Dental implants have changed the way in which teeth are restored for the better, with the unique technique of using an artificial root making these replacement prosthetic teeth stronger, more stable and more durable than ever before. Did you know that there is more than one solution that can be combined with dental implants? In fact, there are several.
In order to determine which dental implants are right for you, you need to understand the different varieties of dental implants and how they work. Here’s what you need to know about the different types of dental implants.
Single Dental Implants
Single dental implants are used to restore a single missing tooth in your smile. They have a single titanium post which acts as an artificial root for the tooth, as well as a prosthetic tooth itself. This is made from a custom-designed porcelain crown glazed in a shade to match the rest of your smile. Single dental implants are standalone and do not place any pressure on healthy, neighboring teeth.
Implant-Supported Bridges
A bridge is the most obvious solution for patients who have several missing teeth. A standard bridge contains a fake tooth, called a pontic, which is attached to crowns on either side of it. In a conventional bridge, these crowns are placed over natural healthy teeth to support the structure. However, this requires the natural teeth to be filed down – something which could be avoided when you choose an implant-supported bridge. This is because the entire structure is supported on the titanium posts that have been pre-inserted into the jaw. This gives it additional stability without compromising healthy teeth.
Implant-Supported Denture
If you are missing all of your teeth in either your upper or lower jaw, you might think that a traditional denture is your only choice of restoration. However, this isn’t the case. You can now have a denture supported fully on dental implant posts. In most cases, this will require the prosthetic being attached to between six and eight implanted posts. The design of the denture itself remains the same – an acrylic mold that sits over the gums that contain a row of custom-designed, prosthetic teeth. Implant-supported dentures offer patients a much stronger and more durable solution to an entire arch of missing teeth, with the result also being more stable and lifelike.
All-On-4/Same Day Smile
The dental implant process usually requires a period of several months to pass before the final restoration can be loaded onto the implant posts (with temporary versions being used during that time). This is because your provider will need to wait for the bone to heal around the implanted posts to secure them in place as well as sending off impressions of your teeth for your prosthetics to be created. However, with All-on-4, also known as a Same-Day Smile, you don’t need to wait. This is because the four implant posts used are inserted in positions and at angles that mean that they offer superior stability and security straight away. CAD-CAM technology is used to design and manufacture your bespoke arch of prosthetic teeth whilst you are having the implant posts placed. When you choose a Same-Day Smile you can leave with your teeth fully restored the very same day.
Choosing which dental implants are right for you doesn’t have to be something that you do alone. Our experienced and knowledgeable team is on hand to offer their advice and support. Contact Haws Family Dentistry in Brigham City, UT today to schedule a consultation.