WHAT IS A DENTAL BRIDGE?

A dental bridge not only restores the function and appearance of your smile but also plays a vital role in maintaining overall oral health. When a tooth is lost, the neighboring teeth can start to shift, leading to misalignment and potential bite issues. This, in turn, can cause problems with chewing, speech, and even jaw pain. By filling the gap with a dental bridge, these potential complications can be avoided, preserving the natural alignment of your teeth and promoting optimal oral health.

Dental bridges come in various types, each suited to different scenarios and patient needs. Traditional bridges, as described earlier, are the most common type. However, there are also cantilever bridges and Maryland bonded bridges. Cantilever bridges are used when there are adjacent teeth only on one side of the gap, while Maryland bonded bridges use a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the back of adjacent teeth, making them a conservative option.

DID YOU KNOW…

The lifespan of a dental bridge is about 5 to 7 years.

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THE DENTAL BRIDGE TREATMENT PROCESS

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CONSULTATION AND EXAMINATION

During your initial consultation, Dr. Shaun Williams at Glen Valley Dentistry will examine your oral health and determine if you are a suitable candidate for dental bridges. This may involve taking X-rays and impressions of your teeth. The dentist will also discuss your treatment options and answer any questions you may have.

TOOTH PREPARATION

To create a stable foundation for the dental bridge, the adjacent teeth on either side of the gap need to be prepared. This involves removing a small amount of enamel from these teeth to make room for the dental crowns that will hold the bridge in place. Local anesthesia will be used to ensure your comfort during the procedure.

BRIDGE PLACEMENT

Once the teeth are prepared, impressions of your teeth will be taken to create a custom-made dental bridge. While your bridge is being fabricated in a dental laboratory, a temporary bridge will be placed to protect your teeth and gums. Once the permanent bridge is ready, it will be carefully fitted and bonded in place, restoring the appearance and function of your smile.

THE BENEFITS OF DENTAL BRIDGES

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RESTORED FUNCTIONALITY

WISDOM TOOTH EXTRACTIONS

LONG-LASTING SOLUTION

RESTORED FUNCTIONALITY

After numbing your tooth, we will loosen the tooth with a dental elevator. This severs the ligaments that attach it to the socket. Once the tooth has been loosened in the gums, forceps will be used to remove it. Sutures are typically not necessary.

ENHANCED AESTHETICS

By filling in the gap left by missing teeth, dental bridges restore the appearance of your smile. They are custom-made to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth, creating a seamless and natural-looking result.

LONG-LASTING SOLUTION

With proper care and regular dental check-ups, dental bridges can last for many years. They are a durable and reliable solution for replacing missing teeth, providing you with a long-term investment in your oral health.

DID YOU KNOW…

On average, people in the United States between the ages of 20 and 64 have three or more missing teeth.

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TYPES OF DENTAL BRIDGES

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IMPLANT-SUPPORTED BRIDGE

TRADITIONAL BRIDGE

A traditional bridge is the standard type of dental bridge that most patients receive. To replace a missing tooth where there are teeth on either side of the gap, we will place dental crowns on these abutment teeth and a pontic tooth will be attached to the crowns in the middle to form a bridge. The teeth adjacent to the gap anchor the bridge and the pontic tooth replaces the missing tooth.

CANTILEVER BRIDGE

If there are only teeth on one side adjacent to the missing tooth, then a cantilever bridge will be needed. This places a dental crown on this abutment tooth that is next to the gap and suspends a pontic tooth next to it to fill in the missing tooth. Instead of two teeth anchoring the bridge, only one does. This is best suited for rear teeth.

MARYLAND BRIDGE

This is also known as a resin-bonded bridge because instead of using crowns on adjacent teeth to anchor the bridge, wings made of metal or porcelain extend against the back of the teeth and are bonded in place. The wings are not visible from the front.

IMPLANT-SUPPORTED BRIDGE

Much like a traditional bridge, two teeth next to the gap are used to anchor the bridge, but instead of using dental crowns, these teeth are replaced with dental implants. Crowns are attached to the implants and a pontic tooth is connected between them. This tooth replacement is very sturdy and prevents bone loss.

DID YOU KNOW…

Dental bridges have been used for centuries, with evidence of them being used as early as 700 BC in ancient Etruscan civilization.

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