One or more consecutive missing teeth can create a large gap in your smile. These gaps affect the appearance of your teeth and your oral health. At Wesley Dental, we provide dental bridge treatment in Greenville, TX. Bridges are tooth replacements made of natural-looking and durable materials. We work with dental laboratories to create custom bridges secured by crown-capped teeth or dental implants.
Dental bridge treatment is a part of our restorative dentistry services. Bridges can restore tooth appearance and function while preventing common problems caused by lost permanent teeth.
Types of Dental Bridges
Bridges use pontics and abutments. Pontics are false teeth secured by abutments. There are many common types of bridges, each with different methods for securing false teeth.
- Traditional Bridge: A traditional bridge consists of false teeth that use support from natural teeth on either side of the tooth gap. Traditional bridges require the preparation of the natural teeth to place dental crowns or caps. The dental crowns help secure the false teeth.
- Cantilever Bridge: Similar to a traditional bridge, a cantilever bridge uses support from a crown-capped tooth. However, it only uses support from one side of the missing tooth gap. This uneven support means that cantilever bridges are less durable than traditional ones.
- Maryland Bridge: Also known as a resin-bonded bridge, a Maryland bridge is a false tooth with metal wings. These metal wings bond to the back of the natural teeth on either side of the missing tooth gap. Maryland bridges are best for areas in the front of the mouth, as they are not as durable as other options.
- Implant Bridge: Dental implants are small anchors we place in the jaw bone to secure bridges. Implant bridges last longer than other bridges because the implant posts act as artificial tooth roots. Dental implants help stimulate the jaw bone.
Traditional and implant bridges are the most common and durable options for patients with multiple missing teeth. There are many benefits of dental bridges. Dental bridge treatment:
- Prevents shifting teeth
- Improves speech and eating ability
- Closes the gap left by missing teeth
- Prevents further tooth loss
Replacing missing teeth sooner rather than later can prevent the spread of infection. Treatments like dental bridges also improve bite function, allowing you to eat with an even, comfortable bite.
Dental Bridge Treatment in Greenville, TX
We recommend traditional and implant bridges for our patients. Before bridge treatment, we will provide pretreatment. If you have gum disease, tooth decay, or a dental injury, we will provide treatment to ensure your health. Once you are healthy enough to receive a bridge, we will plan treatment.
Our office will take dental X-rays to examine your teeth, gums, and jaw. If you are interested in a dental implant-supported bridge, we must ensure you have enough jaw bone to support dental implants. Otherwise, we can provide treatments for gum or tooth problems that affect your oral health.
To begin treatment for a traditional bridge, we first prepare the teeth on either side of the missing tooth gap. We reshape these teeth to ensure the crowns fit correctly. Then, we take impressions for the lab to create the crowns and bridge. We will place temporary caps over the teeth. You will return for your final restoration once the bridge and crowns are complete.
Dental implants are a great option that ensures bridges last. If you have a single missing tooth but don’t want a bridge, we will recommend a single dental implant. However, we can use multiple implants depending on the number of missing teeth you have. Multiple dental implants can support a bridge.
We will ensure you are healthy and have enough jaw bone to support implants. Once you are ready for treatment, we will place the implant posts. It can take three to six months for the posts to fuse with the jaw bone. Then, we will place abutments, pieces that connect the implants to the bridge. Once the abutments heal, we will place the final dental bridge.
Dental Bridge FAQs
Learn more about dental bridge treatment in Greenville, TX, with answers to these commonly asked questions:
What does a dental bridge look like?
Traditional and implant bridges are tooth-colored restorations that should blend in with your natural smile. We use materials like porcelain to ensure your bridges are as close to your natural teeth as possible. Our office will color-match the shade of the remaining teeth and send these specifications to the dental lab.
What is the difference between dental bridges and partials?
Bridges and partials can replace multiple missing teeth. However, partials, or partial dentures, replace rows of missing teeth in different parts of the mouth. Dental bridges only restore one gap left by a row of missing teeth.
Can dental bridges cause gum recession?
You can experience gum recession if you have an ill-fitting traditional bridge. If there is an open space between your bridge and your gums, you are at an increased risk of gum problems. As soon as you notice a change in the fit of your bridge, contact our dentist for repair or replacement.
How many teeth can you replace with a dental bridge?
We can replace one to four consecutive missing teeth. Bridges can replace more than four missing teeth. However, if you have a traditional bridge, a longer bridge can compromise the stability of your restoration. Implant bridges are the best option for many consecutive missing teeth.
How long do dental bridges last?
A traditional bridge can last five to ten years. With the proper care, implant-supported bridges can last over ten years. Regular cleaning and proper care ensure your bridge lasts as long as possible.
Can you re-cement a dental bridge?
Yes. Contact our office if you damaged or loosened your dental bridge. We can remove your bridge to re-cement it in our office. We can also address problems like tooth or gum infection that affect the stability of your bridge.
Replace Lost Teeth
Improve tooth function with a dental bridge. Call Wesley Dental at 903-270-5279. You can also schedule a dental appointment today with Dr. Scott Marshall and Dr. John Taylor. Let us know if you have questions about restorations like dental bridges; we will be happy to help you.