After eating yet another meal of bland, easy to chew foods, you decide that you’re finally ready to do something about your missing teeth. All of your missing teeth are right next to each other, so after a bit of online research, a dental bridge sounds like it would be the best way to replace them. However, there are two distinct kinds: implant-retained bridges and traditional bridges. You just want to be able to enjoy your favorite foods again, so which of these options would help you do that better? Today, your dentist in Schenectady, Dr. Erin Page, is going to compare these restorations so you can decide which one you think is best for you.
Bridge Basics
A dental bridge is one of the most tried and true dental restorations used today. Its basic construction is this: two crowns are placed on either side of the gap in a person’s smile, and these are bonded to realistic-looking prosthetic teeth to close it. Not only does it restore the appearance of the smile, but it also strengthens the bite and keeps the remaining teeth from shifting into the space. No matter which type of bridge you choose, they both offer an excellent solution for missing teeth.
How Traditional Bridges Work
With a traditional bridge, two dental crowns are placed directly on the teeth on either side of the missing ones to support the replacement teeth. In order to hold these crowns, these teeth will need to be reshaped and slightly cut down. Traditional bridges are usually removable as well (typically held in place with small metal clasps), and they often have a noticeable line near the gums.
How Implant-Retained Bridges Work
Implant-retained bridges, on the other hand, use implant-supported crowns on either side of the space in order to support the prosthetic teeth. This approach has numerous benefits compared to the traditional one:
- Stronger Hold: Because the bridge will be anchored directly into the jaw, it will have a much more secure and stable hold compared to a traditional removable bridge.
- Minimized Bone Loss: Dental implants stimulate the jawbone in order to keep it strong and prevent the bone loss that is so common after tooth loss. This will help the face maintain its natural shape as well as make the remaining teeth stay in place even better than a traditional bridge.
- Natural Appearance: Implant-retained bridges blend in with the smile much better to create a much more realistic appearance, and they don’t have the line that typical bridges show near the gums.
- No Collateral Damage: One of the best parts about implant-retained bridges is that they don’t require two healthy teeth to be sacrificed in order to place them. With an implant bridge, we can preserve more of your natural smile for years to come.
Which One is Best For Me?
While there are certainly advantages to getting an implant-retained bridge, this is a question best answered by you after seeing your Capital District dentist. When you come to see us, we’ll examine your teeth so we can recommend the restoration that is best suited to your needs and goals. We’re happy to answer any questions you have so no matter which one you choose, you can do so with complete peace of mind.
In any case, if you’re ready to fill in the gap in your smile and start looking forward to meals again, the team at Capital Smiles is ready and able to help. To schedule a consultation, please contact us today.