Are you missing more than one tooth? Are the missing teeth near each other? Sometimes, when teeth are damaged by an accident or tooth decay, two or more right next to each other are lost.
That’s when an implant-supported dental bridge can come to the rescue.
This is a dental appliance that replaces several teeth in a row. Once we install it in place at the dentist office in Calgary, you’ll almost forget that you have it. Dental bridges make the following possible:
- Imagine not obsessively checking the empty sockets with your tongue.
- Imagine being able to smile broadly and eat what you like again!
- Your speech will go back to normal.
- Your other teeth will be protected.
- Your new teeth will feel natural.
Contact East Village Dental now if you know you need to get started on your dental implants immediately. Or learn more below.
Types of Fixed Implant Bridges
Traditional Fixed Bridge
Let’s keep in mind that we’re not talking about a traditional dental bridge here. We’re talking about a bridge that is supported by tooth implants. We’ll explain more in the next section.
For now, let’s review the traditional bridge first—traditional just in the sense that it has been used a long time and is still often used. Which doesn’t mean it’s the best.
A traditional (non-implant) bridge consists of:
- A short dental prosthetic that holds several new teeth in it.
- Anchor teeth on both sides of the empty tooth sockets. The dental specialist reduces the size of your natural teeth in order to anchor the bridge to them, similar to a crown.
In other words, some of your natural teeth have to be permanently altered in order to replace some you lost!
We don’t think this is the best solution to tooth loss. So let’s discuss one of the better tooth replacement options below.
Dental Implant-Supported Bridge
In the tooth implant process, we place new tooth roots for you at the dental clinic. These are made of long-lasting titanium, a great investment in your dental health for the rest of your life.
Each dental implant is naturally attached to your jaw, just like your other tooth roots, giving it strength and stability to support a bridge in normal chewing.
Then, to complete your implant-supported bridge, your family dentist will:
- Customize your bridge to match your natural teeth.
- Attach the bridge to your implants.
- Ensure that your new teeth look great in your overall smile.
Notice your dental bridge is connected directly to your jaw through the dental implant roots. Your other teeth around the bridge are not altered!
Benefits of Fixed Implant Bridges
At our dental clinic, we love to give our patients solutions that fix problems immediately, as well as practice preventive dentistry to save you from problems down the road.
Fixed implant bridges do both. They give you these advantages:
- Permanence: The implants last a lifetime, and we can use them for other dental services, such as implant-supported dentures.
- Tooth Integrity: We don’t alter the teeth around the bridge, helping those teeth last longer with their natural enamel.
- Stability: Your bridge has the stability of being firmly attached to titanium posts instead of being cemented to teeth (as in the traditional bridge method).
- Jaw Health: Dental implants stimulate the jaw to thicken and stay strong. Traditional bridges ignore the jaw, which allows it to deteriorate.
- Smile Protection: Missing teeth encourage teeth around them to start to move into the gaps. A new bridge will keep those other teeth in place and protect your whole smile.
Once your new teeth are in place, you’ll be confident you can eat the foods you like and pose for every picture. They’ll feel like a natural part of your smile.
Caring for Your Fixed Dental Implant Bridge
You won’t have any extra worries with a dental bridge. You can care for your bridge in just a few easy steps:
- Brush and Floss: You’ll simply be able to brush and floss your whole smile, hardly noticing which teeth are which.
- Use Nonabrasive Toothpaste: At our dental practice, we recommend using nonabrasive fluoride toothpaste twice per day and flossing at least once per day.
- Attend Dental Visits: After your implant procedure is complete and you’re using your bridge, we’ll see you in checkup appointments in the following years.
Dental Bridges vs. Dental Implants
Dental bridges and dental implants are both great options to replace your teeth. The main difference is longevity.
Dental Bridges | A traditional dental bridge replaces 1–2 missing teeth in a gap by being attached to crowns on the teeth on either side of the gap. This is a quick way to replace your teeth and is also cheaper than dental implants; however, traditional bridges do not provide the jawbone support that implants do, and they will eventually wear down the supporting teeth as well.
Dental Implants | Dental implants typically only replace one missing tooth at a time, and the process for getting them is much longer with surgery, tooth restoration, and overall healing time. However, despite the up front cost, implants will keep your jawbone healthy and strong for a long time, and they will not rely on the other teeth around them for support—keeping your full smile strong and healthy.
How Does a Fixed Implant Bridge Work?
Fixed Implant Bridges | Implant bridges are the best of both worlds between implants and traditional dental bridges! They come with the longevity and support of implants, but they can replace multiple teeth in the same gap at the same time.
Fixed Bridge Cost vs. Dental Bridge Cost
Traditional Dental Bridge | The typical cost for a traditional dental bridge is often less than a fixed bridge. Their cost covers both the bridge fabrication and all the crowns that need to replace the missing tooth and hold the tooth in place. However, despite the cheaper initial cost, bridges tend not to last as long and need replacing or refitting as your jawbone changes shape (due to the lack of jawbone support).
Fixed Implant Bridge | Compare the cost of a dental implant-supported bridge. The overall cost includes the fabrication of your bridge, the replacement crown, as well as the dental implant components. But keep in mind that implants are also an investment in your future. They protect your other teeth, and you’ll have them for the rest of your life! You actually get more value out of your purchase.
Find Dental Implants Near Me at East Village Dental!
To Schedule Your FREE Dental Implant Bridge Consultation, Give Us a Call Today!
Are missing teeth disrupting your life? Contact a dentist office that cares! We’re excited to coordinate your dental surgery and give you quality dental care all in one location. We’ll keep you comfortable with our thoughtful amenities and kind team members.
Contact East Village Dental to schedule your consultation. Find out how we can replace your teeth and get you smiling again.