Dental Bridges – Richardson, TX
Say “Goodbye” to the Gaps in Your Smile!
If you have missing teeth, you know from experience how much it can affect your overall quality of life. Not only does it impact your appearance, but it can make simple tasks like eating much more difficult. Fortunately, we’ve got a solution that’ll help you enjoy a complete and fully functioning smile once again – dental bridges! These modern restorations are designed to blend seamlessly with your remaining teeth, allowing you to maintain a beautiful and natural-looking appearance. To find out whether or not you’re a good candidate for this service, continue reading or
schedule a consultation
with our team today.
What is a Dental Bridge?
Dental bridges are tooth replacement prosthetics used to replace one or a few consecutive missing teeth. They work by attaching dental crowns to two surrounding healthy teeth. The replacement tooth or teeth are then fused to the dental crowns, recreating flawless smiles and healthy function.
Types of Dental Bridges
The first step on your journey towards a newly rebuilt smile is a consultation with our team at Canyon Creek Family Dentistry. We’ll perform an oral examination, review your medical history, and inquire about your goals to determine whether dental bridges in Richardson are right for you. Based on our findings, we’ll recommend one of the following options:
Traditional Bridge
A traditional dental bridge is most commonly used to replace one or more missing consecutive teeth. The restoration is anchored to your mouth with dental crowns. It’s worth noting that it requires the alteration of your natural healthy tooth structure to ensure the bridge fits properly when placed.
Implant Bridge
Patients wanting a more stable tooth-replacement solution can opt for implant bridges. They’re secured to your mouth using two dental implants instead of crowns. Each implant is placed on either side of the gap in your smile. Once they’ve fused with the jawbone via osseointegration, we’ll attach a dental bridge to the implants to complete your grin. A significant advantage of this option is that it doesn’t require the alteration of your existing teeth.
The Benefits of Dental Bridges
Choosing to replace your missing teeth with dental bridges in Richardson will allow you to enjoy several incredible benefits, such as:
- Maintained alignment of your remaining teeth
- Better oral health since it’ll be easier to brush and floss
- Jawbone preservation with implant bridges
- Long-lasting results (over 15 years with traditional bridges and over 35 with implant bridges)
- Natural-looking appearance
- Easy maintenance
Dental Bridges FAQs
Do you have one or several missing teeth in a row that you want to replace? If so, then a dental bridge may be the ideal solution you’ve been looking for. Although you can expect to reap numerous benefits from this restoration, you might have some concerns about the treatment before committing to any work. To help you be well-informed about your decision, our team is happy to compile and answer some of the most common questions we get about this option. Read along or give us a call to learn more about dental bridges in Richardson today!
How Long Should a Dental Bridge Last?
A dental bridge can usually last anywhere from 5 to 15 years depending on how well you care for them and the type of material your restoration is constructed from. Its lifespan can also be influenced by factors like your diet and if you have any poor oral habits, such as teeth grinding, nail-biting, chewing on ice, and smoking. The location of your bridge can also impact how long it lasts. For instance, those replacing front teeth may last longer than bridges in the back of the mouth, as they won’t be subject to as much pressure from chewing. An implant-supported bridge will typically last much longer than a traditional one, as it will be directly anchored to your jawbone instead of abutment teeth.
Do Dental Bridges Look Natural?
Your dental bridge will be made out of metal-free zirconia that will be color-matched to your remaining pearly whites. This material will also reflect light similar to your tooth enamel, allowing your new teeth to appear as natural as ever. We’ll fabricate your bridge based on your precise impressions, so it should fit flush with the rest of your smile. Additionally, you won’t have to worry about your restoration shifting in your mouth or falling out like with dentures. Since they’re designed to remain in your mouth permanently, you can expect them to remain firmly in place for many years to come.
Can You Take a Dental Bridge Out?
Dental bridges are not meant to be removed at any time like dentures, so you shouldn’t be able to take them out whenever you want. The only one who can do this is a dental professional, especially when you require a replacement. Some healthcare professionals refer to partial dentures as “removable bridges.” However, this description is misleading. While partials and bridges share a similarity in that they can replace multiple missing teeth, only the former can be removed by the patient whenever they choose.
How Many Teeth Can a Dental Bridge Replace?
A dental bridge can typically restore between one and four consecutively missing teeth, depending on the patient’s needs. That said, most dental bridges are used to renew only one or two. This is due to the connection between their length and stability. The further a bridge extends, the less secure it is when it comes to supporting your new teeth. Replacing three or more pearly whites can make it riskier, which may lead to needing replacement prematurely. However, if your bridge is anchored to dental implants, you’ll be able to enjoy a smile with unmatched stability and strength!