How Do Dental Implants Stabilise Bridges?


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Dental bridges are a popular and effective solution to the problem of missing teeth, and people across the world have been making full use of the benefits offered by this particular type of artificial tooth when used as a solution for lost and missing teeth.

The uses and comfort of dental bridges can be improved with the added stability offered through dental implants, and in this article we look at how dental implants can benefit people with dental bridges.


What are dental bridges and why would they need dental implants?

Dental bridges are invaluable tools with a number of distinct benefits. Bridges are a type of denture, and are also referred to as fixed partial dentures. They differ from other dentures in that they are artificial teeth fixed in place through a linkage with their neighbouring teeth. They are referred to as partial dentures as bridges often only replace a small number of teeth as opposed to as many as a full arch of teeth potentially replaced by a full denture.

Bridges vary immensely in how they are made and fixed to their neighbouring natural teeth. The process of fixing bridges usually involves a modification to neighbouring teeth to allow for fitting.

Bridges are often made out of metals or porcelain fused to metals. Some bridges, like crowns, are made out of gold, while others are made out of more traditional metals with a characteristic silvery appearance. Porcelain is used in these cases because of its resemblance to natural teeth.

Bridges have an inherent amount of stability thanks to the fact that they are linked to neighbouring teeth, however this is not necessarily the best way to ensure that fixed partial dentures are as stable as possible. Dental implants confer vastly improved stability that translates into improved functionality when a bridge is used for chewing and biting.

How do dental implants stabilise bridges?

Implants can offer bridges improved stability by mimicking the natural architecture of our teeth. The white, enamelled part of our teeth with which we are so familiar is only part of a deeper and more complex structure which draws its strength from a solid fusion with the jawbone beneath.

Beneath what we see of our teeth is a root which is embedded into the jawbone. It is this structure which allows our teeth to endure the myriad of forces they are exposed to through biting and chewing.

An implant is in essence an artificial root which stabilises a dental bridge by providing a firm and lasting linkage to the jawbone. Implants are surgically placed into drilled sockets in the jawbone, where they are left to undergo a process known as osseointegration. This boils down a fusion between the implant and surrounding jawbone which is stable, secure, and long lasting.

When fixed partial dentures are attached to these implants they are stabilised, and because of that are capable of improved bite strength and general functionality. This means improved comfort and brings prosthetics far closer to the level of usefulness and comfort associated with natural teeth.

While costly, dental implants can increase the longevity of prosthetics with proper care as they reduce the general wear a less stable denture can endure. This typically makes the cost more worthwhile. If you are looking at this option for yourself, then it is important that you consult with your dentist to determine whether implants are a good course of action for you and your particular condition.

« How Do Dental Implants Stabilise Crowns? Dental Implants to Stabilise Fixed Partial Dentures »

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