More Than a Gap in Your Smile
A missing tooth does more than affect how your smile looks. Over time, neighboring teeth can drift toward the open space, shifting your bite and changing the appearance of your face. Missing teeth can also make it harder to chew the foods your body needs.
An implant-supported bridge addresses all of these concerns at once - restoring the majority of your chewing function while holding your surrounding teeth in place.
How an Implant-Supported Bridge Differs from a Traditional Bridge
A conventional dental bridge leans on the teeth on either side of the gap for support. Those neighboring teeth must be reshaped - even if they are otherwise healthy - before the bridge can be cemented in place.
An implant-supported bridge is anchored to dental implants instead, so no healthy tooth structure needs to be altered. The bridge is held firmly and permanently in position without relying on adjacent teeth.
How Many Implants Support the Bridge?
The number of implants used depends on your individual situation. A common arrangement is two implants supporting a three-tooth bridge - one implant at each end, with a third tooth spanning the middle. Our team will discuss the configuration that fits your needs.
Because implants transmit the force of your bite into the jawbone, they help keep the bone stimulated and slow the bone loss that naturally follows tooth removal. Some bone resorption may still occur beneath the middle of the bridge, but it is generally less significant than what happens with a removable option or no replacement at all.
What the Process Looks Like
Placing an implant-supported bridge takes place over several appointments. The process generally follows these stages:
-
Implant Placement
The dental implants are surgically placed into the jawbone during the first phase of treatment.
-
Healing Period
The bone and gum tissue around each implant are given several months to heal and integrate before the next step.
-
Impressions and Mold
Once the implant sites have healed, impressions of your mouth are taken to create an accurate model of your teeth.
-
Custom Bridge Fabrication
A lab technician crafts your bridge to match the color of your existing teeth, using the model as a guide.
-
Temporary Bridge
While your final bridge is being made, you may be fitted with a temporary bridge to protect the area.
-
Final Placement
The finished bridge is secured to the implants - either screwed or cemented in place - for a lasting, stable result.
Weighing Your Options at Sendero Dental Studio
An implant-supported bridge is a more cost-effective approach than replacing each missing tooth with a separate implant and crown, though it does involve implant surgery and is generally a larger investment than removable alternatives. The right choice depends on your individual health and circumstances.
Our team at Sendero Dental Studio in Rancho Mission Viejo is glad to walk you through all of your tooth-replacement options so you can make a decision that works for you. Reach out to us to start the conversation.