If you have lost teeth or need a tooth extraction, you must consider how you will replace your missing teeth. Restoring your teeth as best as possible will support your long-term oral health. One of your treatment options includes a dental bridge. Longview Family Dental can provide a custom dental bridge in Longview, TX.
A bridge is a restorative dentistry treatment that provides an effective solution for patients facing the challenges of missing teeth. If you are missing one tooth or several consecutive missing teeth, we recommend a dental bridge.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed dental prosthesis designed to replace one or more missing teeth. It uses false teeth, known as pontics, which we anchor to adjacent natural teeth or dental implants. The purpose of a tooth bridge is to “bridge” the gap created by missing teeth, restoring both the aesthetic appearance of your smile and the functional aspects of your teeth.
Why Do I Need a Dental Bridge?
There are several important reasons why you may need a dental bridge. No matter how you lose your teeth, whether due to tooth decay, gum disease, infection, or an injury, you need to replace them. A tooth bridge is necessary for:
- Aesthetic Concerns: One of the primary reasons you should get a dental bridge is to restore a natural and aesthetically pleasing smile. Gaps caused by missing teeth will impact your self-confidence and the overall appearance of your teeth. Replacing your teeth with a bridge will make you confident to smile or engage in social activities.
- Functional Implications: Missing teeth can lead to functional challenges such as biting or chewing food and speaking clearly. Replacing your teeth with a dental bridge will help restore proper occlusion and improve the functionality of the oral cavity. You will be able to maintain a proper diet and never have to worry about speaking clearly.
- Preventing Further Dental Issues: Gaps left by missing teeth can result in the shifting of adjacent, remaining teeth. When teeth shift out of alignment, this can cause bite issues, possibly even a TMJ disorder. A dental bridge will fill in this gap to help maintain proper tooth alignment and prevent potential dental problems in the future.
- Maintaining Facial Structure: Your teeth are vital to supporting the facial structure. When some of those teeth are lost, this can lead to sagging facial muscles. A dental bridge will help maintain the natural shape of your face by providing support and preventing the collapse of your facial features.
Types of Dental Bridges
We offer several types of dental bridges, each designed to address specific dental situations. After a consultation and examination, your Longview Family Dental dentist will help you determine the most appropriate type of dental restoration.
Your oral health, the location of your missing teeth, and your personal preferences are all factors that will determine which dental bridge will work best for you. The main types of dental bridges include:
Traditional Dental Bridges
The most common type of bridge is the traditional dental bridge. They consist of pontics held in place by dental crowns on adjacent natural teeth.
Our dentist will prepare the adjacent teeth, known as abutment teeth, by removing a portion of enamel to accommodate the crowns. Traditional bridges are suitable when strong and healthy adjacent teeth are available for support.
Cantilever Dental Bridges
Cantilever bridges are similar to traditional ones but differ in how our dentist anchors them. Instead of being supported on both sides, our dentist attaches a cantilever bridge to a single adjacent tooth. We use this type of bridge when there is only one healthy natural tooth next to the gap.
Maryland Bonded Bridges
Maryland bonded bridges are also known as resin-bonded bridges. use a metal or porcelain framework that the dentist will bond the backs of adjacent teeth. This type of bridge is a more conservative option as it requires minimal alteration of the adjacent teeth. A dentist will choose a Maryland bonded bridge for front teeth restoration.
Implant-Supported Bridges
Implant-supported bridges are secured to dental implants surgically placed in the jawbone. Unlike traditional bridges, which rely on natural teeth for support, implant-supported bridges offer a more stable and durable solution.
This type of bridge benefits individuals with multiple missing teeth and those seeking a long-term, permanent solution. To learn more about the dental implant-supported bridge process, see Dental Implants.
How to Get a Dental Bridge in Longview, TX
Before dental bridge treatment, we will ensure you are in good oral health. Our office will recommend treatments for gum disease or tooth decay as needed.
Traditional bridges use crown-capped teeth for support. First, we will reshape the natural teeth on either side of the tooth gap. Then, we take impressions for the bridge and crowns. In the meantime, we provide a temporary bridge so you will not be without teeth. Finally, we place the bridge and crowns once the restorations are complete.
Implant bridges have a longer treatment time than traditional bridges. However, implants ensure restorations like bridges last longer.
Before we provide implants, we will ensure you have enough jaw bone to support the implants. Then, a surgeon places the implant post in the jaw. After three to six months, we place an abutment or connector piece. Once the gums heal fully, we place the final bridge.
Caring for Bridges
After you get a bridge, you must brush and floss your restoration like your natural teeth. We may recommend a floss threader or water flosser if you have a traditional bridge. These types of floss make it easier to remove food between the restoration and the gums.
We also recommend that you visit our office for a follow-up. We will ensure your restoration continues to fit and function properly.
Restore Your Smile
Dental bridges are vital to restoring the oral health of our patients. Bridges restore the appearance, function, and health of missing teeth.
If you want to learn more about replacing your teeth with a dental bridge in Longview, TX, contact us today. You can also schedule an appointment online. Dr. Chris Goelz will help you determine the right type of dental bridge to restore your smile.