A few years ago, I started thinking carefully about what I could do to improve my smile. I had lived with crooked, yellowed teeth for most of my adult life, and honestly, I just wanted to feel beautiful. I started thinking about working with a cosmetic dentist, and before I knew it, I was in an office getting a complimentary consultation. I learned about a variety of different procedures that could improve my look, and it was really fun. I wanted to create a blog all about making smiles more beautiful, which is why I made this website. Check out this blog for great information about dentistry.
When a single tooth is lost, a dental implant can be used to replace it. However, there are instances in which dental implants are used to assist in the restoration of multiple teeth. Here are a few dental applications that can be coupled with dental implants to restore multiple teeth in a patient's mouth:
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are made of false teeth and dental crowns that are connected to a bridge base. The false teeth lie in the center of the dental appliance. The crowns border the bridge on each end.
Bridges are not removable, so they must be permanently bonded to remaining teeth that border the gap left by the missing teeth or affixed to dental implants. If your dentist plans to install a bridge and there are no natural teeth bordering the space, he or she may install dental implants.
Dental implants are surgically inserted into the jawbone. They are actually biocompatible metal rods or screws that fuse with the cells of the jawbone over time. Once the wound of a dental implant has healed properly, the implant is secured within the bone as a natural dental root. Thus, a dental implant can serve as a stabilizing device for a dental bridge.
Once the crowns of the bridge are bonded to the dental implants, the bridge becomes secure with in the mouth.
Overdentures or Implant-secured Dentures
Patients with missing teeth can choose an overdenture that includes an attachment device on the underside of the appliance to connect it to natural teeth or dental implants for stabilization.
Dentures consist of false teeth that are made of resin or porcelain and are attached to a metal or acrylic resin base plate. All dentures, including overdentures, are removable. However, overdentures can be attached and released from the dental implants or residual teeth in the patient's mouth.
Although the patient can still remove the appliance for regular cleaning, he or she does not have to be self-conscious about the denture slipping or moving about as the patient talks, eats or laugh.
This can be important, especially for an older person whose nutritional needs may be elevated. People who are uncomfortable eating due to a slipping denture may restrict the types and amounts of food that they consume.
If you have multiple teeth missing, contact a family dental clinic in your area to learn the options that may work well for your particular situation.
Share14 March 2016
