Dental Bridges

One missing tooth can negatively affect the appearance of your smile. Also, it can cause a change in bite, shifting of the teeth, temporomandibular joint disorder, speech impediments and an increased risk of periodontal disease and tooth decay.

At Wurzbach Parkway Family Dental we can help determine if dental bridges are the right smile solution for your missing teeth needs.

Benefits of Dental Bridges

Dental bridges help not only fill in your missing teeth, but also:

• Restore your smile
• Require only two visits to the dentist
• Maintain your face shape
• Distribute the bite force by properly replacing missing teeth
• Prevent teeth from drifting out of line
• Help you speak and chew properly
• Keep your teeth looking natural

Dental Bridge Procedure

The dentist uses a mild anesthetic to numb the area, and then prepares the abutment teeth that will neighbor the false tooth to accommodate for the crown thickness.

Then an impression is made and sent to the dental lab to serve as a model for the bridge, false tooth and crowns. A temporary bridge is placed while the bridge is made for the next visit. The temporary bridge will protect the teeth and gums.

On the second appointment, the temporary bridge is removed and the new bridge is placed and checked for any bite discrepancies. The new bridge is cemented to the teeth.

Bridge Candidates

Dental bridges are a great, safe treatment for those who have lost teeth. The procedure is best for a span of one to three teeth, and the natural teeth on either side must be able to support the dental crowns and bridge.

Types of Dental Bridges

There are three types of dental bridges:

Traditional Fixed Bridge: is a false tooth that fuses between two porcelain crowns to fill in missing tooth gaps. The two crowns holding it in place are attached to your teeth on each side of the false tooth. One or more missing teeth are replaced during this procedure.

Resin Bonded Bridges: this is mainly used for the front teeth. It is cheaper and best for when the abutment teeth are healthy. The false tooth is fused to a metal band bonded to the abutment teeth with resin. This reduces the preparation on the adjacent teeth.

Cantilever Bridges: This is also best for your front teeth, less stressed areas or in cases when there are teeth on only one side of the open space. It anchors the false tooth to one side over one or more natural and adjacent teeth.

Dental Bridges FAQ

How long do the bridges last?

If good oral hygiene is maintained and you visit the dentist regularly, your bridge can last from 5-10 years, and sometimes even 20 years.

What if my bridge chips?

The bridge is very strong, but if it does chip, break, or fall off, see your dentist immediately. If it is chipped, then it will just need a minor repair. If it is a bigger problem, it will be remade.

What are the costs of dental bridges?

The cost varies depending on the amount of work needed. Talk with our front desk to get an estimate, and to see how much your dental insurance may cover.

Contact Wurzbach Parkway Family Dental today to learn more about dental bridges.