One or more missing teeth in a row, especially in the front of the mouth, negatively affects your confidence. You may cover your teeth around others because of tooth gaps. Multiple missing teeth can also make eating the foods you love difficult. Receiving a dental bridge in Nederland, TX, fills gaps in the mouth for a fuller and more stable bite. Bridges are a restorative dental treatment that restores a row of missing teeth to improve bite function and aesthetics.
Types of Dental Bridges
Bridges are made of abutments and pontics. Abutments are the pieces that support the bridge. Pontics are custom-made false teeth. A traditional bridge may use false teeth secured by natural teeth. However, there are many different types of bridges to choose from:
- Traditional: A traditional bridge uses support from natural teeth on either side of a tooth gap. They may be removable or fixed. However, removable bridges may require more maintenance over time.
- Cantilever: This bridge uses one tooth on one side of a tooth gap for support. Because this bridge receives support from only one side, it may not be as stable as other options.
- Maryland: A Maryland bridge is a false tooth with metal wings. The wings bond to natural teeth on either side of the tooth gap. Patients with single missing teeth who don’t want an implant may benefit from this bridge.
- Implant: Implant-supported bridges do not use natural teeth for support. Instead, it uses small titanium screws that anchor into the jaw bone. Dental implants help bridges last longer without needing to prepare natural teeth.
Our office provides traditional fixed bridges or implant-supported bridges. Compared to other bridges, these bridges last longer. Because they are fixed in place, you don’t have to worry about potentially damaging or losing your restoration. Fixed bridges are also simpler to clean.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
After you receive a dental bridge in our office, you will notice a change in your oral health. Dental bridges:
- Improve speech and pronunciation
- Prevent shifting teeth
- Eating more foods with better nutrition
- Increase bite function
- Improve the look of your smile
Replacing missing teeth with a custom-made bridge can help you regain your smile. Bridges prevent the many problems you can experience after you lose one or more permanent teeth. These problems include shifting teeth, an increased risk of decay, and difficulty eating. We recommend replacing missing teeth as soon as possible to keep your teeth, gums, and jaw healthy.
Implant-supported Bridges
Whenever possible, we recommend dental bridges supported by dental implants. They offer benefits over traditional bridges.
Improved Stability and Function
One of the main benefits of implant-supported bridges is their stability. Unlike traditional bridges held in place by natural teeth, implant-supported bridges are anchored directly into the jawbone. This makes them more stable and secure, as the implants act like natural tooth roots. Because the bridge is firmly attached to the implants, you can chew and speak with confidence without worrying about the bridge shifting or coming loose. This stability makes implant-supported bridges a great choice for people who want a long-lasting, reliable solution for missing teeth.
Preservation of Jawbone Health
The jawbone underneath can shrink and weaken when you lose a tooth. This is because the bone no longer receives the stimulation it once got from the tooth root. Dental implants help prevent this problem by acting as a replacement for the tooth root. The titanium post of the implant fuses with the jawbone in osseointegration, which helps preserve the bone’s structure and strength. Choosing an implant-supported bridge protects your jawbone from further deterioration and maintains a healthy facial structure.
No Need to Alter Surrounding Teeth
One of the main drawbacks of traditional bridges is that they require the surrounding teeth to be filed down or reshaped to support the bridge. This can weaken those healthy teeth and make them more vulnerable to problems. However, with implant-supported bridges, there is no need to alter the surrounding teeth. The implants support the bridge, so the natural teeth are left intact. This makes the procedure less invasive and preserves the overall health of your other teeth.
Long-Term Durability
Implant-supported dental bridges are known for their long-term durability. Because the implants fuse with the jawbone, they are very strong and can last many years, often for a lifetime, with proper care. The bridge is also made from durable materials like porcelain, designed to withstand the pressure of chewing and daily wear. While traditional bridges may need to be replaced after several years, implant-supported ones are a more permanent solution, making them a great investment in dental health.
Improved Appearance
Another benefit of implant-supported bridges is their natural look and feel. The bridge is custom-made to match the shape and color of your natural teeth, so it blends in seamlessly with the rest of your smile. Because the implants are placed directly in the jawbone, they also help maintain the natural shape of your face, preventing the sunken look that can occur when teeth are missing. An implant-supported bridge gives you a beautiful, functional smile that feels just like your natural teeth.
Greater Comfort
Traditional bridges can sometimes cause discomfort because they rest on the surrounding teeth. The pressure from the bridge can irritate the gums or cause sensitivity in the supporting teeth. Implant-supported bridges, on the other hand, anchor directly into the jaw, which eliminates the pressure on the surrounding teeth. This makes the bridge more comfortable and reduces the risk of gum irritation. Many people find implant-supported bridges more comfortable than traditional bridges or dentures.
Better Oral Hygiene
Maintaining good oral hygiene can be more challenging with traditional bridges, as food can get trapped between the bridge and the gums, leading to plaque buildup. Implant-supported bridges are easier to clean because they are fixed in place and don’t require special cleaning techniques for the surrounding teeth. You can brush and floss your implant-supported bridge just like your natural teeth, making it easier to maintain good oral health.
Dental Bridge Treatment in Nederland, TX
Before bridge treatment, we will take dental X-rays to determine whether a bridge is the right restoration for you. We will also consider your specific goals and budget. Our office can treat gum disease or tooth decay to ensure your health before treatment.
If you receive a traditional dental bridge, we will prepare the teeth on either side of your missing tooth gap. Then, we take impressions to create a custom bridge. During this time, we will provide a temporary restoration. Once your bridge is complete, you will return to our office. We remove the temporary bridge and secure the final bridge.
If you choose an implant-supported bridge, we will work with a local oral surgeon. First, the surgeon places the implants in the jawbone. Over several months, the implant will fuse with the jawbone. We will take impressions to create your final bridge. Then, once your implants heal, you will return so we can secure your dental bridge.
Dental Bridge FAQs
Learn more about tooth bridges with answers to these commonly asked questions:
How many teeth can bridges replace?
Bridges can replace one to two or one to four teeth. If you have only a single lost tooth, we may recommend a dental implant covered by a dental crown. Partial dentures may benefit you if you have more teeth missing.
Are bridges and partial dentures the same?
No, bridges and partials are not the same. A partial denture can replace consecutive missing teeth in different parts of the mouth, while dental bridges only replace a single row of lost teeth. Both restorations can use implants for support.
How are dental bridges attached?
Depending on your bridge type, your restoration can attach to implants, crown-capped teeth, or the back of natural teeth. Implant-supported bridges use metal implants. Traditional removable or fixed bridges use teeth covered by dental crowns. Maryland bridges use metal wings bonded to the back of teeth.
How long can it take to get a dental bridge?
A traditional bridge can take several weeks. Implants take longer. It can take months for your implants to heal after placement. Preparing for a bridge can add time to your treatment. Removing teeth, treating gum disease, and filling cavities will lengthen treatment.
How long do dental bridges last?
A traditional bridge can last five to fifteen years. Implant bridges last longer, typically ten or more years. The implant post is permanent and will stay as long as you care for your teeth and gums.
How do you clean dental bridges?
If you have a removable bridge, brush it with a denture cleaner and a soft-bristled brush. Use cool or lukewarm water. It’s essential to clean beneath your bridge. Use an interdental brush or floss around your bridge to remove food debris and bacterial buildup. With a fixed or implant bridge, you can brush your restoration like natural teeth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste.
Fix Missing Tooth Gaps
Get a dental bridge in Nederland, TX. Call 409-215-2035 or schedule your next dental appointment online. If you are unsure if a bridge is right for you, contact us for a consultation. We will examine your smile to find the best restoration for you.