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Losing a tooth or several teeth can impact your confidence, speech, and ability to eat comfortably.
Fortunately, modern dentistry offers effective solutions to restore your smile and oral function. Two popular options are traditional dental bridges and implant-supported dental bridges. In this blog, we’ll explore what sets them apart, their benefits and disadvantages, and how an implant-supported bridge can provide you with a natural-looking, fully functional smile.
Table of Contents
- What is a Traditional Dental Bridge?
- What is an Implant-Supported Dental Bridge?
- Benefits and Disadvantages of Traditional Dental Bridges
- Benefits and Disadvantages of Implant-Supported Dental Bridges
- Who Makes a Good Candidate for a Traditional Bridge?
- Who Makes a Good Candidate for an Implant-Supported Bridge?
- Your Dental Implant Specialists in Deer Park, IL
- Frequently Asked Questions
Key Takeaway
Both traditional and implant-supported bridges effectively replace missing teeth, but implant-supported bridges offer superior benefits in terms of bone preservation, natural feel, and longevity. The right choice for you depends on your needs, oral health, and budget.
What is a Traditional Dental Bridge?
A traditional dental bridge is a fixed dental prosthetic that replaces one or more missing teeth. It consists of:
- Artificial teeth: These are the replacement teeth, designed to match the color and shape of your natural teeth.
- Abutment teeth: These are the healthy teeth on either side of the gap, which support the bridge.
- Dental crowns: These are placed over the abutment teeth to provide a secure anchor for the bridge.
How it Works
The abutment teeth are prepared by removing a small amount of enamel to accommodate the crowns. The bridge is then cemented in place, filling the gap and restoring your smile.
What is an Implant-Supported Dental Bridge?
An implant-supported bridge is similar to a traditional bridge, but instead of relying on adjacent teeth for support, it is anchored to dental implants.
- Dental implants: These are titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone, acting as artificial tooth roots.
- Abutments: These connect the dental implants to the replacement teeth.
- Artificial teeth: As with a traditional bridge, these are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
How it Works
After the dental implants have integrated with the bone (osseointegration), the bridge is attached to the abutments, providing a stable and durable solution.
Benefits and Disadvantages of Traditional Dental Bridges
Benefits
- Non-invasive: No surgery is required for a traditional bridge.
- Cost-effective: Generally less expensive than implant-supported bridges.
- Quicker treatment: The process is faster than implant placement.
Disadvantages
- Alters healthy teeth: Requires the reduction of adjacent healthy teeth.
- Bone loss: Doesn’t prevent bone loss in the jaw where the tooth was lost.
- Limited lifespan: The bridge and/or crowns may need to replaced over time.
Benefits and Disadvantages of Implant-Supported Dental Bridges
Benefits
- Preserves bone: Stimulates the jawbone, preventing bone loss and maintaining facial structure.
- Natural feel and function: Offers a more natural feel and function than traditional bridges.
- Long-lasting: Can last a lifetime with proper care.
- No impact on healthy teeth: Doesn’t require altering adjacent teeth.
Check out one of our previous blogs entitled: Transform Your Smile: Are Dental Implants Worth It?
Disadvantages
- More invasive: Requires oral surgery for implant placement.
- Longer treatment time: The healing process can take several months.
- Higher cost: Generally more expensive than traditional bridges.
Who Makes a Good Candidate for a Traditional Bridge?
You might be a good fit for a traditional bridge if you:
- are missing one to three teeth in a row
- have healthy adjacent teeth with enough bone structure to support the bridge
- maintain good oral health and hygiene habits
- prefer a less invasive and more affordable option
Who Makes a Good Candidate for an Implant-Supported Bridge?
You might be a good fit for an implant-supported bridge if you:
- are missing one or more teeth
- have sufficient bone density in your jaw to support implants
- have good overall health (some conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or severe gum disease can affect implant success)
- are a non-smoker or willing to quit
- want a long-lasting and natural-feeling solution
Your Dental Implant Specialists in Deer Park, IL
At Oral Facial and Implant Specialists, we understand that each patient has unique needs. Our team of surgeons is dedicated to providing personalized care, so you can have the smile of your dreams.
If you are searching for dental implants Deer Park, dental implants Barrington, or dental implants near me, we can help. Call us at (847) 381-0106 to book a free dental implant consultation. We look forward to helping you and your smile!
Frequently Asked Questions
An implant-supported bridge offers several advantages, such as preserving the bone structure and not requiring the alteration of adjacent teeth. On the other hand, a traditional bridge is quicker and less invasive, making it a suitable option for those seeking a more affordable and faster solution.
Yes, implant-supported bridges are an excellent option for replacing missing teeth. They provide a stable and durable solution that closely mimics the feel and function of natural teeth. Unlike traditional bridges, implant-supported bridges stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss and maintaining facial structure.
Implant bridges have a high success rate, typically ranging from 95% to 98%. This high success rate is largely attributed to the process of osseointegration, where the titanium implants fuse with the jawbone, creating a strong and stable foundation for the bridge. Factors such as the patient’s overall health, the quality of the jawbone, and adherence to post-surgery care instructions can impact the success rate.
