Losing a tooth leaves a gap in your smile until you can find an effective, long-lasting replacement. At Smile Dental in Moreno Valley, California, the team of expert family dentists often recommends dental bridges to fill those unsightly gaps. Dental bridges rely on the support of implants or other teeth to hold brand new, natural-looking artificial teeth in place. To learn about the available dental bridge options, call Smile Dental today or request an appointment online.
Dental bridges are restorative devices that are mounted permanently into your mouth. The bridge includes one or more false teeth, called pontics, that replace one or several teeth in a row. The bridge is supported on either side by crowns or metal frameworks that attach to the natural teeth next to the gap.
Smile Dental offers several types of dental bridges, so you’ll need to come in for a consultation to discuss your options. They might suggest getting a:
A traditional bridge includes two dental crowns, one for each side of the gap, to support one or more pontics. The traditional bridge is an excellent choice if you still have healthy teeth on both sides of the gap that are strong enough to provide the bridge with long-term support.
A cantilever bridge uses just one crown to hold the pontics in place. Your dentist uses this type if you only have one healthy tooth next to the gap.
Rather than crowns, a Maryland bridge uses a metal or porcelain framework to anchor your pontics to nearby teeth. Your dentist bonds the framework to the backs of the teeth on both sides of the gap.
Much like a traditional bridge, an implant-supported bridge uses crowns to stay in place. However, these crowns attach to dental implants instead of stable teeth.
If you lose one or more teeth and it comes time to choose a replacement, it’s important to consider the benefits that a bridge can offer.
Bridges can be made from several different materials, though many patients prefer porcelain because it looks like your natural teeth. Bridges are strong, so they can last for years. Other benefits include:
The team at Smile Dental makes sure you’re well informed of your choices before you start treatment. If you choose to get a bridge, they help you decide which one is best for you.
With good care and consistent maintenance, a dental bridge can last more than 10 years before you should consider replacing it. To make your bridge last, the Smile Dental team recommends:
If you ever have questions about your bridge, or if you notice it’s broken or wearing out, be sure to call Smile Dental as soon as possible.
To book a consultation for dental bridges, call Smile Dental today or book online.