Dr. James Wright and his team take great pride in helping patients in and around the greater Salt Lake City area have smiles that are both beautiful and healthy. This can be achieved in a variety of ways, including dental bridges to replace missing teeth and fill in gaps in a patient's smile.

Dental bridges may be removable or fixed in place in order to meet the needs of patients. Since many patients wonder which option is most ideal for them, let's take a moment to compare removable bridges to implant-supported bridges.

About Traditional Dental Bridges

Traditional dental bridges are removable appliances that are used to replace a missing tooth or a few missing teeth in a row. The bridge is held in place by bracing around the teeth adjacent to the tooth gap, allowing for a secure hold overall. With a dental bridge in place, a patient can bite, chew, and smile as if they had a full set of their natural teeth.

Ideal Candidates for Traditional Dental Bridges

The best candidates for dental bridges are people who are missing teeth and have sufficient tooth structure that's healthy and adjacent to the tooth gap. They should not be missing too many teeth that a bridge would not be sufficient.

The Benefits of Traditional Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are generally stable and look quite natural when they are in place. When wearing dental bridges, self-consciousness from tooth loss and problems eating foods are no longer major hassles. Many patients who receive dental bridges are extremely satisfied with the results of treatment.

About Implant-Supported Dental Bridges

Implant-supported dental bridges are dental bridges that are held in place with dental implants. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically embedded into the jawbone and gum tissue of a patient's mouth. These dental implants fuse with the living tissues of the mouth, offering an extremely stable bite and excellent aesthetic results as well.

Ideal Candidates for Implant-Supported Dental Bridges

The best candidates for implant-supported dental bridges are people who are missing teeth and have sufficient bone structure and gum tissue in place to support the implant posts when they are in place. They should have realistic expectations about the implant dentistry process, knowing that the healing times can take a few months. If a patient doesn't have sufficient bone and gum tissue in place, bone grafting or gum augmentation procedures can be performed in order to increase the density of the hard and soft tissues.

The Benefits of Implant-Supported Dental Bridges

Implant-supported dental bridges offer the best possible support, strength, and stability when it comes to appliances intended to replace missing teeth. Since the dental implants serve as artificial tooth roots, patients will have little chance of experiencing issues with their bridges slipping or falling out. The dental implants will also prevent bone loss in the jaw and gum recession, two common problems that are associated with tooth loss.

Which dental bridge option would be best for me?

During your consultation, you'll learn about all of your options for replacing missing teeth. By learning about all of your options in full detail, you'll be able to make informed decisions about your various treatment options and how they can help you have the healthiest and most beautiful smile possible.

Learn More About Dental Bridges

For more information about dental bridges and your many other options for treating tooth loss, it's important that you contact our advanced dental care center today.