Losing just one tooth is awful, even in the best of times. The issue worsens your looks, harms oral health, and makes
life harder. It’s only natural that missing a few adjacent teeth is worse. That said, you don’t have to
live with the latter problem. You can always get dental bridges in Barton City! With these devices, we at Healthy
Smiles Dental Care will restore your full grin. Learn more by reading on or booking a visit soon!
What is a Dental Bridge?
Put simply, a dental bridge is a fixed restoration for your grin. It’s typically made of unique materials fused
to either side of a pontic (i.e., a replacement tooth). The appliance will usually clasp onto nearby natural teeth
for support.
The best dental bridge patients have lost several adjacent teeth. That’s only natural; such people can restore
their smiles with a single treatment. Dental bridges don’t have strict requirements otherwise. Most adults can
qualify for them, assuming they’re in good health.
The Types of Dental Bridges
Before bridge placement, you’ll consult with your dentists. They’ll perform a quick oral exam to see if
the procedure might help. If it can, they’ll draft a custom treatment plan just for you.
While drafting the relevant plan, our dentists will suggest types of bridges. These kinds are:
Traditional Dental Bridge
Per its name, the traditional dental bridge is famous. It's made from a replacement tooth fused to two (or more)
dental crowns. To that extent, it relies on nearby natural teeth – “abutments” – for
stability.
Often, a traditional bridge is the cheaper choice. It doesn’t use as many costly materials. However, dentists
can only place one by altering the abutments. They’d remove bits of enamel from the relevant teeth before
placing the bridge.
Implant Bridge
An implant bridge is a type that uses dental implants. Unlike other restorations, these latter posts are set directly
in the jawbone. They slowly fuse with your jaw to remain secure and stable. In doing so, they won't loosen or fall
like other prosthetics.
Given its traits, an implant bridge won’t alter your natural teeth. A dentist doesn’t need to
“prep” abutments to place it. Even so, this bridge can be a tad expensive.
The Benefits of Getting a Dental Bridge
A dental bridge has many benefits for its wearer. Among them, the most common ones are:
A Restored & Pretty Grin – Since dental bridges use porcelain, they blend seamlessly
with your adjacent teeth. Friends and family won’t even notice you have one!
Much Straighter Teeth – Left untreated, smile gaps will make your other teeth tilt and
fall out. Thankfully, dental bridges fill those very gaps. That means they’ll keep your other chompers
from shifting. Your grin should stay nice and straight.
Easier Eating – No matter the type, a dental bridge will improve your ability to chew
tough foods. You’d then enjoy a richer and more varied diet.
Long-Lasting Results – A dental bridge lasts roughly 15 years on average. In contrast, an
implant bridge can reach a lifespan of 20+ years with proper care.
A dental bridge is ideal when you’ve lost teeth that were once side-by-side. To find out more about getting
one, book a visit with us
when you can!
Dental Bridge FAQs
How long should a dental bridge last?
How many teeth can a dental bridge replace?
Do dental bridges look natural?
How do I clean under my bridge?
How long should a dental bridge last?
Most people will need at least two dental appointments each year. Having cleanings and checkups
performed every six months will dramatically lower the risk of cavities and gum disease. If you
already have an advanced oral health problem, you might need to schedule additional visits.
How many teeth can a dental bridge replace?
There are plenty of options to choose from when you’re concerned with how your teeth look.
For example, dental veneers are often perfect for covering chips, cracks, and stains all at
once, while a professional whitening procedure can be used to remove all kinds of severe
discoloration from the teeth. Virtual smile design software lets us give you a preview of what
your new smile will look like.
Do dental bridges look natural?
Yes! We have multiple ways to replace teeth that were lost for any reason. Thanks to our
in-house experts, that includes dental implants, which we can place with high precision with the
data from our state-of-the-art cone beam scanner. You won’t have to visit a separate
specialist to receive your implants; we can personally insert them into your jaw before
restoring them! To learn more about your other options for tooth replacement, call us for a
consultation.
How do I clean under my bridge?
In many cases, braces may be your best option for straightening a crooked smile. However,
teenagers and adults who are only suffering from mild to moderate orthodontic problems can
consider Invisalign instead. By wearing clear plastic aligners for a set amount of time every
day, you can discreetly straighten your smile without having to worry about the inconvenience of
braces.