Full Arch
604 669-7467
Same-day Appointment available.
650 W Georgia St #1010, Vancouver
Benefits of a fixed bridge on implants
When all teeth are missing or in such condition that they need to be removed, a fixed bridge (full arch) anchored to dental implants is the best permanent solution
Before dental implants, there were no fixed solution available for people who lost all their teeth. In additional to loss of self-confidence and appearance issues, it also made eating and enjoying your food very challenging. Today, it is possible to replace a full jaw with dental implants and a fixed bridge that results in a permanent, stable, functional teeth, and provides a great esthetic solution.
- Lets you eat and function similarly to having natural teeth
- A solid, stable, functional solution that will serve you for a long time
- Preserves your facial appearance and helps prevents bone loss
Treatment:
The treatment procedure and number of visits is largely dependent on the specific condition of the patient. But all in all, 8-10 visits should typically be enough to have a fixed bridge installed. Most patients report that they were much more comfortable following the procedure than they had anticipated.
INSTALLING THE FIXED BRIDGE: STEP-BY-STEP
The course of treatment described here is one of several options available. Consult your dentist to find out what the best solution is for you, given your specific condition. (Example shown below)
1: Before the procedure
The dentist determines what needs to be done and prepares both himself and the patient for the coming treatment procedure.
2: Installing the implants
The first step is installing dental implants to replace several of the lost tooth roots. In this case, five implants are used. Temporary teeth are attached that enable you to eat and have partial function while waiting for the permanent bridge to be installed at a later date.
3: Attaching the bridge
The final bridge is securely installed on top of the implants. With a full jaw replacement like this, it normally takes 2-3 visits to have the bridge completely attached.
4: End result
Your new teeth should be hard to tell from natural – both for you and others. People who have had traditional dentures before getting a fixed bridge often describe this as an overwhelming and very positive experience, with increased confidence and function like that of their normal teeth.
Removable, implant anchored overdenture (Fixed Denture)
A removable full denture that is connected to either a ball or bar attachment, which in turn is anchored on two or more implants in the front part of the jaw.
The implants help keep the denture in place and provide better function and comfort than a regular denture. The lower cost for a denture is usually the reason why the regular denture is chosen over a fixed bridge – although the end result is not a fair comparison as function with the regular denture is typically much less than that of a fixed bridge.
Removable full denture
A denture that is loosely placed on top of the gum to cover the lost teeth. This alternative has no real advantages – except for its low price and easy installation.
The disadvantages are many: discomfort in eating, poor esthetics, affected speech, sore gums from denture movement, and typically ongoing bone loss. Moreover, a full denture placed in the upper jaw severely reduces the sense of taste and the enjoyment of your food.
An alternative to a fixed bridge is a removable overdenture, which is anchored on implants. The old-fashioned denture has many disadvantages and should be avoided if possible.
Our Services
Implants
A dental implant is a small titanium screw that serves as the replacement for the root portion of a missing natural tooth.
Invisalign
One of the concerns people often have about dental braces is the aesthetic impact of the metalwork on their smile.
Cosmetic Dentistry
We all realize that having a healthy, bright, beautiful smile enhances our appearance and allows us to smile with confidence.
Emergency Dentistry
Emergency dental problems typically occur unexpectedly, interrupting your routine life to a significant extent.