Cutting-Edge Smiles: The Innovations in Full Arch Implant Bridges
Humans have been figuring out ways to replace missing teeth for thousands of years. The Chinese invented the first dental implant around 2,000 BC from bamboo pegs that were carved and fixed to the patient's jaw. Dental implants have evolved since then and allow patients to restore their smiles.
Full arch implant bridges restore aesthetics and function for patients with major tooth loss. Patients are left with a functional and full set of teeth after the procedure. There are countless benefits patients can experience when they choose implant-supported bridges.
This blog will discuss the advantages of recommending All-on-4® implants to your patients. We'll also talk about why Arizona 3D Dental Lab is the best facility to create implant bridges for your patients.
What Are Full Arch Implant Bridges?
Another term for full arch implant bridges is All-on-4 implants. Two components make up these implants:
- Artificial teeth
- Gum-colored base
The base comes predrilled with screw holes for the screws the dentist needs to use to attach the bridge. The teeth can come in a single piece that looks like a row of teeth or as individual crowns.
At Arizona 3D Dental Lab, we don't do just All-on-4 implants - we can put in as many implants as your patients need to improve their smile. Some of the things we include in our services for full arch implant bridges include:
- Final prosthesis
- Labor
- Model work
- Analogs
- Setups
- Try-ins
- Custom trays with implant verification jigs
Full arch implant bridges can be a long and complex process for your patients. However, they give your patients one of the best options for achieving a natural smile that matches their remaining teeth.
What Are the Benefits of Full Arch Solutions?
As we've mentioned, full arch implant benefits are ideal for patients suffering from significant tooth loss. They do more than restore your patient's confidence. Let's discuss some of the pros of recommending this dental treatment.
Feels and Looks Like Natural Teeth
One of the leading benefits of a full arch implant bridge is that it feels, functions, and looks like natural teeth. Your natural teeth get held in place within your jawbone.
The artificial teeth that come with a full arch implant bridge are rooted more deeply than other types of dental implants. This provides the patient with more stability, enabling them to chew with ease.
This type of dental implant has the potential to last the patient's entire lifetime with proper dental care and maintenance. Some of the ways your patients can properly care for their implants include:
- Brushing the supporting implants below and at the gum line
- Flossing around and underneath the replacement teeth
- Scheduling routine teeth cleaning appointments
A full arch implant bridge is also less likely to break and fail like other types of implants.
Prevent Bone Loss
Losing a tooth sends a signal to your body that it doesn't need the jawbone that is supporting it. This begins resorption, a process where your body starts to break down your jawbone. The minerals get sent to other spots of your body where it feels they are needed.
As a result, a person will suffer from the following negative side effects:
- Decreased oral health
- Prematurely aged appearance
- Weaker bite
Implant-supported bridges work to stimulate your jawbone and potentially reverse bone loss. Keep in mind that to be a good candidate for full arch implant bridges, the patient needs to have a fair amount of gum tissue and jawbone left. You might need to explore other options if they're missing a significant amount.
They Don't Affect Healthy Teeth
Other types of dental bridges need support from the neighboring teeth to work. The supporting teeth have a significant amount of stress put on them when they're used for bridges. This leaves them susceptible to damage, wear, and tear.
The full arch implant bridge is self-supporting. It doesn't have to be held in place by the adjacent teeth.
The two outermost missing teeth get replaced with implants when you opt for a full arch implant bridge. Dental implants are used to support the artificial teeth between them. The patient's jawbone will be preserved while giving them a stable foundation for their dental implants.
Bone Grafting is Possible
We've mentioned how implant bridge candidates need to have an adequate amount of jawbone to qualify for this procedure. Bone grafting is a way for you to build up a patient's jawbone so they can have this procedure performed.
The advantages of performing bone grafting for a patient include:
- Supports gums, teeth, and implant bridges
- Repairs and rebuilds weak jawbone
- Restores a patient's facial structure
- Saves their remaining teeth
It's important to discuss your proposed treatment plan with your patient, especially if it includes bone grafting. While bone grafting may be a necessary component of getting a full arch implant bridge, it can lengthen the entire process.
More Comfortable Than Dentures
Many people decide to use dentures because they're less invasive than implant bridges. Dentures can be irritating and uncomfortable, especially when they move out of place.
Implant bridges are securely attached to your jawbone, ensuring that patients don't have to worry about them moving or slipping around their mouth. Patients can speak and eat confidently knowing that their teeth are firmly in place.
Quick Recovery Time
How long it takes your patient to recover from dental implants depends on if they need any other procedures performed. This includes tooth extractions and bone grafting.
Initial healing after implant bridge installation can last up to a week. The dental implant will integrate into their jawbone within three to six months.
Partner With One of the Leading Dental Labs in Arizona
Recommending full arch implant bridges to your patients is a wonderful way to restore the function and aesthetics of their smile. Improve their overall oral health with the assistance of our customized implant bridges.
Arizona 3D Dental Lab is a family-owned and operated facility that was founded by dentists, for dentists. We offer a wide range of precision-crafted dental solutions for our clients. Contact us to learn more about our services.
