Dental Bridges
Losing one or more teeth can make a difference in how you chew and speak. If teeth are lost or need to be extracted, crowns are no longer an option. However, the situation may not call for implants. We may be able to restore your smile and function with a dental bridge. Creedmoor Family Dentistry can create and place a bridge that will keep you looking happy, healthy, and confident.
What Are Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge is just what it sounds like – a set of one or more artificial teeth that “bridges” the gap where the natural teeth once were. Dental bridges can be made of metal, porcelain, or a combination of both and are attached to the adjoining teeth for support. They can be removable, so that you can take them out and clean them, or fixed, which can only be removed by Dr. Willis.
Dental bridges are supported by two crowns, or caps, for the anchoring teeth on either side of the gap (abutment teeth), and the artificial teeth (pontics) can be made from gold, alloys, or porcelain. They can also be supported by implants, which fix the pontics to the jawbone or under the gum tissue. It may be possible to have a combination of both abutment teeth and implants to secure the bridge. Talk to Dr. Willis to see which option would be best for you.
Ideal Candidates for Dental Bridges
If you are missing one or more consecutive teeth, come to Creedmoor Family Dentistry to see about having a dental bridge placed. While you may need a partial denture if you’re missing several teeth, a dental bridge may suit you too.
You must have healthy gums before Dr. Willis can proceed with placing your bridge. If you feel an implant-supported bridge is the right choice, you will need to have enough healthy jawbone to support the implant posts. Dr. Willis will conduct a complete examination to get an accurate map of your facial structure to determine your fitness for an implant bridge. Bone grafting can help to create a stronger foundation, as well as enhance your jaw. Unchecked gum disease will be treated before the bridge is placed.
The Process of Getting a Dental Bridge
During your first visit, Dr. Willis will prepare the abutment teeth by reshaping them, followed by making impressions for the bridge. You will receive a temporary bridge to wear while the actual bridge is being created, to protect your exposed gums and teeth. During your second visit, Dr. Willis will remove the temporary bridge and place the permanent one, checking and adjusting it for a proper fit.
If you are receiving an implant-supported bridge, you will see your oral surgeon to have the posts embedded. Once they have healed, Dr. Willis will fit you with your bridge, which are placed on abutments that are supported by the implants.
The Benefits of Dental Bridges
Whatever type of bridge you receive, you will see significant results in both your dental functionality and your personal appearance. Thanks to new dental technology, Dr. Willis can make your dental bridge practically indistinguishable from your natural teeth. Contact Creedmoor Family Dentistry if you wish to discuss having a dental bridge made for you.
What Are Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge is just what it sounds like – a set of one or more artificial teeth that “bridges” the gap where the natural teeth once were. Dental bridges can be made of metal, porcelain, or a combination of both and are attached to the adjoining teeth for support. They can be removable, so that you can take them out and clean them, or fixed, which can only be removed by Dr. Willis.
Dental bridges are supported by two crowns, or caps, for the anchoring teeth on either side of the gap (abutment teeth), and the artificial teeth (pontics) can be made from gold, alloys, or porcelain. They can also be supported by implants, which fix the pontics to the jawbone or under the gum tissue. It may be possible to have a combination of both abutment teeth and implants to secure the bridge. Talk to Dr. Willis to see which option would be best for you.
Ideal Candidates for Dental Bridges
If you are missing one or more consecutive teeth, come to Creedmoor Family Dentistry to see about having a dental bridge placed. While you may need a partial denture if you’re missing several teeth, a dental bridge may suit you too.
You must have healthy gums before Dr. Willis can proceed with placing your bridge. If you feel an implant-supported bridge is the right choice, you will need to have enough healthy jawbone to support the implant posts. Dr. Willis will conduct a complete examination to get an accurate map of your facial structure to determine your fitness for an implant bridge. Bone grafting can help to create a stronger foundation, as well as enhance your jaw. Unchecked gum disease will be treated before the bridge is placed.
The Process of Getting a Dental Bridge
During your first visit, Dr. Willis will prepare the abutment teeth by reshaping them, followed by making impressions for the bridge. You will receive a temporary bridge to wear while the actual bridge is being created, to protect your exposed gums and teeth. During your second visit, Dr. Willis will remove the temporary bridge and place the permanent one, checking and adjusting it for a proper fit.
If you are receiving an implant-supported bridge, you will see your oral surgeon to have the posts embedded. Once they have healed, Dr. Willis will fit you with your bridge, which are placed on abutments that are supported by the implants.
The Benefits of Dental Bridges
- A dental bridge will restore your smile, helping you to greet others with more confidence, and help you to maintain your oral hygiene.
- A dental bridge will restore your ability to properly chew and speak and keep the force in your bite by replacing missing teeth.
- A dental bridge will maintain the shape of your face by continuing to support your facial muscles, which can sag after tooth loss, and prevent your remaining teeth from drifting out of place.
Whatever type of bridge you receive, you will see significant results in both your dental functionality and your personal appearance. Thanks to new dental technology, Dr. Willis can make your dental bridge practically indistinguishable from your natural teeth. Contact Creedmoor Family Dentistry if you wish to discuss having a dental bridge made for you.
