Patients missing two or more consecutive teeth can benefit from replacing their teeth. Multiple gaps along the arch make it difficult to bite, chew food, and pronounce certain words correctly. Dr. Elizabeth Duling is an expert dentist that replaces missing teeth with several types of dental restorations. If you are missing more than two consecutive teeth, she can provide you with a partial denture, traditional dental bridge, and implant-supported bridge in Owens Cross Roads, AL. However, the implant- supported bridge is the best solution for your oral health and offers the best aesthetics and stability.
What is an Implant-Supported Bridge?
An implant-supported bridge provides a highly functioning and aesthetically pleasing option to replace several missing teeth in a row. It involves surgically placing at least two dental implants in the jaw where they will fuse to the bone. This creates a sturdy base for the dental bridge. Once the implants fuse to the bone, after about three to six months, the abutments are attached. The abutments act as connector pieces that join together the implants and the bridge.
The dental bridge consists of the false teeth (the pontics) that are fused together to create a single prosthesis. Located on each end of the bridge are dental crowns. The crown portion of the prosthesis is what your dentist will secure to the abutments. Dr. Duling with cement or screw the crowns to the abutments.
Your dental bridge will be custom made to blend in naturally with the rest of your remaining teeth. The dental implants will help make it stable and function more like natural teeth.
Why Choose an Implant-Supported Bridge?
When considering how to replace your multiple missing teeth, it is important to learn about all your options and compare them. Besides an implant-supported bridge, you can also choose a partial denture or a traditional dental bridge to replace your teeth.
Implant-Supported Bridge vs. Partial Denture
A partial denture is a removable appliance that offers less stability, less comfort, and does not help maintain your overall oral health. It is essentially an acrylic base with false teeth fused to it and is held in place by clasping onto remaining teeth. This puts a lot of extra pressure on those remaining teeth, putting them at a higher risk for damage. A bridge secured with dental implants does not require the use of any remaining teeth and preserves their integrity.
Since the partial is only held in place with teeth, it does not provide much stability when it comes to biting and chewing food. You will have to eliminate many kinds of food. A partial will also replace the missing teeth roots. This means the underlying jaw bone will lack the necessary stimulation it needs to prevent bone resorption. After years of wearing a partial, jaw bone loss is inevitable. An implant-supported bridge is more stable allowing you to eat a wider variety of food. It also replaces teeth at the root to avoid bone loss.
Implant-Supported Bridge vs. Traditional Dental Bridge
A traditional dental bridge relies on adjacent teeth to support the entire prosthesis instead of dental implants. These abutment teeth are reduced in size, compromising their natural structure. Essentially, you are damaging healthy teeth to replace a few missing teeth. These teeth endure extra pressure and stress and are likely to fail after many years of supporting the bridge. By replacing several missing teeth with an implant-supported bridge, you are preserving the integrity of the adjacent teeth.
A traditional bridge also does not replace the teeth at the root. The jaw bone will not receive any stimulation and will begin to deteriorate over the years. Slowly, you will suffer from bone loss and your facial structure will begin to change. Most people with bone loss have that sunken in appearance in their face and deep wrinkle around their mouth. An implant-supported bridge will prevent bone loss in the jaw and preserve your facial structure.
- Implant Dentistry: Overview
- Dental Implants FAQs
- Benefits of Dental Implants
- Dental Implant Procedure
- Implant-Supported Crown
- Implant-Supported Denture
Book a consult today with Dr. Duling to learn more the number one solution to replace several missing consecutive teeth. We can provide you with an implant-supported bridge in Owens Cross Roads, AL if you qualify. You can request an appointment online or call the office Dr. Duling at 256.202.4186 to book your appointment.