Implant Bridge in Palatine, IL
Permanently replace multiple missing teeth with dental implants
When several neighboring teeth are missing, an implant-supported bridge is the optimal treatment option for replacing them. The implant bridge consists of three major components: dental implants, abutments and the dental bridge. While a traditional bridge uses healthy neighboring teeth to secure the dental crowns in your mouth, the implant-supported bridge is firmly held in place by the implants.
Unlike a traditional bridge, the implant bridge supports bone growth, in addition to replacing the exterior appearance of teeth. When multiple neighboring teeth are missing, the bone begins to resorb and shrink at a rapid pace. The surrounding teeth will then begin to shift and move into the open space, possibly causing greater damage to the remaining teeth. The remaining teeth begin to overcompensate for the lost teeth and they also risk being lost. The implant bridge not only replaces missing teeth, it also actively prevents further tooth loss.
Advantages of dental implants
- Teeth look, feel, and function like natural teeth
- Results are permanent
- Teeth are fixed and cannot be taken out by the patient
- Patients can eat any foods
- Teeth do not shift or move
- Unlike traditional dentures, teeth cannot fall out
- New teeth do not trigger gag reflex like traditional dentures
- Patients will finally taste their foods because their taste buds on the roof of the mouth aren’t covered like traditional dentures
- Do not require any sticky glues
- Better jaw bone health and helps stopping bone loss
How do implant-supported bridges compare to fixed bridges or removable partial dentures?
Dental implants are the most comprehensive and long-lasting tooth replacement option available today. They provide several advantages over other tooth replacement options. In addition to looking and functioning like natural teeth, implant-supported bridges are the only option that is able to replace multiple missing teeth, without the support from adjacent natural teeth. Other common treatment options, such as a traditional bridge or a removable partial denture, require the support of the adjacent teeth.
In addition, implant-supported bridges are the only option that replaces some of the tooth roots. A traditional bridge or a removable partial denture does not maintain the bone. As a result, it will begin to resorb and deteriorate. This is harmful to the areas of missing teeth and the surrounding healthy teeth, since they may begin to shift. Dental implants integrate directly into the bone, helping to keep it healthy and stable.
Long-term results have shown implant-supported bridges to be much more esthetically appealing, functional and comfortable than a traditional bridge or partial denture. The gum tissue and bone around a bridge can recede and leave an exposed area of metal. This presents as a visible defect and unattractive smile. In a worse-case scenario, an anchoring tooth on a dental bridge can get a cavity or break and the bridge can fail. This often leaves a patient with the need to replace even more teeth. Removable partial dentures move around in the mouth and reduce the ability to eat certain foods. An implant-supported bridge will not only look, function and feel just like your missing teeth, it will preserve the health of your mouth for many years.
If you believe that you could benefit from a dental implant procedure or would like more information, call us today to make an appointment.