A dental bridge is a tooth replacement solution designed for patients missing two or more adjacent teeth. While traditional dental bridges are attached to healthy neighboring teeth, implant-supported bridges are connected to titanium posts placed in the jawbone.
This style of placement makes them a comfortable and stable alternative to traditional bridges. Learn all about implant bridges and their benefits below.
1. Stability and Comfort
Implant-supported bridges provide exceptional stability compared to traditional bridges. Since they’re anchored in place by titanium implants set into the jawbone, they feel secure and are unlikely to move or slip. Implant bridges are designed to feel like natural teeth, so it’s easy to speak, chew, bite, and smile as you would with natural teeth. Implant bridges restore most of your bite strength, so it’s much easier to enjoy a wider variety of foods (such as crisp apples and tough steak) than you would with a traditional bridge.
2. Natural Look
There’s no denying that lost teeth can damage your confidence. Missing teeth can make it harder to speak and smile naturally. Implant bridges can repair your confidence by giving you the bright smile you deserve. Implant bridges feature dental crowns made from materials like zirconia or porcelain that are customized to match the shape and color of your natural teeth. These materials offer a lifelike appearance and blend in seamlessly with natural teeth. Implant bridges have no visible metal elements, such as clasps or wires, to hold them in place. This makes them a great choice for individuals who want a discreet and aesthetically pleasing solution to restore their smile.
3. Supports Neighboring Teeth
When a tooth is lost, neighboring teeth may shift into the space, resulting in bite problems and misalignment. An implant bridge fills these gaps to prevent teeth from shifting out of place. The bridge also helps maintain overall oral health.
Another important benefit of implant bridges is that they don’t attach to healthy teeth. Traditional bridges are attached to neighboring healthy teeth using crowns. Healthy teeth must be ground down to accommodate the crowns. This process can weaken those teeth over time, increasing the risk of decay. However, since implant bridges rely on titanium posts for support, they preserve the health and integrity of surrounding teeth.
4. Preservation of Jawbone Health
When a tooth is lost, the underlying jawbone can begin to deteriorate due to lack of stimulation. Bone loss in the jaw can cause unwanted changes in your appearance and may lead to further tooth loss in the long run. Traditional bridges can act as a tooth replacement to help you bite and chew, but with no tooth root, they can’t prevent bone loss. Titanium dental implants are placed directly into your healthy jawbone. They act like natural tooth roots and stimulate the jawbone when you bite and chew. This helps maintain bone density and strength in the jaw and supports your overall facial structure.
5. Long-Lasting Solution
Unlike traditional bridges, dental implants in Alberquerque are designed to last a lifetime. Implant-supported bridges can be highly durable and offer excellent longevity. While they cost more upfront, they’re much less likely to require replacement through the years. The materials used in implant bridges, such as titanium for the implants and porcelain or zirconia for the bridge, are designed to withstand the forces of daily chewing and resist wear and tear. Implant-supported bridges require regular gentle brushing and flossing to prevent plaque buildup. Regular dental checkups are also essential to ensure any cracks or wear can be addressed. However, with proper care, most implant bridges can easily outlast traditional dental bridges.
The Bottom Line
Implant bridges combine durability and functionality with aesthetic appeal. Not only do they return your ability to speak and smile confidently, but they can be virtually undetectable when the right materials and techniques are used. They’re also easy to maintain and allow you to enjoy the widest range of foods (especially compared to traditional bridges). Overall, implant bridges offer many benefits that make them one of the most frequently recommended tooth replacement options for eligible patients. Many healthy individuals are good candidates for implant-supported bridges; however, you can talk to your dentist for more personalized information and advice.
