Implant-Retained Bridges in North Richland Hills
Replace Several Missing Teeth With a Row That Stays Put
An implant-retained bridge replaces two or more missing teeth in a row with a fixed bridge that sits on dental implants instead of your natural teeth. It stays in place when you eat and talk, and it doesn’t come out at night. If you’re missing several teeth next to each other and want something that stays put, this is the option to ask about.
Call (817) 268-1112 or request an appointment, and we’ll check whether an implant bridge fits your mouth.
What Is an Implant-Retained Bridge?
A traditional dental bridge holds replacement teeth by anchoring crowns on the healthy teeth on each side of the gap. Those teeth have to be reshaped to take the crowns.
An implant-retained bridge skips that step. Implants go into the jaw where your teeth are missing, and the bridge attaches to the implants. Your neighboring teeth stay as they are. Because the bridge is anchored in bone, it doesn’t rely on paste or clasps, and only your dentist can take it off.
Implant Bridge or Implant-Retained Denture?
Both use implants. The difference is how many teeth you’re replacing.
An implant bridge replaces a section of teeth and stays fixed in your mouth. An implant-retained denture replaces a full upper or lower arch and attaches to implants for more grip than a regular denture. If you’ve lost most or all of the teeth on an arch, start with our dentures and partials page. Not sure which group you’re in? Our missing teeth page walks through every option, or we can sort it out at your visit.
What Waiting Can Cost You
A gap rarely stays the same. The teeth beside it can tip or drift into the space, and the tooth across from it can start moving toward it. Without a root to keep it working, the bone under the gap can shrink over time. The less bone there is, the more likely you’ll need extra work before an implant can go in.
In the meantime, you chew on the other side. That puts extra wear on the teeth doing double duty.
How Your Bridge Comes Together
- Consult and 3D imaging. We start with an exam and a 3D scan of your jaw to see how much bone sits where the implants would go. (See our technology.) If the bone is thin, a bone graft may need to come first, and we’ll tell you at this visit.
- Implants and healing. Dr. De Vincenzo places your implants, and if your case needs a specialist, he’ll refer you out. Then the implants need time to bond with the bone. This is the longest stretch, usually a few months.
- Scan and lab work. Once you’ve healed, we scan your mouth and send the scan to the dental lab that builds your bridge.
- Fitting. When the bridge comes back, we attach it to your implants and check your bite.
Insurance and Payment
We work with most PPO insurance plans and can help you understand and get the most from your benefits. No insurance? We also offer flexible financing through CareCredit. See our insurance and financial options, or call and our team will walk you through them.
Plan Your Bridge With Dr. De Vincenzo or Dr. Saremi
Dr. Adrian De Vincenzo and Dr. Sara Saremi are a husband-and-wife team. They met in dental school in Boston and now run the practice together here in North Richland Hills. At your consult, we’ll look at the gap, talk through your options, and lay out the next step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take an implant bridge out?
No. It’s fixed to the implants and stays in when you eat, talk, and sleep. Only your dentist can remove it, usually to repair it or check the implants underneath.
Can I get an implant bridge if I've lost bone?
Often, yes. Your 3D scan shows how much bone is there. If it’s thin, a bone graft may come first to build it back up. We’ll tell you at your consult whether you need one.
How long does the whole process take?
Most of the time goes to healing after the implants are placed, which usually takes a few months. The total depends on how many teeth you’re replacing and whether you need a graft first. You’ll get your own timeline at your consult.
Does insurance help pay for an implant bridge?
We work with most PPO plans and can help you see what yours covers. If you don’t have insurance, financing through CareCredit is available. See insurance and financial options or call (817) 268-1112.