Losing most, some, or even one of your pearly whites can lead to various difficulties with everyday tasks, such as talking clearly, eating comfortably, and smiling confidently. Fortunately, if you’re missing one or several teeth in a row, our team at Cityline Dental Center can effectively close the gap with dental bridges in Richardson! These personalized restorations can complete your bite, allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods while boosting your self-esteem in the long term. Read on to learn more or call us today to schedule your initial consultation.
Why Choose Cityline Dental Center for Dental Bridges?
Utilizes Durable & Lifelike Dental Materials
Highly Experience Dental Staff
Offers Implant Dentistry for Optimal Stability
What Is a Dental Bridge?
Dental bridges replace missing teeth by spanning the space left by tooth loss. Like crowns, bridges are made of durable tooth-colored materials and blend with a smile for a seamless appearance. Bridges are created by fusing two or more crowns into a single unit. The end units of the bridge fit securely over teeth adjacent to the open space and are cemented in place, while the middle unit(s) replace the missing tooth (or teeth). Bridges restore biting and chewing functions and provide a natural, highly aesthetic look to the smile.
Types of Dental Bridges
The kind of dental bridge that you’ll receive will be based on the location and number of pearly whites that you’re missing. The two main types of bridges to consider include:
Traditional Dental Bridge
If you have any remaining natural healthy teeth on both sides of the gap, then a traditional bridge will most likely be your best option. The crowns will be attached and supported via the abutment teeth (the two healthy pearly whites on either side of the space), which will be slightly shaved down to make room for your restoration. Traditional dental bridges can often be completed in a few appointments and are the more affordable option.
Implant Bridge
Implant bridges are reserved for those who don’t have healthy adjacent teeth, have strong gums and jawbones, and/or want superior stability from their new teeth. This restoration will require embedding dental implants in specific places in your jaw to support a bridge that’s meant to replace three or more missing teeth. Due to the titanium posts serving as your new roots, your results can easily last decades or even a lifetime with proper care, and you can even prevent bone loss by keeping the jawbone stimulated.
The Benefits of Getting a Dental Bridge
Dental bridges are an effective method for restoring a person’s smile, and you can be sure to appreciate several advantages of your treatment, including:
Replace missing teeth
Help maintain facial shape
Enable oral function
Restore cosmetic appearance
Keep surrounding and opposing teeth from drifting
Dental Bridges FAQs
What Are Dental Bridges Made Of?
Dental bridges are, in general, typically made from materials like porcelain, ceramic, or a combination of both fused to metal. The choice of material depends on the location of the bridge and your preferences. Porcelain is the most commonly used medium due to its natural, tooth-like appearance, making it a fantastic option for front teeth!
Metal alloys, like gold or silver, may also be used for added strength, especially for back teeth that require more durability. At CityLine Dental Center, we always tailor the material to best meet your needs whether you desire maximum aesthetics, strength, or a bit of both.
Is Getting a Dental Bridge Painful?
Getting a dental bridge is no more uncomfortable than getting a filling nowadays! Our team will always numb the area we’re working on before beginning any procedure, including a dental bridge. Because of this, most patients say they only feel the pressure of the instruments when the adjacent teeth are shaped to support the bridge.
That being said, it’s normal to experience a little soreness or discomfort after the procedure. However, this typically fades within a few days. Until then, over-the-counter pain relievers and ice packs applied to your cheek can help manage any discomfort or swelling.
How Long Should a Dental Bridge Last?
With proper care and maintenance, a dental bridge can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years, and sometimes even longer! The longevity of your bridge depends on factors like your oral hygiene habits, the materials used, and how often you attend regular dental checkups.
Brushing, flossing, and using a fluoride mouthwash are an excellent start when it comes to keeping your supporting teeth and gums healthy. Continuing this level of care will certainly extend the life of your bridge well into the future!
How Many Teeth Can a Dental Bridge Replace?
A dental bridge can replace one to four missing teeth, depending on your needs and the strength of the surrounding teeth or implants used to support it. The most common type of bridge replaces one or two teeth, but in some cases, larger bridges can be created to restore a greater span of missing teeth. Dr. Stampe or Dr. Gater will evaluate your teeth and gums at your consultation to decide the best way forward for your smile.
