A beautiful smile is one of your most valuable assets. When you’re missing teeth, it can affect not only your appearance but also your ability to eat, speak clearly, and maintain proper oral health. At our dental practice, we offer dental bridges as an effective solution to replace missing teeth and restore your confident smile.
Dental bridges are custom-made dental appliances designed specifically for your mouth to replace missing teeth with natural-looking results. With proper care, they provide a long-lasting solution that helps maintain your facial structure and prevents remaining teeth from shifting out of position.
What Are Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge is a conservative approach to a dental restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth. Unlike dental implants or different types of dentures, dental bridges are more affordable and last just as long. This fixed dental restoration is permanently anchored in your mouth using dental crowns and fills the gaps left by missing teeth for a more uniform appearance.
Some of the uses for dental bridges are:
- Improving a smile’s appearance
- Eliminating the need for a removable oral appliance
- Restoring the ability to chew and talk properly
- Preventing natural teeth from shifting
As with most dental restorations, dental bridges are custom created to fit your needs and the shape of your mouth. They restore the utility of your teeth and improve the aesthetic appearance of your smile. Dental bridges typically require two visits to our dental office to complete and are noninvasive.
Our personable dentist and team are committed to repairing your smile and helping you maintain your oral health. We encourage you to give our dental office a call today to schedule a consultation with our experienced dentist and learn more about dental bridges and how they can enhance your teeth for a more pleasing and functional smile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Bridges
What types of dental bridges are available?
We offer several types of dental bridges to meet different needs:
- Traditional bridges use crowns on adjacent teeth to support a false tooth between them
- Cantilever bridges attach to just one adjacent tooth, useful when there’s only one natural tooth next to the gap
- Maryland bridges use a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the back of adjacent teeth, ideal for front teeth
- Implant-supported bridges are anchored to dental implants instead of natural teeth, providing exceptional stability
What is the procedure for getting a dental bridge?
The process begins with a thorough dental examination to assess your oral health. Then, we prepare the teeth next to the gap by gently reshaping them to fit crowns. We take an impression of your teeth to create your custom bridge. While your permanent bridge is being made, you may receive a temporary one. In a final visit, we fit, adjust, and cement your permanent bridge for optimal comfort and function.
Is the dental bridge procedure painful?
Most patients experience minimal discomfort during the procedure thanks to local anesthesia. After treatment, you may feel mild soreness or sensitivity that typically goes away within a few days and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
How do I care for my dental bridge?
Good oral hygiene is essential for your bridge’s longevity. Brush twice daily and clean around the bridge using floss threaders or interdental brushes. Regular dental check-ups help ensure the health of your supporting teeth and overall oral hygiene.
How long do dental bridges last?
With proper care, dental bridges typically last between 5 to 15 years, sometimes longer. Their durability depends on your oral hygiene habits, diet, and regular dental visits.
How do bridges compare to other tooth replacement options?
Compared to removable dentures, bridges are fixed in place, offering better comfort and function. While dental implants are excellent for single-tooth replacement, bridges can efficiently replace multiple teeth and are often more affordable upfront.
Request Your Dental Bridge Consultation
Ready to restore your smile with a dental bridge? We’re here to help you achieve a complete, beautiful smile that functions as well as it looks. Taking the first step toward replacing your missing teeth is simple:
Call our office at (301) 679-7786 to schedule your initial consultation. You can also use our online form to request an appointment. Don’t let missing teeth affect your confidence or oral health any longer. Our friendly team is standing by to answer your questions and help you schedule your appointment.
