Benefits of a fixed bridge on implants

When all teeth are missing or in such condition that they need to be replaced, a fixed bridge anchored to dental implants is the best permanent solution.

A dental bridge is a false tooth or teeth, known as a pontic, which is fused between two porcelain crowns to fill in the area left by a missing tooth or teeth. The two crowns holding it in place that are attached onto your teeth on each side of the false tooth. This is known as a fixed bridge. This procedure is used to replace one or more missing teeth. Fixed bridges cannot be taken out of your mouth as you might do with removable partial dentures.

Bridges when combined with implants allows the following:

• Lets you eat and function like having natural teeth
• A solid, stable solution that will serve you for life
• Preserve your facial appearance and prevents bone loss

COURSE OF TREATMENT

INSTALLING THE FIXED BRIDGE– STEP-BY-STEP

1: Before the procedure The dentist determines what needs to be done and prepares both himself and the patient for the coming treatment procedure.	2: Installing the implants The first step is installing dental implants to replace the lost tooth roots. In this case, five implants are used. Temporary teeth are attached that enable you to eat and function like normal while waiting for the permanent bridge to be installed.
3: Attaching the bridge The final bridge is securely installed on top of the implants. With a full jaw replacement like this, it normally takes 2-3 visits to have the bridge completely attached.	4: End result Your new teeth should be hard to tell from natural – both for you and others. People who have had traditional dentures before getting a fixed bridge often describe this as an overwhelming and very positive experience.

ALTERNATIVES TO A FIXED BRIDGE

	An alternative to a fixed bridge is a removable over denture, which is anchored on implants. The old fashioned denture has many disadvantages and should be avoided if possible.
	Removable, implant anchored over denture A removable full denture that is connected to either a ball or bar attachment, which in turn is anchored on two or more implants in the front part of the jaw. The implants help keep the denture in place and provide better function and comfort. Cost is usually the reason why this solution is chosen over a fixed bridge – although the end result can’t be compared
	Removable full denture A denture that is loosely placed on top of the gum to cover the lost teeth. This alternative has no real advantages – except for its low price and easy installation. The disadvantages are many: discomfort in eating, affected speech, and sore gums from denture movement. Moreover, a full denture placed in the upper jaw severely reduces the sense of taste.