Living with a missing tooth creates more than just a gap in your smile – it affects how you eat, speak, and feel about yourself in social situations. A dental bridge offers a reliable, natural-looking solution to replace missing teeth, restoring both function and aesthetics. This fixed prosthetic device literally “bridges” the gap where one or more teeth are missing, providing stability to your bite and preventing remaining teeth from shifting out of position.
At Elizabeth L. Wakim, DDS, we provide custom-designed dental bridges tailored to your unique needs and appearance. Our team uses advanced digital technology and facial analysis to ensure your restoration blends seamlessly with your natural teeth. We understand how a complete, beautiful smile contributes to your overall confidence and quality of life, which is why we focus on creating bridges that look, feel, and function like natural teeth.
Types of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges come in several varieties, each designed to address specific clinical situations and patient needs. Understanding the differences can help you make an informed decision about your dental care.
Traditional Bridges
Traditional bridges are the most common type and consist of one or more artificial teeth (pontics) held in place by dental crowns cemented to the natural teeth on either side of the gap. These adjacent teeth, called abutment teeth, provide support and stability for the bridge. Traditional bridges are incredibly durable and can last many years with proper care and maintenance.
Cantilever Bridges
When natural teeth are present on only one side of the gap, a cantilever bridge may be used. This type of bridge attaches to one or more natural teeth on just one side, making it useful in areas with less bite force, such as front teeth. While less common than traditional bridges, cantilever bridges offer a solution for specific situations where a traditional bridge isn’t possible.
Maryland Bridges
For patients concerned about preserving healthy tooth structure, Maryland bridges offer a more conservative approach. These bridges use metal or porcelain frameworks bonded to the backs of adjacent teeth rather than requiring full crowns. While less invasive, they aren’t as strong as traditional bridges and work best for front teeth, where biting forces are lighter.
The Dental Bridge Process
Getting a dental bridge typically involves several steps spread over two or more appointments. Our streamlined process ensures you receive a comfortable, aesthetically pleasing restoration that enhances your smile.
First, we conduct a thorough examination using digital imaging to assess your oral health and determine if a bridge is the right solution for your needs. We evaluate the strength of supporting teeth, bone structure, and your bite pattern to ensure long-term success.
During your preparation appointment, we gently reshape the abutment teeth to make room for crowns and then take precise digital impressions of your teeth. These impressions serve as the blueprint for your custom bridge. While your permanent bridge is being crafted in a dental laboratory, we place a temporary bridge to protect your prepared teeth and maintain your appearance.
At your final appointment, we remove the temporary bridge and carefully check the fit, color, and bite of your permanent bridge before securing it in place. We make any necessary adjustments to ensure your bridge feels comfortable and functions properly.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges offer numerous advantages that extend beyond simply filling a gap in your smile:
- Restoration of proper chewing and speaking ability
- Maintenance of face shape by preventing bone loss
- Prevention of remaining teeth from drifting out of position
- Distribution of bite forces properly across your teeth
- Enhanced self-confidence with a complete, natural-looking smile
- Fixed solution that doesn’t require removal for cleaning
With proper care, including regular dental checkups and good oral hygiene practices, your dental bridge can provide reliable service for many years, making it an excellent investment in your oral health and overall well-being.
Caring for Your Dental Bridge
Maintaining your dental bridge requires diligent oral hygiene and regular dental visits. Daily brushing and flossing around and under the bridge helps prevent decay in supporting teeth and gum disease that could compromise your restoration. Special floss threaders or interdental brushes can help clean underneath the pontic where a regular toothbrush can’t reach.
Restore Your Smile and Confidence
At Elizabeth L. Wakim, DDS, we combine technical precision with an artistic eye to create dental bridges that restore both function and aesthetics. Our facially-driven approach ensures your restoration complements your unique features for truly natural-looking results.
To learn more about how a dental bridge can transform your smile and restore your confidence, contact our office at (724) 558-8222 or through our contact form.