Traditional vs Implant-Secured Dental Bridges

Tooth loss will inhibit the look and function of your smile. But our dentist can help you replace one or more missing teeth in a row with restorative dental solutions. Schedule a consult with our dentist to find a treatment plan that will suit your unique needs after tooth loss.

One type of prosthetic teeth that a dentist might recommend is a dental bridge. This has a traditional placement option, but a dentist might also propose securing it with implants. Read on to learn more about the types of dental bridges that can help you replace missing teeth.

types of dental bridges in Vienna, VA.

What Is a Traditional Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a restorative tool used to replace one or more missing teeth in a row. The traditional type of bridge will have two dental crowns on each end of the prosthetic.

These will snap onto and secure onto each of the adjacent teeth from the missing teeth. They are known as abutment teeth, and they provide support to the device. The dentist secures the crowns using dental cement.

This ensures a secure fit that will allow you to chew, bite, and speak without worrying about damaging your new appliance. However, make sure you pay attention to your bridge when eating hard or chewy foods. These foods could cause a crown to break or dislodge, making the bridge no longer function properly.

If this occurs, call your dentist as soon as you can for urgent repairs. You could risk damage to your abutment teeth as well as other complications if you ignore this issue.

The dental bridge will be custom-made, giving you a comfortable and secure fit that will also look gorgeous and natural in your smile. Ask your dentist for more details about this device.

Should I Get an Implant-Secured Dental Bridge?

Another type of dental bridge is the implant-secured bridge. This device will replace three or more consecutive missing teeth. Instead of relying on abutment teeth and crowns to support the fixture, this bridge uses dental implants.

A dental implant features anchors, one for each end of the bridge prosthetic, that a dentist must surgically implant in the jaw. As you heal over several months, the anchors fuse with the jaw to provide long-lasting support for the device. It can last for twenty or more years.

The prosthetic will be individually made for each patient just like with a traditional dental bridge. But the support is where the difference comes in. With both fixtures, you can find tooth replacements you can trust.

The implanted anchors will also replace the missing tooth roots below the gum line, unlike a traditional bridge. This will prevent bone loss in the jaw, a complication that can occur in cases of tooth loss.

Therefore, this option will provide the maximum restorative benefits. But not every patient will qualify for this type of treatment. A dentist will evaluate your smile and determine if your jaw is strong enough to support dental implants.