A missing tooth can make you self-conscious about your smile and affect your bite and ability to chew and speak properly. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers solutions that can restore your beautiful smile and your oral function. A dental bridge is among the best of these solutions.
Dental bridges are fixed prostheses that replace one or multiple teeth in a row. A bridge consists of an artificial tooth called a pontic that is suspended between two dental crowns. The crowns fit over the adjacent healthy teeth on either side of the gap left by the missing tooth. These teeth are called abutment teeth and must be reshaped to accommodate the crowns.
Once the bridge is in place, the artificial tooth fills the gap in your smile, restoring its look and function. At Pure Dental, dental bridges are custom-made to match your existing teeth and fit comfortably in your mouth.
Types of Dental Bridges
Traditional Bridge
The traditional bridge is the most common type of dental bridge in Lake Ridge, VA. It has two crowns for the anchor teeth and a false tooth/teeth in between. This type of bridge is used when the teeth adjacent to the gap are both healthy.
Cantilever Bridge
A cantilever bridge is similar to a traditional bridge, but only one anchor tooth is needed instead of two. This type of bridge is typically used when there is only one healthy tooth adjacent to the gap.
Maryland Bridge
A Maryland bridge uses metal or porcelain wings that are bonded to the backs of the adjacent teeth for support. This type of bridge is typically used to replace front teeth by our dentist in Lake Ridge, VA.
Implant-Supported Bridge
An implant-supported bridge uses dental implants as anchors instead of adjacent teeth. This type of bridge is typically recommended for more significant gaps or when several teeth in a row are missing.
The Benefits of Dental Bridges
Improved Appearance
A fixed bridge restores your smile by filling in the gap left by a missing tooth. It also prevents your teeth from shifting out of position, which can alter the shape of your face and cause bite problems.
Restored Chewing Ability
Missing teeth can cause problems with eating and speaking. A bridge allows you to chew and speak properly again.
Maintains Dental Health
When a tooth is missing, the neighboring teeth may become more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease. A dental bridge in Lake Ridge, VA, helps prevent these issues from occurring.
Supports Facial Structure
The jawbone supports your face. When teeth are lost, the jawbone begins to shrink. A bridge helps to maintain your natural facial shape.
Dental bridges are a versatile and effective solution for replacing missing teeth, providing functional and aesthetic benefits. If you are missing a tooth or multiple teeth in a row, visit Pure Dental at 4565 Daisy Reid Ave. #210, Lake Ridge, VA 22192, or call (571) 285-2577 to find out if a bridge is right for you.