Versatile, durable dental implants are considered one of the best solutions for tooth replacement. They can improve the bite while simultaneously flattering the natural beauty of the smile, making them a great option for many patients. In addition to their sturdy titanium design, one of their most appreciated benefits is their tendency to be very comfortable and to feel like natural teeth. In addition, when placed by a qualified dentist, implants can provide results that last a lifetime.
Various types of implants exist, and at Smile by Design, our experienced implant dentist, Donian Shen, DDS, has helped countless patients through the implant process. After a thorough examination of your mouth and a review of your overall oral health, Dr. Shen can help you choose the best type of dental implant restoration to suit your unique needs.
- Single-Tooth Implants
- Implant-Supported Bridges
- Implant-Supported Dentures
- All-on-4® and All-on-6 Implant Dentures
Single-Tooth Implants
Even just one missing tooth can create a number of problems, including difficulties in eating and speaking. For those who have lost a single tooth due to injury, decay, or gum disease, implants can be the optimal solution. A single-tooth dental implant replaces the entire tooth, including its root. After the implant is placed and successfully fuses to the jawbone, a customized dental crown that blends well with the rest of the teeth will be securely affixed to the top of the implant post so that it looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth.
Implant-Supported Bridges
Dental bridges have long been a popular choice for replacing one or more teeth in a row, and the addition of implants can significantly add to their benefits. Implant-supported bridges consist of multiple implants and a series of crowns that serve to replace one or more teeth missing in a singular area of the mouth. This essentially “bridges” the gap created by the missing teeth and provides a very strong support system to reinforce the replacement teeth. These advanced restorations can be a wonderful choice for patients with inadequate jawbone density in certain areas.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures are often considered the gold standard for multiple tooth replacement in the modern oral health world. They are designed to replace full arches of teeth with beautifully-crafted crowns supported by a select number of implants in the jawbone. This method holds endless advantages over traditional dentures, such as the fact that implant-supported dentures pose no need for messy adhesives and can even help rebuild lost bone strength.
All-on-4® and All-on-6 Implant Dentures
At Smile by Design, our patients often prefer the All-on-4® or All-on-6 technique for implant-supported dentures. These restorations involve the placement of either four or six implants into the jawbone. Not only can these implant dentures effectively replace arches of multiple teeth, but the limited number of implants offers many patients a more cost-effective option when compared to replacing each missing tooth with a dental implant. Able to enhance both the appearance of the smile and functionality of the bite while also lasting for years at a time, All-on-4® and All-on-6 dentures have proven to be desirable and economical options for many patients worldwide.
Learn More About Types of Implants
We take pride in helping our Mountain View-area patients find the perfect type of implants. If you have further questions about implant types, please contact our office today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Shen.