Losing a tooth can trigger a series of negative changes to your oral infrastructure. Aside from a gap in your smile, your remaining teeth can shift to fill the empty space, causing misalignment and directly impacting your bite. In addition, your jawbone weakens, leading to bone loss, which can make you more susceptible to further tooth loss. The domino effect is as unwelcome as an uninvited “guest” showing up to your private dinner party. So what can you do about it? Implant bridges are one durable, stable option—for your teeth, at least! Maybe not so much for the unwelcome dinner guest.
What Are Dental Bridges?
Simply put, dental bridges “bridge” the gap left by missing teeth. Dr. Ruedi Tillmann at the Utah Denture and Implant Center offers several types of dental bridges. He may suggest a bridge when you lose two or more adjacent teeth. However, bridges can also replace a single missing tooth.
Traditional bridges are the most common option. They are fixed restorations that rely on healthy adjacent teeth for support. There are three key components to traditional bridges: abutment teeth, crowns, and pontics.
Abutment teeth are the natural teeth on either side of the gap. Dr. Tillmann will reshape the abutment teeth to serve as anchors for the bridge. Dental crowns hold the bridge in place securely. Dr. Tillmann will place the crowns over the reshaped abutment teeth to support the restoration. Pontics are the artificial teeth that fill the gap, attached to the crowns on the abutment teeth.
Traditional bridges have many benefits. They restore your ability to chew easily and speak clearly. Eating becomes pleasurable again, and speaking feels natural. Traditional bridges also prevent the adjacent teeth from shifting, avoiding any potential misalignment issues. Overall, they are a reliable method for replacing missing teeth. However, there is another option that may provide more stability and security.
Implant Bridges Are an Advanced Alternative!
Like traditional bridges, implant bridges replace multiple missing teeth in a row. However, dental implants support an implant bridge for extreme durability and stability.
Dr. Tillmann uses titanium dental implants to support an implant bridge. Typically, he places two or more implants on either side of the gap and attaches the bridge to the implants. However, the number of implants needed depends on the number of missing teeth and the strength of your bone. The dental implants are anchors for the bridge, holding it securely in place.
An implant bridge is a strong and stable solution that maintains jawbone health. The bridge is extremely functional and durable, allowing you to eat various foods effectively, comfortably, and carefree. Its strength lies in the dental implants.
Dental Implants Are Key for Implant Bridges
The capabilities of dental implants are truly remarkable. Made from medical-grade titanium—a metal known for its high biocompatibility—dental implants fuse naturally with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration. This creates a stable, long-lasting foundation strong enough to support everything from a single crown to a multi-tooth restoration like a dental bridge.
Because these titanium posts mimic the function of natural tooth roots, they do more than just hold your replacement teeth in place—they also stimulate the jawbone. This stimulation is vital for maintaining healthy bone density in the jaw, which otherwise tends to diminish after tooth loss. Without that stimulation, a process called bone resorption occurs, leading to gradual bone shrinkage and changes in facial structure.
By preserving jawbone integrity, dental implants help you maintain a more youthful facial appearance, preventing the sunken or aged look that can result from bone loss. When used to anchor a dental bridge, implants offer far greater durability and stability compared to traditional bridges, which rely on natural teeth for support.
With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, making them one of the most reliable and long-term solutions in modern restorative dentistry. For patients needing multiple teeth replaced, an implant-supported bridge offers both function and aesthetics, with less worry about future replacements.
Unveil Your New Smile With Dr. Ruedi Tillmann!
While traditional bridges are a reliable option to fill the gap in your smile, implant bridges are an excellent alternative. They restore function to your bite and contribute to better, long-term oral health. Implant bridges rely on dental implants for support, making them a more effective option for tooth replacement.
If you’re eager to get started, arrange your free implant consultation with Dr. Tillmann. He will thoroughly discuss your options and develop a care plan tailored just for you.
