Dental bridges: The route to a healthier, more appealing smile
At All About Beautiful Smiles, we can bridge the gaps between teeth. Our talented and accomplished cosmetic and restorative dentist, Dr. Tejumade St. Matthew-Daniel, fills empty spaces in the smile with a (fittingly-titled) treatment: the dental bridge.
And today’s patients in Orlando, Florida and beyond have more options to replace their teeth with bridges than ever before. Since Dr. St. Matthew-Daniel stays on top of the latest procedures and the technologies to support them, you can benefit from both precision “conventional” bridges as well as “hybrid” ones that are supported by dental implants secured in the jaw. These implants function as tooth roots to stabilize the bridge.
An introduction to bridges treatment
Bridges may be appropriate for patients who need to replace one tooth or a few teeth. The bridge is made up of three parts:
- The pontic or replacement tooth (more pontics may be made to replace additional teeth)
- A dental crown to cover the abutment or anchor tooth to the left of the pontic
- Another crown to be placed on the top of the anchor tooth to the right or on the other side of the pontic
The pontic is held in place by the abutments or anchor teeth. They need to be “crowned” to provide utmost stability to the replacement tooth. All crowns require the removal of some tooth structure. So, each crown fits properly on top of the reduced tooth. The crowns are fused or connected to the pontic. Then, this dental bridge is fixed or cemented securely to the anchor teeth as a single unit or piece. The replacement tooth is not going anywhere! Just be sure to clean underneath the bridge properly to keep germs and other damaging substances at bay. We can show you tips and recommend products to make this easier for you to do.
Bridges the implant-supported way
As a provider of advanced and highly specialized services, Dr. St. Matthew-Daniel offers complete implant care. If you need to replace a single tooth, an implant-supported crown may be in your future. She introduces the implant or artificial tooth root to the jawbone. The implant naturally heals or grows with the surrounding bone. Once it is effectively a “part” of the jaw, the dental crown is connected to it to restore the structure and appearance of the tooth. For patients who are missing additional teeth, the implant-supported bridge may be in your future.
Instead of depending on the neighboring, crowned anchor teeth for stability, the pontics are supported by dental implants. The crowns in the dental bridge go on top of and attach to implants instead of natural prepared teeth. This option is conservative. It preserves otherwise healthy tooth structure by leaving the neighboring teeth alone. It also promotes the strength and health of the bone in the jaw, and can be cared for like natural teeth (without special cleaning tools and techniques).
To find out more about your options for treatment with bridges, call All About Beautiful Smiles in Orlando, FL, today at (407) 954-8448.
Dental Bridges: A Solution for Missing Teeth
What is dental bridge work?
A dental bridge is used to replace one or several missing teeth. It is especially suitable for areas with insufficient bone for other tooth replacement options. A bridge utilizes the neighboring teeth for support, particularly when the missing tooth area includes a tooth with a failing large filling or requires a crown. Thus, a bridge not only replaces missing teeth but also helps protect and support adjacent teeth.
What is the difference between a bridge and dentures?
The primary difference between a bridge and dentures is that a bridge is fixed in your mouth, whereas dentures are removable. This makes bridges more convenient as they do not need to be taken in and out.
What are the pros and cons of dental bridges?
A significant advantage of dental bridges is their permanence in the mouth, eliminating the need for removal. However, a notable downside is the need for meticulous cleaning around the bridge. Regular flossing is not sufficient; special techniques, such as using a floss threader, are necessary to clean under the bridge and prevent decay on the anchoring teeth.
What are different types of dental bridges?
Dental bridges vary based on their location, the materials used, and their specific function. During a consultation, we can show you models to help you understand the type of bridge suitable for your needs.
What is a removable dental bridge versus a fixed dental bridge?
A removable dental bridge can be taken out and put back in, but this may be inconvenient. In contrast, a fixed dental bridge is permanently set, offering the convenience of ‘set it and forget it’.
What is a cantilever dental bridge?
A cantilever dental bridge is used to replace a missing tooth without affecting the adjacent tooth. It is similar to a regular bridge but only anchored on one side, often used in areas with low chewing pressure. It’s less common but a viable option in specific cases.
How can a dental bridge help those with gum disease?
For individuals with gum disease who have lost one or more teeth, dental bridges offer a solution for tooth replacement.
Is dental bridge work painful?
Dental bridge work can be a comfortable experience. Ensuring patient comfort is our first priority, leading to a pleasant procedure as reported by many of our patients.
What does the dental bridge placement procedure involve?
The procedure for placing a dental bridge involves preparing the teeth around the missing space, taking an impression, and then providing a temporary bridge. After a couple of weeks, the permanent bridge is fitted, cemented, and adjusted to ensure a perfect bite and tooth contact.
How long does a dental bridge last?
With proper home care and regular dental cleanings, a dental bridge can last a lifetime. We provide tips for maintaining your bridge and regular check-ups to address any potential issues promptly.
I hope this information has been helpful. If you have further questions, please feel free to contact us. My team and I are ready to assist you and schedule an appointment promptly.
Dr. St. Matthew-Daniel, a highly skilled and accomplished dental luminary since 2005, leads All About Beautiful Smiles. Her expertise spans cosmetic dentistry, laser-based periodontal surgery, dental implants, Invisalign®, endodontics, and sleep apnea.
A University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine graduate, she pursued advanced training at Seton Hall University, gaining mastery. A pioneer in dental implantology, she holds a Mastership from The International Congress of Oral Implantology. Her passion for excellence led her to the Strupp Post Graduate School of Dentistry and the Misch Implant Institute. Driven by service, she founded the Future Dentists Club. Trust her for a remarkable dental journey!
