Implant Bridges in Melbourne, FL

According to the CDC, severe tooth loss is one of the dental issues that most affects an individual’s health and quality of life. From eating to smiling, tooth loss can make activities that were once easy much more challenging. If you are missing teeth and are looking for a secure replacement option that you won’t have to replace for years and years, implant bridges may be right for you.

Leveraging the strength of mini dental implants, implant bridges can replace one or more consecutively missing teeth, including an entire arch of teeth.

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What Are Implant Bridges?

Implant bridges are a type of dental bridge that uses dental implants as a support structure. For a traditional bridge, healthy natural teeth support the appliance. However, for some patients, the condition of their natural teeth or lack of teeth prevents them from pursuing this option. Others may require more extensive tooth replacement than a traditional bridge can offer. If you are looking for a reliable and long-lasting solution for replacing your missing teeth, implant bridges are a uniquely stable and durable option.

Understanding Mini Dental Implants

Mini dental implants are the foundation for implant bridges. At Designing Smiles Dentistry, we prefer mini implants over large traditional implants because of the many benefits the smaller alternative offers our patients. A mini implant is a prosthetic tooth root that we secure in your jawbone. On one end of the implant is a screw, and on the other is a ball connector that attaches to a crown, bridge, or denture. Unlike conventional implants, the mini alternative is half the size but serves the same purpose.

The compact size of the mini implant is a significant advantage. While a traditional implant averages 5 mm in diameter, a mini implant measures less than 3 mm. Owing to the reduced diameter, mini implants are an excellent option for patients with low bone density or narrow jawbones. These patients may have been previously ineligible for conventional implants because of their bulky size.

While the procedure for placing a traditional implant is complex and time-consuming, the mini implant’s small size and streamlined design allow us to place the prosthesis efficiently during a minimally invasive procedure. With mini implants, patients see immediate results and experience a quick recovery. Most can resume their normal daily activities within 24-48 hours. When looking for a tooth replacement solution, efficiency matters, but so does durability. Not only do mini implants yield instant results, but they also last for decades.

Types of Implant Bridges

Implant bridges are considered “permanent bridges” because the bridges aren’t removed like a traditional or partial denture would be. The implants themselves are also permanent, fusing with the jawbone over time. This process of osseointegration creates lasting strength that endures for years and years. Certain implant bridges can even be cemented to the implants, offering a permanence that many patients prefer. Read on to learn more about our implant bridge options at Designing Smiles Dentistry.

Standard Implant Bridge

A standard mini implant-supported bridge is similar to a traditional bridge, except that the implant bridge doesn’t put pressure on healthy natural teeth surrounding the gap. Instead, the bridge connects to mini implants. While the success of a traditional bridge depends on the ongoing health of the natural support teeth, an implant bridge does not affect the healthy teeth at all. When you chew, the implants absorb and disperse your bite force, maintaining your oral health by stimulating the jawbone and preventing wear to healthy teeth.

Semi-Removable Zirconia Bridge

For those with extensive tooth loss, roundhouse bridges are a reliable option for replacing an entire arch of teeth. These bridges are a type of mini implant stabilized denture, but they aren’t constructed the same way as a conventional denture, and they don’t use the same materials. While we can add pink porcelain “gums” for those who need lip support, roundhouse bridges are not bulky like traditional acrylic dentures. Instead, they simply look like an arch of artificial teeth. Our roundhouse bridges are made from zirconia, a biocompatible ceramic material known for its longevity and fracture resistance. It’s even tougher and more durable than porcelain. This strength is important for full arch restorations because the bridge and implants must be able to withstand the heavy forces exerted when you chew.

At Designing Smiles Dentistry, we offer two options for roundhouse implant bridges: semi-removable and non-removable.

A semi-removable zirconia bridge is part of our Fix on Six® system, which uses 6-10 mini dental implants to support the bridge. These fixed hybrid bridges are only removed by Dr. Apel during your routine six-month checkups. At these visits, Dr. Apel will take out the bridge to clean it and inspect it for signs of wear. At home, you can care for the bridge the same way you care for your natural teeth—by practicing good oral hygiene. Patients tend to like this low-maintenance option.

Non-Removable Zirconia Bridge

The non-removable zirconia bridge is the most secure and low-maintenance replacement solution for a full arch of teeth. This roundhouse option is not removable because Dr. Apel cements the bridge onto the implants. Sitting on 10-12 mini implants, this bridge functions just like your natural teeth due to the stability that full-mouth dental implants provide.

While both roundhouse bridge options can last for decades—much longer than traditional dentures—the non-removable roundhouse bridge is typically the longest-lasting due to its enhanced stability. However, as with any dental restoration, the lifespan of a bridge will depend on how well it is maintained.

The Implant Bridge Process

During your free consultation, we will examine your teeth and take 3D X-rays to evaluate the condition of your mouth and jaw. This helps us determine where to place the mini implants. Dr. Apel will then explain your options for implant bridges, answering any questions you might have. Typically, we recommend roundhouse bridges for individuals looking for the convenience, durability, and security that traditional dentures cannot provide. After discussing your goals, preferences, and budget, we’ll design a customized treatment plan to restore your smile.

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Dr. Apel can typically place the mini dental implants in a single visit using a minimally invasive technique. After a short healing period, your custom bridge can be mounted. Dr. Apel will check the fit of the bridge and make adjustments if needed. Depending on the type of implant bridge you’ve chosen, Dr. Apel will either snap on the bridge or cement it in place.

Maintaining implant bridges means following standard oral hygiene recommendations like brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash. We also suggest using a water flosser for thorough cleaning.

How Much Do Implant Bridges Cost?

Implant bridges are an investment in a healthy, functional smile. Their cost depends on several factors, including the number of teeth you need to replace, the number of mini implants used, and the type of bridge you select. During your consultation, we’ll go over the out-of-pocket expenses you can expect and explain our financing options.

At Designing Smiles Dentistry, we prioritize high-quality, affordable dental care. Our office partners with multiple third-party lenders—including CareCredit, Sunbit, Proceed Finance, and Cherry—to provide patients with flexible financing plans. With introductory rates as low as 0% and short- and long-term payment options available, these plans help make dental treatment affordable.

Implant Bridges at Designing Smiles Dentistry

If you’ve experienced tooth loss, you know the impact it can have on your quality of life. Implant bridges profoundly enhance your well-being by restoring the function of your bite and the beauty of your smile. Offering unmatched support, implant bridges make it easy to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.

As a seasoned implant dentist, you can expect Dr. Apel to offer expert guidance as you choose the implant bridge that’s right for you. With years of experience placing mini implants, you can trust him to provide expert dentistry that makes you feel like you again. Now’s the time to invest in your smile. Schedule your free consultation today to learn more about implant bridges in Melbourne, FL.