When faced with missing teeth, choosing the right tooth replacement option is crucial for both functionality and aesthetics. Traditional dental bridges have been a go-to dental service for decades, but in recent years, implant-supported bridges have emerged as a revolutionary alternative.
At Metropolitan Dental Care in Denver, CO, we offer patients both traditional and modern solutions to replace missing teeth. If you’d like to explore dental bridges with a team of dental experts, contact us today at (303) 534-2626.
Choosing the right appliance for you contributes to your oral health, functionality, and appearance. So, let’s delve into the benefits of implant-supported bridges compared to their traditional counterparts.
Durability and Longevity
One of the primary advantages of implant-supported bridges is their remarkable durability and longevity.
Traditional bridges rely on adjacent teeth for support, which may lead to additional strain on these natural teeth over time. In contrast, implant-supported bridges anchor directly into the jawbone, mimicking natural dental anatomy.
This integration ensures a stable foundation, reducing the risk of complications and enhancing the overall lifespan of the prosthetic. Indeed, patients with implant-supported dental bridges can often enjoy their restorations for 15 years or longer with proper upkeep.
Preservation of Natural Teeth
The application of traditional bridges requires the alteration of adjacent healthy teeth to support the bridge structure. This means that healthy teeth may need to be shaved down, effectively compromising the structural integrity of an otherwise robust tooth.
Implant-supported bridges, on the other hand, eliminate the need to modify adjacent teeth. Instead of relying on neighboring teeth, dental implants provide independent support. This preserves the integrity of surrounding natural teeth while also strengthening the jawbone.
Improved Bone Health
Dental implants play a unique role in maintaining and even improving jawbone health. The stimulation provided by the implant in the jawbone prevents bone resorption, which is a common issue after tooth loss.
Unlike implant-supported dental bridges, traditional bridges lack this direct connection to the jawbone. As a result, traditional dental bridges cannot prevent bone resorption, which may lead to further dental issues.
Enhanced Stability and Functionality
Fully-healed dental implants function similarly to natural tooth roots, which means that they are permanently fused to the jawbone. This not only provides a stable base for the bridge but also enhances the ability to chew and speak confidently.
Prevention of Adjacent Tooth Movement
When a tooth is lost, adjacent teeth may gradually shift into the empty space, causing misalignment and bite issues. Traditional bridges (which are reliant on neighboring teeth for support) do not address this concern.
Implant-supported bridges (which are anchored independently in the jawbone) prevent adjacent teeth from shifting, maintaining the proper alignment of the entire dental arch.
Implant-Supported Dental Bridges in Denver, CO
The benefits of implant-supported bridges over traditional bridges are substantial. While traditional bridges continue to serve their purpose well, the evolution of dental technology has opened doors to advancements that offer a more comprehensive and sustainable approach to restorative dentistry. If you’d like to explore implant-supported restorations with a dentist in Denver, CO, contact Metropolitan Dental Care online or call (303) 534-2626 now!
