Dental Bridge in Syracuse, NY

Tooth loss can significantly affect both oral health and overall well-being, leading to difficulties in chewing and speaking. Beyond the immediate functional challenges, gaps in your smile can also impact self-esteem and social interactions. If you need to replace multiple teeth or all your teeth, a dental bridge can help. At our practice, Dr. Bradford specializes in mini implant-supported bridges to address the immediate consequences of tooth loss and improve long-term outcomes.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a prosthetic that addresses tooth loss. The bridge is a row of artificial teeth that spans the gap left by the missing teeth. Dental bridges are customized to your specific oral structure. Whether you need to replace two or three teeth in a row or an entire arch of teeth, dental bridges can restore your bite and enhance your smile. Because they are made of high-quality dental materials like zirconia, you can trust that your bridge will look natural and blend seamlessly with your remaining teeth.

Traditional and Cantilever Bridges

A traditional bridge is a row of false teeth with a crown on each end. The crowns adhere to teeth on each side of the gap. Placing a traditional bridge involves removing enamel from the healthy neighboring teeth so that the bridge can fit overtop.

If there is only one tooth beside the gap, then a cantilever bridge can be used. However, because these bridges require enamel removal, they impact the healthy natural teeth used as support structures. Over time, the pressure exerted on these teeth when you bite and chew can cause further damage.

Maryland Bonded Bridge

The way that a Maryland bridge attaches to neighboring teeth is unique as it doesn’t require enamel removal. Instead, the false teeth are attached to the back of adjacent teeth using metal wings. While this is a more conservative tooth replacement option, the metal framework is not durable enough to replace teeth that must withstand heavy chewing forces.

Implant-Supported Bridge

An implant bridge is a more stable and durable option for replacing missing teeth that can be used in a wide range of cases.

Instead of resting on healthy teeth, dental implants support the bridge. The implants are prosthetic tooth roots that are affixed to the jawbone, providing unparalleled strength for biting and chewing.

While conventional dental implants are sometimes used to support bridges, we prefer mini dental implants due to their many benefits:

  • Minimally invasive procedure
  • Quicker healing time
  • Reduced discomfort during and after placement
  • More suitable for patients with limited bone density
  • Same-day implant placement and restoration, in many cases
  • More cost-effective solution

Types of Mini Implant Bridges

If you are missing several teeth in a row, the prosthetic teeth of a mini implant bridge will look similar to a traditional bridge. The difference is the underlying structure: beneath the restoration are strategically placed mini implants that support the false teeth.

If you are missing all of your teeth on your upper or lower arch, Dr. Bradford can use a roundhouse bridge to restore your smile. A roundhouse bridge is a horseshoe-shaped prosthetic made from zirconia. Zirconia is the strongest ceramic material available in dentistry. Thanks to its fracture resistance, it offers a durability that traditional acrylic dentures can’t match. Plus, a roundhouse bridge looks and feels much more natural.

At our practice, we offer semi-removable roundhouse bridges and non-removable bridges. The semi-removable option uses the Fix-on-Six® system. Depending on the condition of your jawbone, Dr. Bradford can use just six to ten mini implants to support the prosthetic. The restoration snaps onto the implants but is only ever removed by Dr. Bradford during your routine six-month cleanings.

If you’re looking for additional convenience and durability, we also provide non-removable roundhouse bridges. These are permanently cemented onto 10-12 mini implants for remarkable strength and durability.

The Implant Bridge Process

Because mini dental implants are minimally invasive, they can be placed in a single procedure.

Your implant bridge process begins with a free consultation. At your visit, Dr. Bradford will examine your teeth and gums and use a CBCT scan to evaluate the condition of your jawbone. If you are a good candidate for a mini implant bridge, Dr. Bradford will use the 3D scan to determine the number of implants needed and where they should be placed.

At the start of your procedure, Dr. Bradford will use local anesthesia to ensure you are comfortable. He will then drill a small hole into the jawbone for each implant. A temporary bridge is then attached, providing immediate functionality. Approximately three weeks later, the dental lab technicians will have completed your custom-made permanent bridge. At this time, Dr. Bradford will replace the temporary bridge with your final restoration.

Benefits of a Mini Implant Dental Bridge

Compared to traditional bridges, a mini implant-supported bridge has several advantages:

  • Resolve various issues: Implant bridges can replace a few teeth, several teeth, or an entire arch.
  • Preserve natural teeth: Maintaining the health of your natural teeth is our first aim. Because implant bridges are not tooth-supported, they do not damage your teeth.
  • Maintain jawbone health: A traditional bridge or denture does not stimulate the jawbone because they do not replace missing tooth roots. Mini implants, on the other hand, provide the necessary stimulation to keep the jawbone strong and prevent bone loss.
  • Strengthen your bite: When you eat, the implants absorb and disperse your bite and chewing forces. Plus, the strength of the zirconia bridge enhances the durability of your restoration.

Complete Your Smile With a Dental Bridge

Implant-supported bridges are a tooth replacement solution that involves attaching a bridge to mini dental implants. This stable and secure foundation offers a durable and natural-looking option for replacing multiple missing teeth, restoring bite function and smile aesthetics.

Are you looking for a reliable and long-term solution to tooth loss? Schedule your free consultation today to learn if an implant-supported dental bridge is right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

A dental bridge, especially a zirconia implant bridge, will last over 15 years with proper care and maintenance. This includes consistent oral hygiene practices and regular six-month check-ups.

Bridges are designed to withstand chewing and bite forces, but they are susceptible to wear and tear. If your bridge is damaged, we will need to replace it to restore its function.

A good candidate for an implant-supported bridge is anyone missing more than one tooth. At your free consultation, we will assess the condition of your jawbone and plan the mini implant placement.

The cost of a dental bridge varies based on the number of teeth you are missing, how big of a space needs to be filled, and how many implants are necessary.

Your dental insurance may cover a portion of the costs. At your complimentary consultation, we will evaluate your insurance benefits and help you maximize your coverage. We will also review the flexible financing options we offer through third-party lenders. These plans allow you to spread out your payments after you receive treatment, giving you access to timely care without the burden of immediate financial concerns.