Implant bridges are a great option when someone has a few missing teeth on one or both sides of their mouth. They look and feel like real teeth and can restore full chew ing power so you can enjoy your favorite foods without worry.Like other dental implants, fixed implant bridges can last a lifetime with proper oral hygiene. Brushing twice daily, flossing and regular dental visits will help ensure your implant-supported bridges stay in great condition for years to come.

They use dental implants for support so the adjacent natural teeth do not have to be shaved down as with traditional bridges. This can also help preserve existing bone structure.

Natural Appearance

Unlike traditional bridges, which require altering healthy adjacent teeth for support, implant-supported bridges are anchored directly into the jawbone. This preserves your healthy teeth and helps prevent the bone loss that typically occurs with extensive tooth loss.

Implant-supported bridges look and feel like natural teeth, enhancing your smile and facial aesthetics. They also function like real teeth, allowing you to chew and speak more confidently.

Stability

As opposed to traditional bridges, which rely on the adjacent teeth for support, implant-supported bridges anchor on dental implants surgically placed in the jaw bone. This provides enhanced stability for the restoration and superior comfort.

They look and feel more like your natural teeth and allow you to enjoy life with confidence. You can eat the foods you’ve always enjoyed, smile with ease, and speak without worry.

An ideal candidate for an implant-supported bridge has adequate bone volume, healthy gum tissue, and absence of uncontrolled dental issues that might interfere with the healing process or affect the success of the restoration. Non-smokers and those willing to quit for a designated period are also better candidates, as smoking can negatively impact implant success. Implants require good oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, and routine dental check-ups. But with proper care and maintenance, they can last a lifetime. This is especially true of hybrid bridges that combine a zirconia base with porcelain overlays on visible areas of the repair.

Comfort

Implant bridges do not rely on adjacent teeth for support, so they do not put unnecessary strain on your natural teeth and surrounding gum tissue. This gives them a more comfortable feel, especially when chewing or speaking.

They are also a great option for people who want a permanent solution and prefer not to rely on adhesives or removable partial dentures. They can also provide a better overall dental health since they stimulate the jawbone and prevent bone loss, which is common in missing tooth cases.

However, some patients may experience heightened tooth sensitivity around their bridge. If this occurs, you should contact your dentist immediately to make sure there is not an underlying cause of the sensitivity, like gum disease or tooth decay. Also, some patients may experience discomfort or soreness on supporting teeth (abutment teeth) that are used to support the bridge. This is normal, but should subside over time. Your dentist will provide you with specific instructions for caring for your dental bridge to minimize this discomfort.

Ease of Cleaning

Unlike traditional bridges that attach to teeth on both sides, implant-supported bridges don’t require support from adjacent natural teeth. This preserves the position and architecture of neighboring teeth and helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease in the surrounding areas.

Cleaning a fixed bridge requires daily brushing and flossing just like natural teeth. For a more thorough clean, use a plaque seeker, proxa-brush or water flosser to get under your bridge. This specialized tool has a curved shape that makes it easier to reach the tight spaces around artificial teeth.

Keeping your new bridge clean reduces the risk of complications such as gum infections, bone loss, persistent bad breath and additional tooth loss. Regular oral hygiene also keeps the cement that holds your dental bridge in place strong and stable. During a routine hygiene visit every 6 months, our dentists will examine and clean your bridge to make sure it is in great condition. They will also address any potential issues early before they worsen and cause serious damage to your mouth.