Losing one or more teeth can be a difficult transition. Not only does this tooth loss alter the appearance of your smile, but it also impacts your overall oral function. One option to restore your oral function is dental bridges. These dental devices are a reliable way to bridge the gap these missing teeth create. One popular option among dental patients is implant-supported dental bridges.
These bridges provide a secure fit, ensuring you’ll never have to worry about the device slipping and sliding throughout the day. However, not all dental patients are good candidates for this service. If you need a bridge and have considered investing in an implant-supported dental bridge, keep reading to determine if it will work well for you.
What is an Implant-Supported Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a device used to bridge the gap between missing teeth, ensuring your remaining teeth don’t shift into inappropriate positions. Several options are available to dental patients, including implant-supported dental bridges, which utilize dental implants to provide an incredibly secure fit.
With this device, titanium implants are placed in your jawbone. Once the bone has healed, the abutment is placed on top of the implant, holding the crowns in place. The crown is attached to one or more pontic (artificial teeth), which fills the gap. While this process may take several months, implant-supported dental bridges are incredibly reliable, making it a worthwhile process.
The Benefits of Implant-Supported Dental Bridges
Although all dental bridges provide patients with aesthetic and functional benefits, implant-supported devices are the most beneficial addition to your smile. Some of the benefits of investing in implant-support dental bridges over other bridges include:
- Retention of Jawbone Density: When your implant is inserted in your jaw, it stimulates the bone. This stimulation means you won’t have to worry about the potential bone loss associated with other dental devices, like dentures.
- Increased Stability: While some dental bridges are secured to surrounding teeth, implant-supported bridges are secured to the underlying bone. With this support, you won’t have to worry about accidentally knocking it out of place throughout the day.
- More Durable: Like many other dental devices, traditional bridges are susceptible to wear and tear and may need to be replaced after 10-15 years of use. Implant-supported dental bridges are typically more durable than this, reducing the cost of maintaining your oral health over your lifetime.
- Increased Comfort: Some dental bridges may require adhesives to ensure they don’t slip throughout the day. You may deal with this discomfort if you don’t use an adequate amount of adhesive. However, with implant-supported dental bridges, you don’t have to worry about this adhesive, improving your comfort while eating, drinking, and speaking.
Why You Might Not Be a Good Candidate for This Bridge
While you may like the idea of wearing an implant-supported dental bridge, you may not be a good candidate for this device. Some reasons why this may not be a good option for you include:
- You’re experiencing significant bone loss
- You have uncontrolled gum disease
- Your immune system is compromised
- You have a history of smoking
- You’re dealing with extensive tooth decay
Alternative to Implant-Supported Devices
If an implant-supported dental bridge isn’t the right choice for your oral health, you may want to consider one of the alternatives. Some other dental bridges include:
- Traditional Dental Bridge: A traditional bridge is the most common option among dental patients. This device consists of dental crowns on either end and artificial teeth between them. Your dentist bonds the crowns to your natural teeth, and the artificial teeth fill the space between them.
- Maryland Dental Bridge: This dental bridge uses metal wings instead of crowns bonded to the backs of the surrounding teeth to stay in place. This is most commonly used to replace missing front teeth, but it isn’t strong enough to withstand the chewing force of back teeth.
- Cantilever Dental Bridge: Cantilever devices are similar to traditional bridges but only have a crown on one side. Dentists only choose to use this device when a natural tooth is on one side of the gap.
In cases where your remaining teeth are unhealthy, your teeth are too close together, or other dental issues are present, a bridge may not be a good option for you. Instead, you may want to speak to your dentist about transitioning to dentures, as they may be a better option for improving your oral function.
Finding Your Perfect Dental Bridge in North Ogden
No two dental patients are the same; what works for one patient may not work for another. Instead of trying to find the perfect dental bridge on your own, it is best to work with an expert dental team through this process. With their expertise, you can trust that you’ll find the perfect bridge to boost your oral health and improve the overall aesthetic of your smile.
If you need a dental bridge and want support from a dental team in the North Ogden area, turn to our team at North View Dental. Since 2000, our team has helped patients across the Wasatch Front reach their best oral health. From assisting them in adjusting to implant-supported dental bridges to twice-yearly cleanings and more, our team does it all.
When you’re ready to invest in an implant-support dental bridge, don’t hesitate to contact our team to schedule an appointment.
