Missing teeth not only affect your appearance and your smile but they also affect speech, bite efficiency and your jawbone density. Traditional dentures and bridges have always provided a good replacement option. But the modern advancements in restorative dentistry definitely give a more stable and permanent solution which is the implant-supported prosthesis.
The Implant-supported restorations combine natural aesthetics with the structural integrity of the dental implants, it does not matter if it is about replacing a single tooth, multiple missing teeth, or a whole arch.
Implant-Supported Prosthesis
An implant-supported prosthesis is actually a custom dental appliance like a bridge, full-arch denture, or a crown. It securely attaches to the biocompatible titanium post that is directly anchored into your jawbone.
The traditional removable denture rests on the gums. Traditional bridges rely on adjacent healthy teeth because they need support. An implant-anchored restoration works like your natural tooth roots. Once the titanium implants integrate with the jawbone they create a solid foundation for the final prosthetic piece.
Key Components:
There are a few key components that we are going to talk about below
- That titanium screw is placed surgically into the jawbone to replace the actual root.
- The connector piece sits atop the implant post, and it is used to hold the restoration called the abutment.
- The prosthesis is the final component, which is the visible artificial tooth structure.
Types of Implant Supported Prostheses
Depending on the restorative needs, there are a few types of implant-supported devices that are available that we are going to discuss below
1. Single Tooth Implant Crown
The single tooth implant crown is designed to replace a single missing tooth without changing the surrounding natural teeth. A single implant post holds a porcelain crown.
2. Implant-Supported Bridge
The implant-supported bridge is perfect for permanent tooth replacement for multiple missing teeth. Rather than placing an implant for every single missing tooth more than two implants can easily anchor a multi-unit bridge which helps in preserving the healthy surrounding structure.
3. Full-Arch Fixed Prosthesis
For people who are missing the whole arch, a full-arch fixed bridge can be easily and securely attached using just a few strategically angled implants. These restorations remain fixed right in their place and they can only be removed by a dentist so you do not have to worry about anything.
4. Overdentures (Implant-Retained Dentures)
A removable prosthetic option that snaps onto the dental implants or a locator bar. Overdentures offer greater stability as compared to conventional dentures while still allowing easy removal for everyday cleaning.
Benefits of Choosing an Implant Supported Prosthesis
There are many benefits of choosing an implant-supported prosthesis, some of which some we are going to talk about below
- The first benefit of choosing these implants is that they stimulate the jawbone and help in preventing bone resorption or facial sagging which is extremely common with tooth loss.
- Besides that, they completely eliminate the clicking noises, slipping, or gum sores that are associated with loose traditional dentures
- These also allow you to eat crunchy and hard foods with confidence and also speak clearly without any sort of fear of movement
- If you take proper oral hygiene care and you go for regular dental checkups, the dental implants can definitely last your lifetime which makes them an extremely cost-effective long-term investment
- If you are worried about your appearance then the good news is that these implants are custom crafted just according to the shape color and translucency of your natural teeth so you get to have a seamless smile
How to Care for Your Prosthesis
It is extremely important to maintain your implant-supported restoration and it needs daily care just as your natural teeth
- The first thing that you have to pay attention to is that you should always use a soft-bristle toothbrush and a non-abrasive toothpaste. This is going to keep your implants maintained
- You should also try to use specialized floss or you can also opt for a water floss to clean the areas around the abutment that are otherwise hard to reach
- The last thing that you have to do is you should go for a regular dental checkup. The dentist will keep informing you if there is anything wrong and you can keep your smile healthy and happy.
In Summary
Just like all the other fields the world of dentistry has also significantly evolved and now you have permanent solutions at extremely budget-friendly prices. Supported dental prosthesis is definitely one of the options that you can opt for.
Besides that, if you’re looking for this treatment and you want to connect with a professional practice, you must get in touch with us at Today’s Dental.
