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Filling Smile Gaps With Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is an excellent solution for replacing one or more missing teeth. It can either be fixed (permanently attached) or removable, with fixed bridges being the most common. A typical fixed dental bridge is created by placing dental crowns on the teeth adjacent to the gap left by a missing tooth. A false tooth is then attached to the crowns to fill the space. This treatment restores the function and aesthetics of your smile, helping you eat, speak, and smile naturally again.
At Highbridge Dental Associates, we specialize in providing comfortable, affordable dental bridge procedures. Our goal is to help you restore your dental health and enhance your appearance with a beautiful smile.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges offer numerous advantages, both functionally and aesthetically. Some key benefits include:
- Replace a missing tooth or teeth
- Greatly reduce the risk of gum disease caused by missing teeth
- Greatly reduce the risk of bone loss caused by missing teeth
- Greatly reduce the risk of occlusal (bite) disorders caused by missing teeth
- Restore support to lips and cheeks diminished by missing teeth
- Restore normal speech often distorted by missing teeth
- Restore appearance and self confidence diminished by missing teeth
- Greatly reduce the risk of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders caused by missing teeth
- Create your “Dream Smile”
Dental Bridge Procedure
In your first visit to Highbridge Dental Associates, we carefully examine and clean the area of your missing tooth or teeth. We review the types of tooth bridges and determine which one would best meet your dental needs. We then take exacting measurements and molds to fit you with a temporary tooth bridge while the permanent tooth bridge is prepared to our specifications by a highly specialized laboratory.
In your second visit, we remove the temporary tooth bridge and adjust the permanent tooth bridge for optimal comfort, chewing, and appearance. Your enviable dental bridge is then either permanently emplaced or, if needed, returned to the laboratory for final refinements before permanent emplacement.
Types of Dental Bridge Materials
At Highbridge Dental Associates, we offer a variety of materials for dental bridges to meet both aesthetic and functional needs. Some common materials used include:
- Ceramic options like Empress or Cerenate, which are ideal for aesthetic front teeth
- Metal alloys, such as gold, which are durable and often used for back teeth
- High-grade porcelain, which mimics the natural look of teeth
- Porcelain fused to metal, offering a balance of durability and appearance
The choice of material is based on factors such as the location of the tooth, the patient’s preferences, and the overall functional requirements of the bridge.
Durability of Dental Bridges
The longevity of a dental bridge depends largely on how well you care for your oral health. With proper hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, along with routine dental checkups, dental bridges can last many years.
Appearance of Your Dental Bridge
In its creation, emplacement, and ultimate appearance your tooth bridge reflects our motto “The Art of Gentle Dentistry”. We provide for your comfort in the procedure and for your dental health in a completely functional replacement tooth or teeth. And in artfully shaping and color- matching your dental bridge, we provide a truly resplendent addition to your “Dream Smile”.
If you’re missing a tooth or teeth and are considering a dental bridge, Highbridge Dental Associates is here to help. Our team will assess your needs and guide you through the process of selecting and placing the right dental bridge for your smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do dental bridges last?
With proper care, dental bridges can last 10 to 15 years or longer. Regular dental visits and good oral hygiene can help extend their lifespan.
Will my dental bridge look natural?
Yes, we take great care to ensure your dental bridge blends seamlessly with your natural teeth, both in color and shape.
Do dental bridges require special care?
While dental bridges don’t require special care, it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing daily. We may also recommend using a special floss threader to clean under the bridge.
Is the dental bridge procedure painful?
The procedure is typically painless, as local anesthesia is used to numb the area during treatment. Some mild discomfort may occur after the procedure, but it can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Can I eat normally with a dental bridge?
Yes, after the dental bridge is placed, you should be able to eat and speak normally. However, it’s important to avoid hard or sticky foods that could damage the bridge in the first few days following placement.
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