Dental implants are strong, stable, and help protect you from tooth loss-related health issues, which makes them the most often favored option for tooth replacement. However, individuals who are missing multiple teeth or even entire arches of teeth may find that having individual implants installed for each missing tooth is too impractical for several reasons.
More implants mean longer healing periods and increased chances for post-surgical complications. Fortunately, implant solutions have become more varied and accessible over time. At Tharp, Klaus, and Kelly Dental Clinic, our dentists can fully restore your smile using a minimal amount of implants and a single, sturdy restoration with a milled-bar overdenture or a Prettau full mouth dental implant bridge.
A milled-bar overdenture is an implant-supported, full denture restoration that provides patients with a stable and stylish solution for their missing teeth. Normally, an overdenture would be attached to multiple, individual dental implants. A milled-bar overdenture attaches to a single bar that links multiple implants.
The added support from the dentures being placed on a single bar makes them more durable and increases their longevity. The use of the bar—instead of traditional full-arch reconstruction techniques—allows the dental implants on the left side of your mouth to support the ones on the right through an important prosthodontic concept known as cross-arch stabilization.
The result is an overdenture that functions flawlessly, and due to the nature of cross-arch stabilization, you may even experience bone gain. Bone gain is the opposite of resorption, which is the loss of jawbone density due to a lack of stimulation from a tooth’s root. Bone gain amplifies the stability of your dental implant and in turn your entire smile.
Milled-bar overdentures are not the only restoration option available that uses fewer implants, while still offering stability, health benefits, and longevity. If you’re missing multiple adjacent teeth, you may qualify for an implant supported Prettau bridge.
A Prettau bridge is a custom-made, full-arch tooth replacement option that’s securely attached to dental implants. What sets Prettau bridges apart from other full arch replacements is that they are made of 100 percent zirconia using the Zirkonzahn® milling system.
The Zirkonzahn milling system utilizes 3D scans for impressions and measurements, so your bridges are fitted to your exact specifications. Your Prettau bridge will be customized through staining, firing, and glazing to produce an esthetic result that matches your unique dental profile, and provides a strong, attractive, and fully-functional dental prosthetic. Unlike traditional bridges, there are no attachments to wear out, no acrylic to break, and the unique staining and glazing process makes them a beautiful addition to your smile for years to come.
The process for Prettau bridges is similar to that of milled-bar overdentures, the difference lies in how the restoration is designed and installed.
If you need to replace some or all of your missing teeth, Dr. Tharp, Dr. Klaus, and Dr. Kelly can offer implant solutions that are tailored to your unique needs. Milled-bar overdentures and Prettau bridges can help fully and permanently restore your smile with a minimal amount of implants, giving you back the confidence to smile with less time in the dentist’s chair.
To learn more about milled-bar overdentures and Prettau bridges, contact Tharp, Klaus, and Kelly Dental Clinic by dialing 601-939-4100. You can also submit our contact form and a friendly team member will get back to you shortly.
Consult with Dr. Tharp, Dr. Klaus & Dr. Kelly whether you need teeth cleaning, oral screening, or restorative dental care in Jackson, MS. You can trust our team to deliver quality dental services that will leave you with a smile on your face. We believe that each and every patient that walks through our door deserves a great smile, and we’ll work with you to find the treatments that fit your needs. During our consultations, you’ll be able to ask your questions one-on-one, get evaluated, and learn more about the ins and outs of your dental treatment.
Don’t hesitate to contact us today; you deserve a beautiful brilliant smile.
To our beloved patients, friends, colleagues, and families:
Tharp, Klaus, and Kelly Dental Clinic is continuing to follow strict safety measures to ensure the health of our patients and staff during the COVID 19 pandemic. Please do not enter our facility if you have been exposed to the virus or are displaying any symptoms. We ask that you call us when you arrive for your appointment, and we will direct you when to enter. Please wear a mask when entering and leaving the clinic. Thank you for your consideration.