Dental bridges can be used to replace several missing natural teeth at once.
If you're missing one or more teeth, a dental bridge may be a good way to replace them. A bridge is a fixed dental restoration that fills the space where your natural teeth used to be. Unlike a removable partial denture, it stays in place, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile without having to remove it.
The basic idea behind a dental bridge is fairly simple. The replacement tooth, called a pontic, sits in the space left by the missing tooth. If you've lost several teeth in a row, the bridge may have more than one pontic. These replacement teeth need support to stay in place. With a traditional bridge, that support comes from crowns placed over the natural teeth on either side of the gap.
Not all bridges are made the same way, though. Some use dental implants for support, while others attach to neighboring teeth differently. The right choice depends on how many teeth are missing, where they're located, and the condition of your remaining teeth.
At Northside Dental, we know that having dental work done can bring up a lot of questions. You may be concerned about the procedure itself, how much it will cost, or how long the process will take. We're happy to go over those details with you and help you decide whether a bridge is right for your situation. Give us a call at 317-342-9446 to arrange a dental bridge evaluation, or visit our office at 15026 Greyhound Ct., Carmel, IN 46032.
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Candidate for a Dental Bridge?
Depending on how many teeth you are missing and the state of your surrounding teeth, a dental bridge might be a good option for you. There are other dental treatments available for treating missing teeth, including crowns, dental implants, and dentures. It is important to talk to your team at Northside Dental to understand your options when it comes to restoring the natural look and feel of your teeth. Choosing the right solution for you is vital to ensure your teeth are healthy for years to come.
The Different Dental Bridge Types
The most common version of a dental bridge involves using crowns on both sides of the new tooth, or pontic. These crowns are prepared as part of the bridge and basically create three or more new teeth in a row. Another type of dental bridge includes using metal or ceramic “wings” or bands that are fused onto the two neighboring teeth to create the new bridge and teeth. Both are viable solutions depending on the condition of the two existing teeth.
The Benefits of a Dental Bridge
The benefits of having a dental bridge far outweigh the risks. For example, having a bridge placed in the space where a tooth is missing will reduce the likelihood of a tooth moving into that space.
While the root space cannot be held, the physical space above the gumline can be maintained and reduce the movement of neighboring teeth. Another benefit of having a dental bridge includes the correction of your bite alignment, the proper contact of your teeth is essential to reducing the risk of jaw problems developing, pain and discomfort, the premature wearing of enamel and more.
Other benefits include maintaining the natural look of your face because missing teeth will cause the skin on your face to sag. This makes you look older than you are. Having a dental bridge placed will also help improve your self-esteem and self-confidence.
The Dental Bridge Procedure
The process of having a dental bridge placed in your mouth can be done in a few simple steps. The first step begins with the reshaping of the surrounding teeth to support the bridge. The second step is the making of either a physical or digital impression of your teeth so that our dental lab can fabricate the bridge.
The impression or digital scan will be sent to the dental lab, and in a few weeks a brand-new bridge will arrive at Northside Dental and be ready to place on your teeth. The dental bridge will be fitted to make sure it is the proper size, shape, color, and texture. Now we will secure the new bridge crowns to the two abutment teeth using dental bonding cement. This cement is final, and once the bridge is placed, it is a permanent restoration.
How are Dental Bridges Made?
Bridges will be made from several long-lasting materials such as porcelain or zirconia. The artificial crowns used to secure the bridge are usually made of porcelain, or you may opt for a metal alloy or even gold, depending on your preferences. Sometimes the lab will use glass with the porcelain mixtures to create a shine, like your natural teeth. Whatever the bridge pontics and crowns are made from, caring for them is essential to their longevity and durability.
Your Comfort and Your Care
At Northside Dental, we know that finding time for dental appointments can be difficult, especially when you have a busy schedule. We do our best to offer convenient appointment times and make each visit as comfortable and efficient as possible. Whether you're coming in for routine care or a specific dental concern, our team is here to help you get the treatment you need. We want to be a dental office that you and your family can rely on for years to come, and we look forward to welcoming you into our practice. Call Northside Dental at 317-342-9446 to schedule an appointment, or visit us at 15026 Greyhound Ct., Carmel, IN 46032.