Cosmetic Dentistry Buyer's Guide

Understanding Dental Bridges

What Are Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges, offered at Cascade Dental, are artificial replacements for one or more missing natural teeth that are cemented into place by bridging the gap between adjacent natural teeth or dental implants. 

These custom-made restorations consist of artificial teeth, called pontics, anchored to dental crowns or abutments on either side. Dental bridges are a reliable solution to restore functionality and aesthetics, improving chewing and speech while maintaining facial structure. 

Cascade Dental’s skilled professionals ensure a precise fit and a natural appearance, enhancing oral health and the patient’s confidence. Bridges are a durable and effective way to fill gaps in the smile and support overall dental well-being.

Reasons for Choosing Dental Bridges

Dental bridges offer several advantages, making them attractive for individuals with missing teeth or those seeking an alternative to dental implants. Some reasons to consider dental bridges include:

• Restored Functionality: Bridges regain your ability to chew food and speak clearly, improving your overall quality of life.
• Improved Appearance: Bridges fill gaps left by missing teeth, enhancing your smile’s aesthetics and maintaining facial contours.
• Stability: Bridges are fixed in place, preventing movement or shifting of adjacent teeth.
• Preservation of Oral Health: Bridges help maintain proper bite alignment by replacing missing teeth and preventing gum disease and jawbone loss.
• Durability: Well-maintained bridges can last many years, providing a long-lasting tooth replacement solution.

Types of Dental Bridges

Dental bridges come in various types, each designed to meet specific needs and preferences:

Traditional Fixed Bridge

Advantages:

• Most common type of Bridge.
• Consists of artificial teeth (pontics) anchored by dental crowns on adjacent natural teeth.

Considerations:

• Requires the alteration of adjacent healthy teeth for crown placement.
• Implies potential risk to natural teeth in the long term.

Cantilever Bridge

Advantages:

• It is suitable when only one natural tooth is adjacent to the gap.
• Utilizes a single dental crown for support.

Considerations:

• It places greater stress on the supporting natural tooth.
• It may not be suitable for areas with high chewing forces.

Maryland Bridge (Resin-Bonded Bridge)

Advantages:

• Requires minimal or no alteration of adjacent natural teeth.
• Consists of a framework made of metal or porcelain that is glued to the backs of adjacent teeth for support.

Considerations:

• Less stable than traditional fixed bridges.
• It is not ideal for replacing molars or teeth subjected to strong biting forces.

Implant-Supported Bridge

Advantages:

• Offers excellent stability and chewing efficiency.
• Uses dental implants for support, preventing the alteration of adjacent natural teeth.
• Stimulates jawbone to minimize bone loss.

Considerations:

• Requires dental implant placement, which may increase treatment costs.
• Implant placement involves a surgical procedure.

How to Choose the Right Dental Bridge

Selecting the right dental Bridge involves considering several essential factors:

• Candidacy Assessment: Consult with an experienced dentist who can assess your oral health, evaluate the condition of adjacent teeth, and determine your suitability for bridges.
• Treatment Goals: Communicate your expectations and desired outcomes with your dentist to ensure the chosen Bridge aligns with your vision for your smile.
• Bridge Type: Depending on your specific case, your dentist will make a recommendation regarding the most appropriate form of Bridge, considering factors like the location of the gap and your overall oral health.
• Material: Discuss the material options for the artificial teeth (pontics) and the supporting crowns or framework with your dentist.
• Cost and Budget: Understand the cost of the entire bridge procedure, including any potential additional treatments like dental implant placement, and explore financing options.
• Experience and Expertise: Choose an experienced dentist specializing in bridges with a proven track record of successful bridge placements.
• Follow-Up Care: Ensure that your bridge provider offers comprehensive follow-up care and maintenance to monitor your Bridge’s condition and promptly address any issues.

The Dental Bridge Procedure

The installation of a dental bridge normally entails the following steps the following stages:

• Initial Consultation: Your dental health will be evaluated by your dentist, take impressions of your mouth, and discuss your treatment plan.
• Tooth Preparation (if needed): If adjacent teeth require crowns for support, they will be prepared by removing a portion of their outer structure.
• Impressions: Impressions of your mouth are taken to create custom-made artificial teeth (pontics) and supporting crowns or framework.
• Temporary Bridge (if needed): A temporary bridge may be placed to protect your teeth while the final Bridge is being fabricated.
• Final Bridge Placement: Once adjustments are made, your last Bridge is manufactured and put in your mouth.
• Follow-Up Appointments: Regular check-ups and adjustments are essential to monitor the fit and function of your Bridge and ensure your comfort.

Aftercare and Maintenance

Proper aftercare and maintenance are vital for the longevity and functionality of your dental Bridge:

• Oral Hygiene: Maintain excellent oral hygiene by cleaning your Bridge and surrounding teeth daily using a bridge floss threader or interdental brush.
• Dietary Choices: Avoid extremely hard or sticky foods that could damage the Bridge or surrounding teeth.
• Regular Dental Check-Ups: Attend regular dental check-ups to keep an eye on the state of your Bridge and to fix any issues or discomfort.

Cascade Dental and Dental Bridges

At Cascade Dental, we are committed to providing dental bridges of the highest possible quality customized to meet your requirements and preferences. The highly trained dentists and dental technicians that we employ and the cutting-edge technology and materials we provide allow us to provide our patients with the best results.

We understand that opting for dental bridges is a significant choice. Therefore, we’re committed to guiding you through each stage of the process. Contact us today to arrange a consultation and embark on the journey to restore the functionality, aesthetics, and overall quality of life linked to your smile.