Missing a Tooth? Dealing With a Damaged Tooth? We're Here for You! The Dental Team Specializes in Teeth Replacement for a Healthy Smile!
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The Dental Team dentists bring more than 100 years of combined experience to our clients. If you’re struggling with a dental issue that’s causing pain, discomfort, chewing difficulties or reduced confidence in the appearance of your smile, we may be able to help you using a dental bridge. A dental bridge is a false tooth kept in place using abutment teeth. That means that it’s secured to natural teeth or implants. One of the biggest advantages of a bridge is that it can be used to replace between one and four teeth. A dental bridge may be the best option if you have:
- A cavity that's too large to be fixed by a filling.
- A gap.
- A missing tooth.
- A cracked tooth.
- A weak tooth.
- A discolored tooth.
- A poorly shaped tooth.
If you’ve recently had an extraction, a bridge may be on the list of cosmetic options offered to you. It’s very common for a dentist to recommend a bridge if crowns and implants are not financially feasible. While a bridge may not offer the same long-term benefits of these two options, having a bridge placed is a much better option than simply leaving a damaged tooth or gap in its current state.
Why Do I Need a Bridge?
Many patients wonder why they need a bridge. Dental bridges offer many benefits over simply leaving a damaged tooth or gap “as is.” A bridge can protect and preserve your smile in some pretty significant ways that go beyond the immediate area of the damaged or missing tooth. Here’s a look at the benefits of dental bridges:
- They can help to restore your smile.
- If you're struggling to chew or speak properly due to a gap, a bridge can help to restore your ability to feel like yourself again!
- If you're missing a tooth, a bridge will help to maintain the shape of your face by preventing a "sagging" or "hollowing" effect.
- If you're struggling with your bite due to missing teeth, a bridge can help to properly distribute the force of your bite once more.
- Putting a bridge in can actually prevent your remaining teeth from drifting out of position. This is so important for avoiding the need for cosmetic and restorative procedures down the line! In addition to helping you to preserve a straight smile, a supportive bridge can also help to prevent additional bone loss.
Are All Dental Bridges the Same?
Dentists can actually offer three different types of dental bridges. The first option is something called a traditional bridge. The most popular option, a traditional bridge is formed by cementing a bridge to the adjacent teeth. This is the option that will probably be suggested for you if you have a gap that is bordered by two natural teeth.
The second option is something called a cantilever bridge. While a cantilever bridge is very similar to a traditional bridge, it’s actually a separate option that involves gluing the bridge to just one tooth. With this option, the bridge is actually held in place using a dental crown. This option may be suggested to you if you only have one natural tooth on either side of your tooth gap.
The third option is something called an implant bridge. With an implant bridge, the dentist is securing your bridge to dental implants instead of your natural teeth. This is an option to consider if you have several missing teeth.
What to Expect When Getting a Dental Bridge
Dental bridges do require a little more preparation than some of the other options for tooth restoration. Expect to come into the office at least twice when getting a custom bridge fitted for your mouth. When you show up for your first visit, we’ll prepare the abutment teeth. These are the teeth on either side of the tooth or gap requiring the bridge. During this process, we will be removing some enamel to allow for your new fixture to be placed. We’ll also make impressions of your abutment teeth to allow us to create a custom bridge. While your teeth and gums will be somewhat exposed after we remove enamel, you’ll be given a temporary bridge to keep the area protected. You’ll then be called for a second visit after your custom cap has arrived from the lab. During this visit, we’ll fit your bridge.
Are Dental Bridges Permanent?
While dental bridges aren’t permanent, they do last for a long time. Most people get at least 10 years from a dental bridge. It’s also not uncommon for a person to enjoy a problem-free bridge for up to 15 years if they practice good dental hygiene that includes routine dental visits. Regular dental exams are important because they allow your dentist to check on the state of your bridge to look for any telltale signs that it’s time for a replacement.
What Is a Dental Bridge Made From?
Most bridges are made from a combination of metal and ceramic. Porcelain over metal is commonly used for modern dental bridges. However, bridges can be made from combinations of alloys, gold and porcelain.
Is It Difficult to Clean a Dental Bridge?
Not at all! Brushing and flossing twice daily should be enough to keep your bridge clean. Keep in mind that giving the surrounding teeth the care they need to stay healthy will help to bolster the performance of your new bridge by preserving it from decay or shifting.
How Do I Find a Dentist Near Me Offering Dental Bridges
Need a cosmetic dentist? You deserve top-tier dental care in a friendly office! Let The Dental Team show you a brighter way to do dental care!
The Dental Team specializes in building custom dental bridges for our clients throughout South Florida. We’re excited to welcome you as a new patient if you need corrective dentistry done for a missing or damaged tooth. Offering more than 12 office locations throughout the region, The Dental Team makes getting a damaged tooth corrected easier than ever. If you’re seeking emergency dental services in South Florida, The Dental Team offers emergency dental care to ensure that you never allow dental pain to go untreated.
The Dental Team serves clients throughout Dade, Broward and Palm Beach with office locations in Abacoa/Jupiter, Lake Worth/Atlantis, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Boca Raton, Pompano, Fort Lauderdale, Plantation and Coral Gables. We are a family dental group offering both adult and pediatric dental services. We’re proud to share that our team of dentists offers a combined 100 years of experience! Our entire dental staff is here to provide supportive service. We understand that getting a bridge can be a stressful experience if you’re dealing with a missing, cracked or misshaped tooth. That’s why we’ll work hard to ensure that your dental visit is a comfortable, positive experience. We even offer sedation dentistry to help with easing your worries about having a dental procedure done. Don’t put off getting the dental care you deserve for one more day! Contact us here at The Dental Team today to book a consultation for a dental bridge.
