Dental Bridge

Restoring the Function of Your Teeth

dental bridge dentist

Complete Your Smile with Custom Dental Bridges

Dental Bridges at Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas

Missing teeth can significantly impact your smile, your ability to chew properly, and even your overall self-confidence. If you are looking for a reliable and effective solution to replace missing teeth, a dental bridge may be the right option for you. At Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas, we specialize in dental bridges and other restorative treatments designed to restore functionality and aesthetics to your smile. 

What is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a custom-made replacement for one or more missing teeth that literally “bridges” the gap created when teeth are lost. The bridge is anchored on either side by crowns placed on the natural teeth or dental implants, which serve as supports for the bridge. It is a fixed dental restoration, meaning it remains in your mouth at all times and is not removable like dentures. Dental bridges can be made from a variety of materials, including porcelain, ceramics, or metal alloys covered in resin, designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.

Types of Dental Bridges

There are several types of dental bridges, and the choice of which to use depends on the location of the missing tooth (or teeth), the function of the teeth, and aesthetic considerations. The most common types of bridges include:

 

  • Traditional Bridges: Involve creating a crown for the tooth or implant on either side of the missing tooth, with a pontic (or replacement tooth) in between. Traditional bridges are the most popular type of bridge and are made of either porcelain fused to metal or ceramics.
  • Cantilever Bridges: Used when there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing tooth or teeth. This is less common and not recommended in areas of the mouth where teeth undergo a lot of stress.
  • Maryland Bonded Bridges: Also known as a resin-bonded bridge or a Maryland bridge, these are made of porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, or plastic teeth and gums supported by a metal or porcelain framework. Metal or porcelain wings on each side of the bridge are bonded to your existing teeth.

The Benefits of Dental Bridges

Dental bridges offer several benefits beyond restoring your smile, including:

 

  • Restoring your ability to properly chew and speak.
  • Maintaining the shape of your face.
  • Distributing the forces in your bite properly by replacing missing teeth.
  • Preventing remaining teeth from drifting out of position.
  • Enhancing your smile and boosting your self-confidence.

The Process of Getting a Dental Bridge

Getting a dental bridge typically involves several steps at your dentist’s office:

 

  1. Preparation of the Anchoring Teeth: During the initial visit, the abutment teeth are prepared. This involves recontouring these teeth by removing a portion of enamel to allow room for a crown to be placed over them. Impressions of the teeth are made, which serve as a model from which the bridge, pontic, and crowns will be made by a dental lab.
  2. Fitting a Temporary Bridge: Your dentist may make a temporary bridge to wear to protect the exposed teeth and gums while the bridge is being made.
  3. Placing the Permanent Bridge: During the second visit, your temporary bridge will be removed, and the new porcelain or metal bridge will be checked and adjusted as necessary to achieve a proper fit. Multiple visits may be required to check the fit of the metal framework and bite. This is dependent on each individual’s case.
  4. Final Adjustment: If the dental bridge is a fixed bridge, your dentist may temporarily cement it in place for a couple of weeks to make sure it is fitting properly. After a couple of weeks, the bridge is cemented into place.

Caring for Your Dental Bridge

Caring for a dental bridge is crucial for the longevity of your dental work. Good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing twice a day and flossing daily, are required to keep remaining teeth healthy and to help prevent dental diseases that can affect the bridge. Regular check-ups and cleanings by the dentist are also essential.

Why Choose Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas for Your Dental Bridge

At Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas in Irving, we provide expert care and use state-of-the-art technology to ensure that your dental bridge is crafted and fitted with the utmost precision. Our experienced dentist and caring staff are dedicated to ensuring that your entire treatment process is comfortable, from the initial consultation to the final placement of your bridge.

 

If you are considering a dental bridge or would like more information about whether it is the right option for you, contact us today. We are here to answer any questions you have and to provide the care you need to smile confidently again.

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