Zirconia is a ceramic, but don’t let that word fool you. Most of us associate ceramics with dishes and pottery, neither of which we’d trust to survive much of a fall. Dental zirconia is different. It’s remarkably strong, and dentists have been using it for years to make crowns and bridges. Now think about using that same material to replace an entire row of teeth. That’s quite a bit of responsibility for something we typically associate with a dinner plate. At the Mini Dental Implant Center of America in Springfield, MO, Dr. Thomas Baggett uses a full arch zirconia bridge to replace an entire upper or lower row of missing teeth. The replacement teeth are crafted from zirconia and secured to dental implants in the jawbone. The result is a fixed restoration with the strength to handle everyday chewing and the appearance of natural teeth.
What Is a Full Arch Zirconia Bridge?
A full arch zirconia bridge is sometimes called a roundhouse bridge. The restoration curves around the jaw in the shape of a horseshoe, replacing all the teeth in an upper or lower arch. Although the individual teeth have their own shapes and contours, the bridge is one connected piece.
Dr. Baggett typically uses 8 to 12 mini dental implants to support a full-arch restoration. Their placement requires careful planning because the implants must support the bridge through years of biting and chewing. Once the implants have healed, Dr. Baggett cements the finished zirconia bridge in place.
You’ll brush your replacement teeth every day, but you won’t take them out at bedtime. The bridge stays in place, and there’s no denture adhesive to worry about. Cleaning around the implants and beneath the restoration requires some additional attention, which Dr. Baggett will explain before treatment is complete.
Why Does Dr. Baggett Use Zirconia?
Zirconia has become a popular restorative material. It’s often ideal for a full-arch bridge because an entire row of replacement teeth must withstand the repeated pressure of biting and chewing.
Zirconia also gives Dr. Baggett considerable control over the appearance of the finished teeth. Dental laboratories work with different shades and levels of translucency to reproduce the subtle variations found in natural enamel. The size, shape, and arrangement of each tooth receive individual attention, even though the entire bridge is made as one connected restoration. Dr. Baggett considers these details when planning a bridge.
How Does a Full Arch Zirconia Bridge Feel and Function?
Dr. Baggett uses 3D imaging to examine the jawbone before planning implant placement. He also evaluates your bite, paying particular attention to how your upper and lower teeth meet. A poorly balanced bite may concentrate too much pressure on certain parts of the restoration. He considers these forces when planning the position of the implants and the shape of the finished bridge.
Patients replacing their upper teeth may appreciate having the roof of their mouth uncovered again. Traditional upper dentures typically have an acrylic base that extends across the palate. With a zirconia roundhouse bridge, food and drinks come into direct contact with that area. Some patients notice an improvement in their awareness of temperature and texture.
Daily cleaning also requires attention. Food particles and plaque collect around the implants and beneath the bridge, including areas that a regular toothbrush may struggle to reach. Dr. Baggett will recommend cleaning tools suited to your restoration and show you how to use them. Regular dental visits give him an opportunity to examine the surrounding gum tissue and check the bridge for signs of wear or damage.
Find the Right Foundation for Your Replacement Teeth
Replacing an entire arch of teeth requires careful decisions concerning the implants, the available bone, and the restoration that connects them. Dr. Baggett has extensive experience placing and restoring dental implants, and he offers fixed zirconia bridges for patients seeking a permanent alternative to removable dentures.
Schedule a free consultation with Dr. Baggett in Springfield, MO, to discuss your tooth replacement options and learn if a full arch zirconia bridge is suitable for you.
