Dental Bridges – Denton, TX
Bridging the Gaps in Your Grin
No one wants to be missing a tooth, but thanks to modern restorative dentistry you always have several smile solutions. When you are missing one or a few consecutive teeth but your teeth on either side of the gap are healthy, a dental bridge definitely merits consideration. At Southridge Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, count on our dentists to bridge the gap in your grin to restore its appearance and balance, plus this new addition will prevent dental drift and reduce your risk of gum disease. Contact your dentist to schedule a consultation to discuss tooth replacement with dental bridges in Denton, TX!
Why Choose Southridge Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry for Dental Bridges?
- Lifelike, Metal-Free Restorations
- Experienced, Caring Team
- Dental Insurance Welcomed
What Is a Dental Bridge?
Dental bridges are designed to help patients who are missing one tooth or several teeth in a consecutive row. An alternative to partial dentures, this tried-and-true tooth-replacement solution uses dental crowns or dental implants to secure the pontics (free-standing replacement teeth) in place. Since the materials used are available in a wide range of lifelike shades, modern dental bridges fill the gap in your smile seamlessly. Plus, they are incredibly durable, ensuring your bite doesn’t suffer either!
Types of Dental Bridges
The first step to regaining your primetime grin is a consultation with Dr. Dunson. He’ll conduct an oral examination, ask about your goals, and review your medical history. Based on his findings, one of the following treatment options will be recommended:
Traditional Dental Bridge
A traditional dental bridge can replace a single missing tooth or several teeth in a row. This restorative treatment requires you to have a natural, stable, adjacent tooth in front of and behind the space that you’re wanting to fill in. Essentially, we’re “bridging the gap” by making a single unit of three or more teeth.
Implant Bridge
As the name implies, an implant bridge uses dental implants as opposed to crowns. The implants are placed on either side of the gap in your smile, and after they’ve fused with the jawbone, we’ll be able to attach the dental bridge to the implants to replace two or more missing teeth. Considered the strongest and most stable system, an implant-supported bridge requires surgery to embed the implants into the jawbone. Your time invested in this option will pay off in the quality of the result!
The Benefits of Getting a Dental Bridge
When you replace your missing teeth with a dental bridge in Denton, you can expect to enjoy an array of benefits including:
- Maintained alignment of your existing teeth
- Improved oral health
- Easy cleaning and maintenance
- Jawbone preservation with implant bridges
- Long-lasting results (15 years with traditional & 35+ with implant-supported)
- Natural-looking smile
Dental Bridges FAQs
Can You Take a Dental Bridge Out?
Dental bridges are designed to stay in your mouth for many years, replacing your missing teeth, so they cannot be taken out at home. Unlike removable dentures, a dental bridge is fixed in place by being securely attached to the adjacent teeth or dental implants. This stability ensures that the bridge remains functional and comfortable, providing a seamless and long-lasting solution for your smile.
If there is an issue with your bridge, don’t try to take it out yourself! Dr. Dunson can remove or adjust your dental bridge as needed.
What Are Dental Bridges Made Of?
Dental bridges are typically made from a combination of materials that ensure durability, strength, and a natural appearance. The most common materials used include porcelain, ceramic, and metal alloys.
Porcelain is usually the material of choice for the visible parts of the bridge because of its natural translucent luster that closely matches natural teeth. This, combined with our color-matching technology, ensures your restoration blends into your smile seamlessly.
The framework that supports the bridge might include metals like gold or palladium depending on where it’s positioned. For front teeth, you can enjoy a metal-free restoration that’s just as durable with a far more natural appearance!
Is Getting a Dental Bridge Painful?
Getting a dental bridge shouldn’t be a painful experience. The procedure usually happens over the course of two visits. During the first visit, Dr. Dunson will prepare the “abutment teeth” by reshaping the healthy structures adjacent to the gap, taking impressions, and placing a temporary bridge. Local anesthesia is used to numb the area, so you should only feel mild pressure during the procedure.
Any discomfort afterward is usually minimal and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. By the second visit, when the permanent bridge is placed, most patients feel little to no discomfort. If you still feel anxious, don’t hesitate to ask about our sedation options so you can relax and get the care you need!
How Long Should a Dental Bridge Last?
A dental bridge can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years (or even longer with proper care!) How long your dental bridge lasts generally depends on the materials used, the location of the bridge in your mouth, and your oral hygiene habits. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups with our team are the best ways to keep the structures that support the bridge healthy. In turn, this helps ensure your bridge remains secure and functional.
Other ways you can keep your restoration healthy are:
- Avoiding hard foods that cause unnecessary strain to your bridge.
- Refraining from using your teeth as tools for biting into packaging or opening bottles.
- Using a nightguard if you grind your teeth.