Gaps in your smile can leave you feeling nervous to talk or even smile. With the help of implant-supported bridges, the team at Care Dental Implant & Cosmetic Center can bridge that gap and give you a full smile once again.
The dental team at our Meridian, ID, office is well-versed in all things dental implants, and that includes using implant-supported bridges. Let us restore your smile and improve your oral health. Call to schedule a consultation!
What Are Implant-Supported Bridges?
Many patients have heard of dental bridges, but they may not know that an implant-supported bridge is an option. If you are missing a few in a row, we may be able to use an implant-supported bridge to replace those teeth and fill in that gap in your smile.
An implant-supported bridge uses dental implants to replace the missing tooth roots on either end of the gap. Because we replace those tooth root structures, the bridge is more steadily fixed in place and allows for a more natural fit and feel overall. Similar to a conventional bridge, an implant-supported bridge consists of an appliance with artificial teeth that remains securely fixed in position, resulting in a stunning smile.
The Benefits Of An Implant-Supported Bridge
Implant-supported bridges are a preferred tooth replacement option for people missing multiple teeth in a row. They offer our patients a number of benefits, including:
- The implants provide a sturdy base for the bridge to attach
- The appliance doesn’t rely on the health of surrounding teeth
- You maintain a proper bite force for normal chewing
- Your smile is restored, and face shape maintained
The Process Of Getting An Implant-Supported Bridge
To plan your treatment, we begin by taking a health history and 3D images of your mouth. We use cone beam computed tomography, or CBCT, to take cone-shaped x-rays of your teeth, jawbone, neck, and other facial structures. This accurate imaging gives us the best information to plan all the various stages of the process.
At your first surgical appointment, we place the implants into the jawbone using a small incision in the gums. The immediate area is numbed, but please speak with your team for additional sedation options if you feel they are needed. Once complete, the site will need to heal for at least a few months. During this time, the implants fuse with the jawbone, becoming the replacement tooth roots needed to attach the bridge.
Once healing is complete, we fit you for a custom-made dental bridge. Your bridge will have a precise fit in your mouth and won’t change your bite. The false teeth will also blend in seamlessly with the rest of your smile.
Implant-Supported Bridges vs Traditional Bridges
A traditional dental bridge is composed of artificial teeth attached to an appliance, along with dental crowns on both ends that connect to the adjacent natural teeth. While this replacement option does not require oral surgery, the appliance needs replacement every five to seven years. Additionally, since the surrounding natural teeth are involved, it is crucial for them to maintain good health, which may not always be the case. If these supporting teeth start to decay, they may fall out or require extraction, resulting in the need for further tooth replacement.
An implant-supported bridge, which does require oral surgery to place the implants, is a long-term solution for missing teeth. The implants themselves fuse with the jawbone, replacing the missing tooth roots and providing a strong base for the bridge. The bridge appliance is similar to a traditional bridge, but instead of relying on the surrounding teeth, the bridge attaches to the implants. This means that the surrounding teeth are not under any additional strain and can remain strong and healthy.
Be Confident In Your Smile
We love helping our patients achieve a healthy, beautiful smile through the use of dental implants. The Care Dental Implant & Cosmetic Center team knows the ins and outs of implant-supported bridges and is here to answer any of your questions. At the end of your treatment, you’ll have a confident smile once again. Contact us to schedule a consultation today!
