Colorado Springs #1 Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are fixed dental restorations used to replace one or more missing teeth by joining an artificial tooth adjacent teeth.

What is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is made to fill the gap between teeth when one or more teeth become lost due to an injury or tooth decay. This dental bridge is made of two crowns that get placed on either side of the gap between missing teeth. False teeth become placed between these two teeth. Porcelain remains a frequently used material from which to create a bridge because it looks quite natural.

What are the Types of Dental Bridges?

Dentists will often recommend one of four types of dental bridges. Which one is best for you will depend on the health of the teeth on either side of the gap or where the gap is within your teeth. Generally, though, each bridge contains two key components:

• Abutment teeth: These are the teeth on either side of the gap. Depending on the health of the surrounding teeth, the abutment teeth may be your natural teeth, or they could be dental implants. To hold the filled tooth in place, the abutment teeth have a crown placed on them.
• Pontics: These are the false teeth or teeth that fill in (or bridge) the gap. Pontics are attached to the crown for support.

Dental bridges are typically permanent. If they are removable, they are often referred to as “denture bridges” as the pontics are attached to a base that can be taken out at night or for cleaning.

Traditional Dental Bridges

The traditional dental bridge is the most common form of a dental bridge. This bridge is used when there are healthy teeth on either side of the gap that can keep the bridge in place. Most traditional dental bridges are made from porcelain that’s melded to another material like ceramics or metal.

During the procedure to place the bridge, the healthy teeth on either side of the gap may need to be reshaped or shaved. This allows the crowns that are being placed on them to stay in place and provide enough support for the false tooth.

However, this type of bridge may not work in all settings. If there is not a tooth on one side or if either tooth adjacent to the gap is unhealthy, your dentist will need to use another type of bridge.

Cantilever Bridges

Traditional bridges use healthy teeth on both sides of the gap to keep the bridge in place. However, there are times when there may not be a healthy tooth to use. There may also be times that cosmetic reasons preclude a traditional tooth from serving as support, such as if one of the abutment teeth is towards the front of the mouth.

In cases where only one side of the gap can provide support, a cantilever bridge is used. The pontic, then, is on the outside of the abutment teeth as opposed to in between. Since there is less support on one side, cantilevered bridges must be placed extremely carefully and with thoughtful planning. If not, then it’s possible for the pontic to break or the abutment teeth to destabilize.

Maryland Bonded Bridges

Traditional and cantilever bridges are usually designed to replace teeth on the side of the mouth. If the missing tooth is a front-facing one, then your dentist will likely use a Maryland-bonded bridge. Also referred to as a resin-bonded bridge, Maryland-bonded bridges are made from metal and use porcelain that’s bonded to the back of the abutment teeth.

This type of bridge doesn’t require any healthy, natural teeth to be reshaped. It also does not require crowns to be placed on the abutment teeth. Instead, metal wings will fit behind healthy teeth. These metal wings add stability for the pontic without adding an aesthetically displeasing crown to otherwise healthy front teeth.

Implant-Supported Dental Bridges

There are times where there is a lack of healthy teeth to place the bridge. In these situations, your dentists will often recommend implant-supported dental bridges. Instead of relying on abutment teeth to support the bridge, implant-supported dental bridges use implants on which the bridge is placed.

This type of bridge is considered the strongest system available as the bridge isn’t relying on surrounding teeth for support and strength. However, because implants need to be embedded in the jawbone before the dental bridge is placed, two separate procedures are required. The first procedure places the implants and fuses them to the jawbone. The second places the actual bridge to close any gaps.

What are the Benefits of Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges provide several benefits to people. The first and perhaps most obvious is that it can improve the look of your smile. By filling in gaps, you may regain confidence in your appearance and be more comfortable smiling to show off your pearly whites. Some people may shy away from this cosmetic benefit, but it shouldn’t be dismissed. If you’re embarrassed by your smile, a dental bridge is an easy way to enhance your overall appearance.

The second benefit is an improved bite. Your teeth are a necessary part of eating, and you need them to tear, grind, and chew. With a dental bridge in place, you won’t overcompensate by keeping food only in one portion of your mouth, and you’ll enjoy a more luxurious eating experience.

Finally, dental bridges can also help with certain speech impediments. It may become easier to pronounce words which will allow you to speak more confidently.

Why do you need dental bridges?

There are many reasons that a dental bridge may be required. Some of those reasons include:

• Retain or regain your lovely smile. • Be able to chew correctly. • Be able to speak correctly. • Keep your face looking the same. • Keep your teeth adequately aligned when a tooth is missing.

What happens during the process of obtaining dental bridges?

You’ll require two appointments to have the bridge made and fitted into your mouth. At the initial appointment, Dr. Buccellato of Alpine Dentistry prepares your enamel to receive the necessary crowns for the bridge. Next, he uses the latest in technology to take a mold of your mouth and teeth to create the bridge. This information is sent to a dental lab. When you return for your second appointment, your new bridge is placed and fitted into your mouth.

Alpine Dentistry offers Dental Bridges in Colorado Springs

Alpine Dentistry is here for your dental care needs. We serve kids, seniors, and everyone in between. Our all-ages approach makes it easier to schedule appointments and ensure that everyone in your family is practicing excellent teeth health. We’re here to help with basic dental care, common procedures, and cosmetic dentistry.
 
Call us today at 719-536-0599 or contact us online to set up an appointment and keep your smile bright and healthy.