Restore Form and Function with Dental Bridges

A traditional bridge is supported by your remaining, healthy teeth. To place a dental bridge, your dentist will need to alter the teeth on either side of the gap in order to create a stable base for the dental crowns that hold your restoration in place.

The advantage of a traditional bridge is that the process is quick and easy. Typically, you can expect full dental function after just two office visits. The downside of a traditional bridge is that it often requires your dentist to alter the surrounding teeth, which can irreversibly weaken the teeth. Additionally, this type of bridge does not prevent the jawbone deterioration that occurs following tooth loss.

With an implant-supported bridge, there is no need to rely on natural teeth for support. Instead, a trusted oral surgeon will surgically embed two or more titanium posts into the jawbone. These dental implants ultimately fuse with your bone tissue, providing a permanent, incredibly stable foundation for your bridge.

Because implant-supported bridges replace dental roots with metal posts, they prevent further jawbone decay. They are also very stable and will never slip out of place. This method is more expensive than a traditional bridge and can require additional preparatory procedures. However, implants can last a lifetime, minimizing future replacement costs.

If you are missing one to three consecutive teeth, a dental bridge can restore function and improve your smile. Individuals missing a larger number of teeth may be better served by a fixed or removable partial denture. Traditional dental bridges require support from surrounding teeth; therefore, candidates seeking this type of restoration must ensure that their remaining teeth are structurally sound and free from decay.

If you are interested in a implant-supported bridge, it is necessary to have enough healthy bone tissue to support the titanium posts. Our team can perform an in-depth examination to determine your candidacy for each type of restoration. If necessary, more advanced procedures can be included into your treatment plan to improve your chances of successful treatment.