Dental Bridges: Restoring Your Smile and Functionality - Village Dental of new England
Dental Bridges: Restoring Your Smile and Functionality
Transforming Smiles, Enhancing Confidence
At Village Dental of New England, we understand the profound impact of a beautiful smile. A radiant smile can light up a room, enhance your self-confidence, and leave lasting impressions. That’s why our cosmetic dentistry services focus on transforming your smile into one you’re proud to show off. Whether you want to brighten your teeth, correct imperfections, or achieve a complete smile makeover, our dedicated team is here to help.
What Are Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge is a fixed prosthetic device that replaces one or more missing teeth by bridging the gap with artificial teeth. These replacement teeth, known as pontics, are anchored to the adjacent natural teeth or dental implants, creating a seamless, functional restoration.
The Importance of Replacing Missing Teeth
Missing teeth can lead to several issues if left untreated:
- Shifting Teeth: The surrounding teeth may move into the gap, causing misalignment.
- Difficulty Chewing and Speaking: Missing teeth affect your ability to eat and speak naturally.
- Bone Loss: Without the stimulation of a tooth root, the jawbone can deteriorate over time.
- Aesthetic Concerns: Gaps in your smile can impact your confidence and overall appearance.
Types of Dental Bridges
We offer various types of dental bridges to suit your specific needs:
- Traditional Bridges These are the most common type of bridges, consisting of a false tooth (or teeth) held in place by dental crowns on the adjacent teeth. They are ideal for patients with strong, healthy teeth on both sides of the gap.
- Cantilever Bridges These are used when there is only one supporting tooth next to the gap. Cantilever bridges are less common and typically used in less force-intensive areas of the mouth.
- Maryland Bonded Bridges This conservative option uses a framework bonded to the back of adjacent teeth, requiring minimal alteration of the supporting teeth.
- Implant-Supported Bridges For patients seeking maximum stability and longevity, implant-supported bridges are anchored directly to dental implants. This solution is particularly beneficial for replacing multiple missing teeth.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges offer numerous advantages for both your oral health and overall well-being:
- Restores Functionality: Replacing missing teeth allows you to chew and speak naturally.
- Prevents Shifting: Bridges maintain the alignment of your existing teeth, preventing misalignment and bite problems.
- Enhances Appearance: A dental bridge fills in gaps for a complete, natural-looking smile.
- Long-Lasting Solution: With proper care, bridges can last for many years, making them a durable investment.
The Dental Bridge Procedure
- Consultation and Planning During your initial visit, your dentist will assess your oral health, discuss your needs, and recommend the most suitable type of bridge. X-rays or impressions may be taken to ensure a precise fit.
- Tooth Preparation For traditional bridges, the adjacent teeth are reshaped to accommodate the crowns that will hold the bridge in place.
- Impressions Impressions of your teeth are taken to create a custom bridge that fits seamlessly. These impressions are sent to a dental lab where your bridge is fabricated.
- Temporary Bridge While your permanent bridge is being made, a temporary bridge is placed to protect your teeth and gums.
- Placement Once the permanent bridge is ready, it is adjusted for fit and cemented into place. For implant-supported bridges, this step involves attaching the bridge to the dental implants.
Caring for Your Dental Bridge
Proper maintenance is essential to ensure the longevity of your dental bridge:
- Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean around the bridge.
- Floss carefully using a floss threader or water flosser to clean under the pontic.
- Avoid chewing hard or sticky foods that may damage the bridge.
- Schedule regular dental check-ups for professional cleanings and inspections.
Who Is a Candidate for Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges are an excellent option for patients who:
- Have one or more missing teeth.
- Have healthy adjacent teeth or sufficient jawbone for implant support.
- Seek a cost-effective and reliable solution to restore their smile.
Why Choose Village Dental of New England for Dental Bridges?
At Village Dental, we prioritize precision, quality, and patient satisfaction. Our experienced team uses advanced materials and techniques to create bridges that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. From the initial consultation to the final placement, we’re dedicated to providing a seamless and comfortable experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Bridges
With proper care, dental bridges can last 10-15 years or longer. Regular dental visits and good oral hygiene are key to their longevity.
Modern dental bridges are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, making them virtually indistinguishable.
While bridges don’t require special care, maintaining excellent oral hygiene and cleaning under the bridge are crucial for preventing decay and gum disease.