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Implant-Retained Bridge
Implant Retained Bridges
If you are missing multiple teeth, you may have considered a traditional dental bridge or partial denture to replace them. Though these are good treatment options, both have limited lifespans and may not provide you with the same stability, function or appearance of your natural teeth. An implant retained bridge provides a permanent solution for a beautiful, stable and long-lasting smile.
Implant Retained vs Traditional Dental Bridges
A traditional fixed bridge bridges the gap between healthy teeth and a missing tooth in between; the prosthetic tooth is supported by dental crowns on either side, which are fitted over the neighboring healthy teeth (the abutment teeth). This treatment requires your dentist to remove significant material from your healthy teeth in order to fit the crowns over them, and can typically be used to replace 1 or 2 missing teeth in a row.
To contrast, an implant-retained bridge (sometimes called an implant supported bridge) gains all of its support from dental implants. These implants serve as replacement tooth roots and the support for your prosthetic teeth. This type of prosthesis can replace two, three, or more missing teeth in a row.
The process of getting an implant-retained bridge combines that of getting a traditional implant and a single-tooth implant, and begins with a consultation. During this consultation, we determine if dental implants are a good option for you and recommend the best treatment for your unique case. Then, we plan precisely where to place the implants so that your bridge has the strongest support possible, and can begin treatment. Following your surgery, you will undergo a healing period of several months, during which your jawbone will fuse with the implant in a process called osseointegration, for strength and stability that mimics your natural tooth roots! The final step of the implant-retained bridge treatment is when we securely attach beautifully natural-looking, custom-made crowns to the implants.
Implant Retained vs Traditional Dental Bridges
The benefits of implant-retained bridges are numerous, and include:
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Ability to eat and speak comfortably and naturally
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Even distribution of bite force, saving your natural teeth from extra wear and tear
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Preservation of your jawbone and face shape, due to stimulation from the dental implants
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Retain your natural teeth - implant-retained bridges typically do not require that we modify or extract any of your healthy teeth
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Long-lasting - with proper care, the prosthetic teeth can last a decade or longer, while the implants themselves often last a lifetime
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Improved aesthetics - custom-made crowns can restore or even enhance your smile
How to Care for Your
Implant-Retained Bridge
Caring for your implant-retained bridge is easy, and will help you keep your new teeth in great shape for years to come! Here are a few tips:
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Brush twice a day and floss once a day - use thread floss to help you clean your gums beneath your prosthetic tooth
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Rinse your mouth daily with antibacterial mouthwash
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If your bridge ever feels loose or uncomfortable, contact us right away
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Wear a sports mouthguard when you play sports, especially any contact sport (We always recommend this regardless of if you have a dental restoration or not!)
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If you habitually grind or clench your teeth, wear a mouthguard at night
If you’d like to learn more about implant-retained bridges, contact Dallas Dental Implant Center to schedule your consultation with Dr. Kwon. Our team is here to help you get back to achieving a strong, healthy and complete smile!
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