Types of Dental Implants and Bridges Explained

More and more people with damaged and missing teeth are considering a dental implant or bridge and other types of teeth replacements to get that perfect smile. After all, a great smile is guaranteed to make you look good and feel good.

What is a Dental Implant & How Is It Different From a Bridge?

A dental bridge is a prosthesis fixed into place to attach an artificial tooth (or several teeth) to adjacent natural teeth or implants. They are designed to match your natural teeth color. The materials used for the bridge vary depending on their durability and cost; they can be porcelain-fused-to-metal, metal alloys, or all-ceramic.

On the other hand, dental implants are tooth roots made from corrosion-resistant titanium metal, specially made for medical use. It’s strong and light, can be mounted with screws safely and securely to the jawbone, and can support the artificial teeth placed on top, whether they take the form of a bridge, crown, or denture.

Both can provide the appearance of natural-looking teeth and need good oral hygiene to maintain. However, while dental bridges usually cost less than dental implants, they are less durable than implants and may need to be replaced after a few years.

Types of Dental Implants

There are different types of dental implants available today. The single tooth implant involves the replacement of a single missing tooth, while the dental bridge implant is used to replace multiple teeth.

There are also types of teeth implants that replace an entire jaw or mouth, called a full-jaw dental implant, overdenture, or All on 4.

How Does the All on 4 Implant Work?

While the more traditional implants, such as the single tooth and dental bridge, can support one or multiple teeth, the All on 4 implant uses four implants to create a strong anchor for an entire row of teeth on the upper or lower jaw of the mouth.

If you are considering All on 4 while in Thailand, you must first have a consultation with a dentist specializing in full-jaw dental implant procedures. You will need to undergo a CT scan or 3D image x-ray for the dentist to perform a thorough diagnosis and determine if the jaw is strong and healthy enough for the procedure.

If you are eligible for the All on 4 implant, the dentist will devise a treatment plan and proceed with the prosthesis preparation by taking molds of the upper and lower jaws. The next step is to create a space for the implant by removing any remaining teeth. When the site is ready, the implantologist will insert the implant under anesthesia, to make the process as painless as possible. Artificial teeth will then be added on the same day, and voila! You’ve got a flawless smile.

Points to Consider

The All on 4 is a permanent solution that allows you to have a complete set of teeth, which, if well-maintained, can last a long period of time. Eventually, the implants will fuse to your jawbone, making it even more stable.

Here are the main things to consider when comparing All on 4 with traditional dental implants:

Number of Implants

All on 4 uses only four implants per arch, while traditional bridges usually require up to eight single implants to support a row of teeth.

Implant Placement

All on 4 implants are strategically angled for better bone contact, often eliminating the need for bone grafting, which is usually needed if the jaw isn’t strong enough to support the implant.

Immediate Loading

All on 4 provides immediate temporary teeth on the same day as the surgery, while traditional bridges require a healing period before final placement.

Cost and Time Efficiency

All on 4 is often more cost-effective and time-efficient due to fewer implants and procedures.

Bone Support

All on 4 relies on existing bone density, making it unsuitable for severe bone loss cases that may require additional procedures for traditional bridges. This is because the position of implants requires two at the front and two towards the back at a 45-degree angle to provide adequate support for the artificial teeth.

Where Can You Get That Flawless Smile?

With years of experience and a convenient location in Bangkok, Thailand, consider The Ivory Clinic for your All on 4 implant and other dental treatments. Our specialist dentists and highly trained staff are ready to explain the different types of dental implants and bridges as well as the entire treatment process and cost.

At The Ivory Clinic, we’re committed to providing our patients with the highest quality treatment and care.

Book a consultation and take the first step toward a new set of beautiful, natural-looking teeth for that captivating smile.