If you are missing one or more teeth, a dental bridge may be your ideal option. Dental bridges fill in any gaps between teeth and restore your smile to perfection. At Pearl White Dentistry, our Fort Lauderdale dentist, Dr. Natalia Benda-Celenski carefully evaluates your teeth and dental history to determine if a bridge is right for you.
WHAT IS A DENTAL BRIDGE?
Dental bridges, as the name suggests, are comprised of artificial teeth that literally act as a “bridge” to fill the space between your natural teeth or implants. Using dental crowns, the bridge is permanently fixed to adjacent existing teeth (called abutment teeth) that serve as anchors and provide support for the new, artificial teeth (known as pontics). Often, the abutment teeth are reduced so the crowns and bridge can fit properly. The amount of reduction required will depend on several factors, including the size of the bridge and the materials used for the bridging.
Gold, metal alloys and porcelain are the most common materials used in dental bridge procedures. During your initial dental exam, Dr. Natalia will determine the best material to use for your unique situation.
TYPES OF DENTAL BRIDGES
There are three main types of dental bridges:
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Traditional Bridges: Traditional dental bridges are the most common types of bridges. With traditional bridges, a crown is created for the abutment teeth on either side of the gap, between which a pontic is placed.
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Cantilever Bridges: These types of dental bridges are used when there are existing teeth only on one side of the missing tooth/teeth.
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Maryland Bonded Bridges: Also referred to as resin-bonded bridges, adhesive bridges, or Maryland bridges, these types of bridges involve attaching a “wing” between abutment teeth, which limits any kind of damage to these teeth.
BENEFITS OF DENTAL BRIDGES
Missing teeth can pose several threats to your smile. In addition to making you feel self-conscious, gaps between teeth can cause existing teeth to move and offset the pressure in your bite. Fortunately, dental bridges can eliminate these concerns. Dental bridges have several benefits, including:
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Filling the space between missing teeth for a seamless smile
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Restoring your ability to chew and speak properly
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Preventing existing teeth from shifting or crowding
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Maintaining facial symmetry by preventing sunken cheeks due to large gaps
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Offsetting bite issues caused by overcompensation on the side of the mouth where the gap occurs
HOW DENTAL BRIDGES ARE FITTED
Dental bridgework involves several stages. First, existing teeth or implants are prepped, often by removing a portion of the tooth the make room for the crowns that will be placed over them. Then, we take an impression of your teeth from which the bridge, pontics and crowns will be created. A temporary bridge will be placed until your next visit, during which the new bridge will be tested for proper fitting. Multiple visits may be necessary to ensure the fit is ideal before the bridge is permanently affixed.
Receive a New Dental Bridge in Fort Lauderdale By Calling Pearl White Dentistry
If you have missing teeth and are looking for “dental bridges near me,” turn to Pearl White Dentistry in Fort Lauderdale. Dr. Natalie will thoroughly evaluate your smile and determine if dental bridges are right for you. Schedule an appointment today by calling (954) 491-8812 or contact us online.
