One of the first things that we notice about someone when we meet them is their smile. Full, healthy-looking smiles are hallmarks of confidence, happiness, and success. Unfortunately, if we have teeth that are damaged or missing, our smile might not convey the impression that we really want to make.

Fortunately, this isn’t something that we need to ensure. Dental implants have completely changed the options that we have for replacing teeth that are no longer as functional or beautiful as they once were.

We are pleased to be able to offer patients the benefit of undergoing all forms of dental implant solution here at our dental practice in Bedford, TX. Here is what you need to know about the different types of dental implant that could transform the appearance of your smile.

Single Dental Implants

Single dental implants are the most well-known type of implant. As their name suggests, they are used to replace single teeth that have fallen out or require extraction due to severe decay or damage.

Single dental implants comprise of an individual titanium post that is inserted into the jaw bone beneath the gap left by the missing tooth. The bone will heal around the post to secure it permanently in place in a process called osseointegration that takes around 4-6 months. While this happens, you will be fitted with a temporary crown to cover the part of the post that extends through the gums. In the meantime, your custom-designed crown which acts as a prosthetic tooth will be made, ready to be placed onto the implant post once osseointegration has occurred. After this is placed, your single dental implant will be complete, and you will have a restoration that looks and feels just like a natural tooth.

All-on-4 (Same-Day Smile)

All-On-4 is sometimes known as a Same-Day Smile since the entire restoration, which comprises of a whole arch of upper or lower prosthetic teeth, can be completed in just one appointment.

All-On-4 smiles are placed on to just four implanted posts. These are inserted at specific angles into the strongest parts of the jaw which gives them added stability and means that they are less reliant on osseointegration (although this will still occur). Their placement means that the arches of prosthetic teeth can be loaded onto the implant posts right away. These arches are created using state-of-the-art CAD-CAM technology which takes high-accurate images of your teeth to design and then manufacture your prosthetics from high-grade porcelain. This can all be completed on-site while your implant posts are being placed. As soon as the prosthetic teeth are ready, they can be placed, completing your restoration.

Implant-Supported Bridges and Dentures

Implant technology isn’t only for single teeth or same-day smiles, it is also routinely combined with bridges and dentures to provide patients with a superior solution for gaps in their smile. As their name suggests, these solutions take a conventional bridge or denture and instead of securing it in the normal way, instead place the device onto previously-inserted dental implant posts. Precisely how many implant posts are needed will depend on whether you are having a bridge, which typically needs two posts to secure it, or a denture, which requires between four and eight.

Attaching these devices to your mouth using implants has a number of benefits, but the primary advantage is that they will be significantly more secure. Bridges are usually attached to healthy teeth either side of the gap, which places them under stress and could cause them to become damaged. By replacing this design with dental implants, the device has greater stability and will not cause trauma to healthy, natural teeth. Meanwhile, dentures are usually attached using adhesive. This isn’t always as secure as it could be, causing dentures to slip and move around, causing embarrassment and painful friction against the gums. When the denture is placed onto implant posts instead, it is much more secure and comfortable.

If you would like to discover more about our dental implant service, or if you would like to arrange an appointment to see if you are a suitable candidate for this popular and successful solution, please get in touch with our friendly, knowledgeable team at our dental offices in Bedford, TX.