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If you are missing multiple teeth, you likely have questions about which solution is best for your smile and lifestyle.
An implant-supported bridge stands out as a reliable solution, offering both a natural appearance and dependable functionality.
This blog will explain everything you need to know about implant-supported bridges and how they can help restore your oral health.
Table of Contents
- Types of Dental Bridges
- Benefits of an Implant-Supported Dental Bridge
- Dental Implant vs. Dental Bridge
- Dental Bridge vs. Partial Denture
- FAQs
- Foley & Le: Your Trusted Oral Surgeon in Boulder, CO
A dental implant-supported bridge offers a stable and long-term tooth replacement option. It preserves natural teeth and prevents bone loss. It provides superior durability and functionality compared to traditional bridges, making it an excellent choice for multiple missing teeth.
Types of Dental Bridges
There are various types of dental bridges, each designed to meet different dental needs:
- Fixed implant-supported bridge: Permanently anchored to dental implants that act as artificial tooth roots. They are a secure, non-removable solution with a natural tooth-like appearance.
- Removable implant-supported bridge: Secured to implants but can be removed for cleaning.
- Cantilever bridge: Used when only one side of the missing tooth area can support an implant.
- Full-arch implant-supported bridge (All-on-4®): This method uses four or more carefully positioned implants to support an entire arch of teeth, offering a secure, functional, and natural-looking solution for missing teeth.
- Traditional bridge: A non-implant option that relies on adjacent healthy teeth for support. The bridge is anchored to an adjacent tooth that has a dental crown placed over it.
- Dental bridge for front teeth: Specifically designed to restore aesthetics and functionality when replacing front teeth.
Benefits of an Implant-Supported Dental Bridge
An implant-supported bridge offers several advantages over traditional bridges or partial dentures:
- Preserve natural teeth: Healthy adjacent teeth are not altered or reshaped for support, unlike traditional bridges.
- Prevent bone loss: Dental implants stimulate the jawbone, helping to prevent bone loss in the area of missing teeth.
- Stability and comfort: Provides better chewing function and eliminates the discomfort of loose dentures.
- Long-term solution: With proper care, implant-supported bridges can last many years, making them a worthwhile investment.
- Aesthetic appeal: Mimics the look and feel of natural teeth, blending seamlessly into your smile.
Who Can Benefit from a Dental Implant Supported Bridge?
This option is ideal for patients who:
- have multiple consecutive missing teeth.
- have sufficient bone volume and density for implant placement.
- want to avoid reshaping healthy teeth for a traditional bridge.
- are looking for a stable, long-term tooth replacement option.
- are considering alternatives to removable dentures.
Dental Implant vs. Dental Bridge
Here is a comparison of how an implant bridge differs from a traditional bridge:
- Support: Implant-supported bridges anchor to implants, while traditional bridges rely on reshaped adjacent teeth for support.
- Bone health: Implants help maintain bone density and bone structure, while traditional bridges do not.
- Durability: Implant-supported bridges typically last longer than traditional bridges.
- Tooth Preservation: Implants preserve healthy teeth, unlike traditional bridges that may require altering adjacent teeth.
Dental Bridge vs. Partial Denture
Dental bridges and partial dentures are two common options for replacing missing teeth, but they differ in materials, comfort, and upkeep.
Bridges are typically made of porcelain or ceramic. They can be fixed in place or removable. Removable options are more affordable but they are less stable in the mouth. Partial dentures are made from a combination of acrylic and metal and are removable.
A fixed bridge is cleaned just like natural teeth, while removable bridges and dentures are removed for cleaning.
FAQs
With proper care, an implant-supported bridge can last for many years, depending on individual factors like oral hygiene and overall health.
Bone grafting may be needed if there is not enough bone to support the implants.
Healing typically takes 3-6 months to allow the implants to fully integrate with the bone.
To maintain an implant-supported bridge, brush your teeth twice a day and use a floss threader or water flosser to clean around the implants and bridge. Regular dental checkups are important to monitor the health of the implants and surrounding tissue.
While bridges may not have the same sensation as natural teeth, they are designed to feel stable and natural in your mouth. Most patients find them very comfortable and quickly adapt to the way they feel.
Foley & Le: Your Trusted Oral Surgeon in Boulder, CO
If you would like to learn more about your tooth replacement options, our experienced oral surgeons are happy to help! Schedule a consultation to discuss your options and determine if this is the right treatment option for you. Call (303) 444-2255 to book an appointment at our oral surgery office in Boulder, CO. We are located at 1420 28th St, Suite 100, Boulder, CO 80303.
