Chinese Speaking Office
Implant-Retained Bridge in Tysons
An implant-retained bridge is a type of dental prosthetic that can be used to replace a row of consecutive missing teeth. With it, a dentist can drastically improve the appearance of a person’s smile, as well as prevent many associated problems with tooth loss, such as jawbone deterioration. It consists of two implant-retained crowns placed on either side of the space in a patient’s teeth, and they are then bonded to one or a few replacement teeth that sit on top of the gum line.
What is an Implant-Retained Bridge Made Of?
An implant-retained bridge consists of 4 main elements:
- Titanium posts: These will be placed inside the jawbone and restore the root structure of the lost teeth at either end of the gap in someone’s smile.
- Abutment: This is a small metal connector that is attached directly to the implant posts that is used to support the replacement teeth above the gum line.
- Porcelain Crowns: These will be placed over the abutments to give the implants a natural look that blends with the smile.
- Pontic Teeth: These will be cemented to the neighboring crowns to completely replace all of the missing teeth. They sit just on top of the gums.
The Implant-Retained Bridge Procedure
The first step to getting an implant-retained crown is to visit us here at Dent-Plant for a consultation. During this appointment, your doctor will determine if you are a good candidate for an implant-retained bridge. They’ll mostly look to see if you have enough healthy jawbone to support the posts, as well as make sure you don’t have any lingering dental problems. After that, it will all start with a minor surgical procedure where the implants will be placed precisely into your jawbone. You’ll be given 3-6 months to heal after this, during which time the implants will bond directly to the surrounding bone, giving your new teeth even more security. Once that is complete, you’ll return to our office to have your replacement teeth attached to the implants.
The Advantages of Implant-Retained Bridges
- Aesthetics: Because the supporting teeth are held in place underneath your gum line just like your remaining teeth, they look more like natural teeth. Traditional bridges tend to show a dark line right at the gums that make them immediately noticeable.
- Strength: All of the materials used with implant-retained bridges (as in titanium and dental porcelain) are some of the strongest and most durable in all of dentistry, meaning you’ll be able to trust your teeth whether you’re smiling, speaking, or chewing your favorite foods.
- Conservative: Unlike a traditional bridge, an implant-retained one doesn’t require healthy teeth to be shaved down in order to support the pontic teeth. This means you get to keep more of your smile, which will better preserve your dental health for the future.
- Durability: The implant posts themselves have been shown to easily last for 30 years or more, and the replacement teeth can last for more than 10 with the proper maintenance, which only consists of regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups.
How Much Does an Implant-Retained Bridge Cost?
One of the biggest concerns people have about dental implants, in general, is the cost, so we figured we would share how it works so you can better understand the entire process. Overall, there is no “fixed” price for an implant-retained bridge because each prosthetic will be different for every patient depending on their particular situation. However, it will always include the procedure to place the posts and the replacement teeth themselves. Generally, the cost of 1 implant-retained crown is around $4,000, so that can multiply depending on how many teeth need to be replaced.
While implant-retained bridges do cost more up front than a traditional bridge, they do tend to be the better financial and clinical decision for the long run. Because the implants support the jaw and prevent bone deterioration, this keeps the mouth much healthier over time than a traditional bridge. Plus, while a regular bridge may only cost around $1,200 per tooth, it will certainly need to be replaced at some point (usually within 5-7 years). Over time, this cumulative cost can easily add up to much more than an implant-retained bridge, all the while allowing the jaw to atrophy and change the shape of your face.
At our practice, we believe finances should never get in the way of excellent dental care, which is why we offer a number of financing options that can reduce the cost of dental implants to a number of small, easy to afford monthly payments. These can be as little as a couple of hundred dollars a month, which is more than worth the lifetime of daily benefits an implant-retained bridge can provide.
Find out More About Implant-Retained Dental Bridge
At Dent-Plant, we’re here to not only rebuild your smile but to help you completely understand the process as well. We want you to feel comfortable and informed about your choice, so we’re always willing to answer your questions. To learn more about implant-retained bridges, please contact our office today.