Dental Bridges

SmileCare Dental of Fitchburg / Dental Bridges

Dental Bridges Treatments

Restorative dentistry is an important branch of the field of dentistry that works to restore the functionality and beauty of a patient’s smile. There are many reasons why a patient may require restorative dentistry. As we age, our smiles can fall prey to injury, decay, and the natural aging process. Dr. Mark and the team at SmileCare Dental have the tools and expertise to restore your smile to its proper function and beauty.

Missing teeth can make your life more difficult – from chewing and speaking, and compounded issues over time. Missing teeth can lead to gum disease and an altered bite that can cause TMJ issues. But you don’t have to live with missing teeth. SmileCare Dental has many options for correcting your smile, including dental bridges.

Bridges are a great way to correct a gap caused by a missing tooth or teeth. Dr. Mark will recommend what he thinks is best to ensure you have the healthiest smile possible.

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What are dental bridges?

Bridges connect the gap where the missing tooth or teeth used to be. They are cemented to the teeth adjacent, using these teeth as anchors for the bridge. We will shape and prepare the adjacent teeth and cap them with a crown, and then attach the replacement tooth or teeth to form a bridge.

In short, dental bridges are custom-created restorations that can be used to replace one or more missing teeth. Its job is to literally bridge the gap between the missing teeth. Bridges are typically in two parts:

Abutment teeth – these are the adjacent teeth that will support the bridge
Pontic – the false tooth or teeth that will replace the missing tooth or teeth

Dental Bridges' Types

There are different types of bridges, depending on your needs.

Traditional Dental Bridges

A traditional dental bridge is the most common. A crown will be created on either side of the missing tooth (or teeth) and the replacement tooth will sit in between. The bridge is made of either porcelain fused to metal or ceramic.

Implant Supported Bridges

Implant supported bridges are used when you are missing more than one tooth. We will place a dental implant in your gum and then use the implant to permanently cement the bridgework. The implants also work to simulate tooth roots, which can maintain the integrity of the jawbone.

Maryland Bonded Bridge

A Maryland bonded bridge uses metal framework to provide support, rather than dental crowns. The framework is attached to the natural teeth on both sides of the missing tooth. These are ideal for patients who do not want their natural teeth altered as they would be with a traditional bridge.

Cantilever Bridge

A cantilever bridge uses only one natural tooth to support the replacement tooth. They are easier to place and often more affordable than other types of bridges because they only require one crown. However, this bridge does not provide the same level of strength as other types of bridges. Cantilever bridges are most often used on teeth toward the front of the mouth.

Dental bridges offer several benefits

No matter which dental bridge is right for you, you’ll enjoy many benefits, including:

Restore Teeth Function

They restore the ability to chew and speak properly, helping to restore the teeth fundamental functions.

Reduce Stress on teeth

They ensure the force of your bite is distributed evenly to alleviate stress on the other teeth and prevent fracture.

Prevent Shifting

They prevent the remaining teeth from shifting out of their correct positions.

Aesthetics

A bridge will restore your smile and maintain proper face shape.

Long-lasting

Bridges provide a lasting solution because with proper care they can last for many years.

FAQs

Do I need to worry about missing teeth?

It’s always a good idea to have missing teeth replaced in order to maintain good oral health and the integrity of your smile. If there are spaces in your mouth left by missing teeth, your other teeth will have the tendency to drift into those places, which can alter your bite and lead to issues such as TMJ pain and fractured teeth.

Who can benefit from dental bridges?

Complications from bridges are rare, so most dental patients who have missing teeth can benefit from dental bridges. If the surrounding teeth that will serve as the support are healthy and you have healthy gums, you can benefit from a dental bridge.

How do I care for my dental bridge?

You care for your bridge the same way you care for your natural teeth – brush at least twice daily, floss daily, and maintain a healthy diet and regular visits with your dentist.

Dental bridges are a reliable and effective way to replace missing teeth. They can not only restore your smile, but they can also improve oral function and prevent future issues from occurring. If you are interested in learning more about how dental bridges can improve your smile, call SmileCare Dental today.