Getting a dental bridge is common when you have one or more missing teeth to replace. The question patients must answer is what type of bridge to choose. And more and more of them are opting for strong and durable dental implants. The traditional crown and bridge method of replacement actually causes damage to the adjacent anchor teeth. A dental implant bridge doesn’t present this problem. Plus, implants look completely natural and are nearly as strong and durable as real teeth. Read more about the benefits of dental bridges:
What Are the Benefits of Dental Bridges?
Bridges can:
- Restore your smile
- Restore the ability to properly chew and speak
- Maintain the shape of your face
- Distribute the forces in your bite properly by replacing missing teeth
- Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position. Learn more about different dental bridge options from WebMD
Secure Your Smile With A Dental Implant Bridge
Even if you give your teeth the proper care and attention, you may end up needing some bridgework to maintain your smile. Dr. Robert Harrell and his experienced team at Harrell Dental Implant Center specialize in placing dental implants for lasting success. Whether you visit for a single dental implant, an implant supported bridge or full arch replacement with an All-on-4 appliance, you won’t go wrong by choosing HDIC. Discover more about dental implant bridges below:
Implant-Supported Bridges
Implant-supported bridges are another option for replacing missing teeth. They can be used when you have more than one tooth missing. Instead of being supported by crowns or frameworks, these bridges are supported by dental implants. Usually, one implant is placed for every missing tooth, and this series of implants holds the bridge in place. However, the bridge may consist of a pontic suspended between two implant-supported crowns if placing one implant for every lost tooth isn’t possible.
Because these bridges are secured by implants, they feel very secure and comfortable, just like the natural teeth they replace. And just like your natural teeth, a quality toothbrush, like a Colgate 360° toothbrush, is needed to keep your mouth healthy. One downside is that two surgeries are required to place the implants – the first to place the implants and the second to place the bridge – so expect to wait at least five months to get your finished bridge.
Your dentist can close the gaps in your smile with dental bridges. With so many types of dental bridges available, you can feel confident that your dentist has an appropriate solution for your missing teeth. Colgate discusses the details to consider with dental bridges.
Missing Teeth Need To Be Addressed To Protect Your Smile
Missing dentition can affect your self confidence and the rest of your surrounding teeth. Our bite is carefully balanced for chewing food, speaking and communicating. If one part of your dental puzzle is missing, the rest of your smile can potentially suffer. It is vital to have any parts of the damaged or missing tooth extracted to ensure that there is no further decay that can travel to other teeth. A dental implant bridge is an ideal way to help you address missing dentition while protecting your surrounding dentition. Read more below:
Alternatives – Bridges and Dental Implants:
To be comprehensive there are two other ways dentists can replace missing teeth: bridges which are attached to the adjacent teeth (usually by placing crowns on the teeth) and these are permanent; and by the use of implants. Implants are essentially artificial tooth roots and these can be made to support permanent teeth, or they can be used to retain/support a removable denture.
In the case of bridges attached to teeth, it is imperative that the teeth supporting the bridge are healthy and strong enough to last. If not then the entire bridge will be at risk of failing. If your teeth are too weak to hold a bridge your dentist may recommend partial dentures for your mouth that will be held in place with a clasp.
Implants today are without question the best way to replace missing teeth. The long term success (>10 years) with implants is over 98% if it is treatment planned according to sound scientific and clinical protocol and principles. This success rate is far greater than tooth supported bridges and far more functional and comfortable than traditional dentures. VCCID offers some great dental implant facts for your missing teeth replacement.
Harrell Dental Implant Center is the Charlotte area leader for dental implant procedures of all varieties, including implant bridges. Book your free consultation with us today to learn more about the best options for restoring your smile. Call 704-206-1330 or use the contact form on the website to reach us. We look forward to hearing from you.
