Change often comes not from a place of failure but from a place of growth. It’s not always about fixing something broken but about refining what already works—because as we learn more, we can offer more. In healthcare, this mindset is especially important. The treatments and technologies that served patients well a decade ago may still be effective, but advancements allow us to provide even better solutions. We recognize opportunities to enhance care, comfort, and outcomes for the people who trust us with their health. Take dentures, for example. They’ve long been a trusted option for replacing missing teeth, but they have their limitations—shifting, discomfort, and the inevitable compromises in function. A roundhouse bridge changes that.
Anchored with mini dental implants, a roundhouse bridge stays secure, restores biting power, and helps maintain the jawbone’s strength. It removes many of the frustrations of traditional dentures, offering a solution that feels less like a replacement and more like getting your real teeth back.
What Is a Roundhouse Bridge?
Understanding a roundhouse bridge helps to look at the progression of dentures—from traditional to implant-supported options—and how each step improves on the last.
Traditional dentures are the most basic option. They rest directly on the gums and consist of two main parts: artificial teeth, usually made of porcelain or acrylic, and a gum-colored acrylic base that holds everything together. Upper dentures rely on suction against the palate, while lower dentures sit on the jawbone ridge. While effective, they can shift, require adhesives, and don’t prevent bone loss over time.
Overdentures take things a step further. Instead of resting on the gums alone, they attach to dental implants Dr. Coolican embeds in the jawbone. This added stability means less slipping and a more secure bite. However, overdentures are still removable, requiring nightly cleaning.
A roundhouse bridge takes stability and function even further. Dr. Coolican fixes the bridge in place—semi-permanently or permanently—so patients never have to remove it. Shaped like a horseshoe to match the natural curve of the jaw, the bridge is secured with multiple mini dental implants, eliminating the need for a bulky base or excessive pink porcelain to mimic gums.
Material also plays a key role. A roundhouse bridge is typically made from zirconia, a high-strength ceramic that is about ten times stronger than natural tooth enamel. Not only does this provide exceptional durability, but it also allows for a lifelike, natural appearance.
Mini Dental Implants: The Support for Your Roundhouse Bridge
When a tooth is missing, the surrounding bone no longer receives stimulation from chewing, causing it to shrink over time. The most significant bone loss happens quickly—within the first six months. In fact, nearly half of the bone’s width can disappear within the first year, with the majority of that loss occurring in just 12 weeks.
For patients considering dental implants, this loss of bone presents a challenge. Traditional implants, which are about 5 millimeters in diameter, need a solid foundation for support. If too much bone has deteriorated, patients often require bone grafting—a procedure that adds extra time, cost, and healing before implants can even be placed.
Mini dental implants solve this problem. Measuring less than 3 millimeters in diameter, they require far less bone for placement. This means that in most cases, there’s no need for bone grafting—Dr. Coolican can work with the patient’s existing bone structure. The smaller size also allows for a less invasive procedure, with a faster healing time and minimal discomfort.
The Fix-on-Six® Advantage: How More Implants Create Better Support
If mini dental implants are smaller, how can they possibly support a full set of teeth? It’s a fair question—after all, traditional implant systems like All-on-4® use larger implants, with just four of them holding up an entire arch of teeth. Bigger should mean stronger, right? Not necessarily.
All-on-4 relies on just four implants to support a roundhouse bridge. That may sound efficient, but what happens if one of those implants fails? Suddenly, the entire structure is compromised, forcing the remaining three implants to bear more load than they were designed for. The result? Uneven pressure, potential instability, and a higher risk of failure.
This is where the Fix-on-Six® system offers a smarter solution. Instead of relying on four larger implants, Fix-on-Six distributes the weight more evenly by using six to ten mini dental implants. By placing more implants, the system spreads out biting forces across the jaw, reducing stress on any single implant. This not only increases stability but also improves long-term durability.
Don’t Settle for Loose Dentures: Explore a Better Solution Today
Advancements in dentistry exist to give you choices that fit your needs—not just a one-size-fits-all solution. Whether you’ve struggled with loose dentures, been told you need bone grafting, or are simply looking for a permanent alternative, the right solution is within reach. If you’re ready to explore an option that feels like you, it’s time to learn more about how a roundhouse bridge could change how you think about tooth replacement.
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