Are you struggling with missing teeth and seeking a reliable solution? At Jurich Dental in San Antonio, we are proud to offer traditional and implant-supported dental bridges to our patients from San Antonio and Shavano Park. Our advanced dental solutions provide stability, strength, and a natural appearance, ensuring you can enjoy your favorite foods and a confident smile.
Traditional Bridges
A dental bridge is a fantastic restorative dentistry option for filling in the gap caused by one or more missing teeth. Dental bridges are made to look like natural teeth and are highly functional. They help restore your ability to eat the foods you love and smile naturally.
In most cases, dental bridges are anchored to the teeth on either side of the gap by beautiful, natural-looking tooth crowns. This traditional method ensures that your bridge blends seamlessly with your existing teeth, providing both functionality and aesthetics.
Is a Dental Bridge Right for You?
If you have one or more missing teeth, a dental bridge can be an excellent solution. It helps to maintain the shape of your face, prevents remaining teeth from drifting out of position, and restores your ability to chew and speak properly. Dental bridges are suitable for individuals who have healthy teeth on either side of the gap that can support the bridge.
The Dental Bridge Process
- Consultation and Planning: During your initial consultation, we will evaluate your oral health and discuss the best options for your dental bridge. This step includes taking impressions or digital scans of your teeth to create a custom-fit bridge.
- Tooth Preparation: The teeth on either side of the gap are prepared by removing a small amount of enamel to make room for the crowns that will hold the bridge in place.
- Bridge Placement: Once the bridge is fabricated, it is placed on the prepared teeth and adjusted for a perfect fit. Then, it is permanently bonded to your teeth, restoring your smile and functionality.
Implant-Supported Bridges
An implant-supported bridge is an excellent solution for those with multiple missing teeth. Unlike traditional dental bridges that rely on crowns attached to adjacent natural teeth, implant-supported bridges are anchored directly to dental implants. This method provides superior stability and durability, mimicking the function and appearance of natural teeth.
Advantages of Implant-Supported Bridges
- Stability and Strength: Since the bridge is supported by implants rather than natural teeth, it offers enhanced stability and strength, allowing you to eat your favorite foods without worry.
- Preserves Jawbone Integrity: Dental implants stimulate the jawbone, helping to prevent bone loss that often occurs with missing teeth.
- Natural Appearance: Implant-supported bridges are designed to look and feel like natural teeth, ensuring a seamless and aesthetically pleasing smile.
- Longevity: With proper care, implant-supported bridges can last for many years, providing a long-term solution to missing teeth.
The Implant-Supported Bridge Process
- Consultation and Planning: During your initial consultation, we will assess your oral health and determine the best placement for your dental implants. This step involves detailed imaging and planning to ensure optimal results.
- Implant Placement: The dental implants are surgically inserted into the jawbone. This procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, ensuring your comfort throughout.
- Healing and Osseointegration: Over the next few months, the implants will fuse with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration. This creates a strong and stable foundation for the bridge.
- Bridge Placement: Once the implants have fully integrated, the custom-made implant-supported bridge is securely attached to the implants. This final step restores functionality and completes your smile.
Implant-Supported Dentures
For patients missing several or all of their teeth, implant-supported dentures offer a secure and reliable solution. These dentures are anchored to dental implants, providing increased stability compared to traditional dentures. This allows for better functionality and a more natural appearance. To learn more about implant-supported dentures, please visit our dentures page!
Ready to restore your smile?
If you are considering a dental bridge and want to explore the benefits of an implant-supported bridge, contact us today to schedule a consultation. Our dedicated team is committed to providing exceptional care and helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. Don’t wait! Take the first step towards restoring your smile with us!
