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Dental bridges serve as an effective solution for replacing one or more missing teeth by literally bridging the gap between healthy teeth. Missing teeth can affect not only your smile’s appearance but also your ability to chew and speak properly. At White Birch Family Dental, we offer custom dental bridges designed to restore function, improve aesthetics, and maintain the natural alignment of your teeth.
When a tooth is lost, surrounding teeth may shift out of place, causing bite problems and increasing the risk of gum disease and jawbone deterioration. Dental bridges help prevent these issues by stabilizing your bite and distributing chewing forces evenly. They are a durable and natural-looking option for those seeking to regain confidence and oral function after tooth loss.
A dental bridge typically consists of two or more crowns placed on the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth or teeth, known as abutment teeth, with a false tooth or teeth called pontics in between. These pontics fill the gap and are custom-crafted to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless appearance.
The process begins with a thorough examination and treatment planning at White Birch Family Dental. After preparing the abutment teeth by removing a small amount of enamel, impressions are taken to create a precise mold. This mold is sent to a dental laboratory where skilled technicians fabricate your bridge. Meanwhile, a temporary bridge protects your teeth and gums. Once your permanent bridge is ready, it is carefully fitted, adjusted, and cemented into place.
Dental bridges restore chewing efficiency, support proper speech, and prevent neighboring teeth from drifting out of position. With proper care, they can last many years, providing a long-term solution for missing teeth.
There are several types of dental bridges available, each suited to different clinical situations and patient preferences. The most common type is the traditional fixed bridge, which uses crowns on either side of the gap for support. This type is ideal when healthy teeth flank the missing tooth.
Other options include cantilever bridges, where the pontic is supported by a crown on only one side, often used when a tooth is missing at the end of a dental arch. Maryland bridges employ a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the backs of adjacent teeth, requiring minimal alteration of those teeth.
Your dentist at White Birch Family Dental will recommend the best type of dental bridge based on the location of the missing tooth, the condition of surrounding teeth, and your overall oral health goals.
Dental bridges offer several advantages beyond simply filling the space left by missing teeth. They help restore your ability to chew a wide variety of foods comfortably, which supports overall nutrition and digestion. Bridges also contribute to clearer speech by maintaining proper tooth alignment and preventing speech difficulties that can result from gaps.
Additionally, dental bridges preserve the shape of your face by preventing bone loss and soft tissue collapse that occur when teeth are missing. This helps maintain a youthful and balanced facial appearance. Bridges also distribute bite forces evenly, reducing stress on remaining teeth and the jaw joint.
At White Birch Family Dental, we prioritize creating dental bridges that blend naturally with your existing teeth, so you can smile confidently without worry about noticeable gaps or mismatched restorations.
Proper care is essential to prolong the life of your dental bridges and maintain overall oral health. Brushing twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing regularly around the bridge are critical to prevent plaque buildup and gum disease. Special floss threaders or interdental brushes can help clean beneath the pontic where food particles tend to accumulate.
Regular dental visits for professional cleanings and checkups at White Birch Family Dental allow us to monitor the condition of your bridge and surrounding teeth, addressing any concerns early. Avoiding hard or sticky foods can also protect the integrity of your bridge.
With diligent care and routine maintenance, your dental bridges can serve you well for many years, keeping your smile complete and functional.
Dental bridges are a reliable and effective treatment option for replacing missing teeth, helping restore both function and appearance. At White Birch Family Dental, we are committed to providing personalized care and high-quality restorations tailored to your unique dental needs. Our expertise ensures that your dental bridge fits comfortably, looks natural, and enhances your oral health.
If you are experiencing the challenges of missing teeth or want to explore options for restoring your smile, contact White Birch Family Dental today. Together, we will develop a comprehensive treatment plan that helps you regain confidence, comfort, and a beautiful smile for years to come.
Your new bridge is customized to the exact specifications of your smile. Before cementing to the underlying teeth or affixing it to the supporting implants, the shade, occlusion, and all aspects of its fit get carefully checked. In addition to being designed to blend seamlessly with your smile, it's also made to suit your bite and withstand all manner of oral function. We take great care to make sure your new restoration looks great, fits well, and that your bite feels comfortable.
Replacing missing teeth with a dental bridge is a worthwhile investment in the look, health, and function of your smile. While many dental insurances offer coverage for a dental bridge, and some toward the cost of implants, the benefits and amounts can vary significantly from plan to plan. At the office of White Birch Family Dental, we understand the financial considerations involved in care and do all we can to help patients begin treatment without any additional stress or delay. In addition to doing our best to optimize your dental benefits, we also offer several payment and financing options. Feel free to contact our office if you have any questions on the cost of care, dental insurances, financing plans, or acceptable forms of payment.
Now that your new permanent crown or bridge is in place, it's essential to maintain good oral hygiene. With proper care, your new restorations will last for years to come. Make sure to brush and floss as instructed. We'll show you how to floss under your dental bridge to keep your new smile clean and bright. Remember to make appointments for your routine checkups and professional cleanings.
The standard answer is that with routine dental visits and good home care, a bridge can last ten to fifteen years, and in many cases, much longer.
At the office of White Birch Family Dental, we fabricate your bridge from the highest quality dental materials to achieve the most cosmetically pleasing and lifelike results of care. It's also customized to the exact specifications of your smile and designed for optimal aesthetics, strength, and stability. Once fabricated and cemented into place, you'll feel confident sharing your smile, speaking, and eating your favorite foods.
As your trusted partner in care, we analyze every aspect of your smile to develop a treatment plan that provides aesthetically pleasing, healthy, and long-lasting results of care.
For more information on dental bridges, or any services we provide, give us a call today.
Offering personalized, cutting-edge dental care to protect, improve, and restore smiles with expertise and care.