, so a gap of three or four teeth in a row can often be restored with just two implants. The right number depends on how many teeth are missing, where they are, the strength of your bone and how your bite loads that part of your mouth. The 3D scan we take at your consultation shows all of this, so we can plan the fewest implants that will give you a stable, long-lasting result.

That's common, and it doesn't rule implants out. Teeth missing in one run can be restored with a single bridge, while gaps in different parts of your mouth may be better treated with separate implants or more than one small bridge. We look at where all your gaps are and build a plan around the whole mouth rather than a one-size-fits-all fix.

Yes, and it's one of the main reasons people choose them. Because the bridge is fixed onto implants rather than resting on the gum, it stays firmly in place while you eat. Once everything has healed you can bite and chew much as you would with natural teeth, including firmer foods that are awkward with a removable partial denture. Nothing needs to come out at mealtimes, and there's no movement to think about.

An implant bridge is cleaned much like natural teeth, with one extra step. Because it sits as one connected piece with a small space underneath, you clean under it every day using superfloss or a floss threader, which slides beneath the bridge and sweeps the underside clean. Interdental brushes help around each implant, and a water flosser is a handy addition. Keeping this area clean, alongside regular hygienist visits, is what protects the bridge and the bone around your implants over the long term.

It depends on how many teeth you're missing and where. A few teeth missing in a row are often best restored with an implant-supported bridge. If your remaining teeth are loose, or you already wear a denture, implant-retained dentures may suit you better. And if you've lost most or all of the teeth in a jaw, full-arch implants are usually the answer. We'll talk you through the options at your consultation and recommend the one that fits your mouth and your goals.