Filling Gaps in Your Smile: Your Guide to Dental Bridges
Filling Gaps in Your Smile: Your Guide to Dental Bridges
Have you been hiding your smile due to missing teeth? At Dental Care of Madison, we understand how missing one or several of your teeth can impact your oral health and confidence. We are pleased to offer a comprehensive range of tooth replacement options, including dental bridges designed to match your natural teeth. Visit our practice in Madison to get your smile back on track.
What Are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges are fixed oral prosthetic devices designed to replace one or several adjacent teeth, literally "bridging" gaps in your smile. They consist of one or more artificial teeth, known as pontics, attached to dental crowns placed on natural teeth on each side of the gap, known as abutment teeth. To qualify for a dental bridge, the supporting teeth that will hold your bridge in place must be healthy and strong.
At Dental Care of Madison, our team has extensive experience designing and placing dental bridges, ensuring they blend seamlessly with your surrounding teeth. Your new replacement teeth will restore your complete, functional smile, allowing you to chew with comfort, speak clearly, and smile confidently once again.
Dental Bridges vs. Partial Dentures: What’s the Difference?
Patients often wonder how dental bridges compare to partial dentures. While both offer an effective solution to replace missing teeth, bridges offer several advantages, including the following:
- They Are Permanent and Secure: Unlike partial dentures that you’ll need to remove every night, dental bridges are permanently fixed to your teeth. You won’t have to worry about them slipping or shifting out of place at the most awkward times.
- They Are More Comfortable: Dentures can sometimes be uncomfortable, causing sore spots or irritation, especially when it comes to the lower arch. Your new dental bridge will provide a secure fit, enhancing your comfort and confidence.
- They Are Easy to Maintain: Unlike partial dentures, which require special cleaning and soaking in a denture cleaning solution every night, caring for your dental bridge is like caring for your natural teeth. Simply brush and floss regularly and visit Dental Care of Madison for your routine dental cleanings and examinations.
What Is the Dental Bridge Placement Procedure?
Your dental bridge placement procedure begins with a thorough exam to make sure the neighboring teeth are strong enough to support your new bridge. We'll also ensure they are healthy and free from decay or infection.
Once you decide to proceed, we will numb the treatment area with a local anesthetic for your comfort. Next, we will prepare the teeth on each side of the gap to accommodate the dental crowns that will hold your new bridge in place. Next, we will take digital impressions of your mouth and use a shade guide to choose the color of your new bridge that perfectly matches your natural teeth. Skilled technicians at our partner dental lab will use this information to create your new crowns and bridge. In the meantime, we will place a temporary bridge to protect your prepared teeth.
When your new bridge is ready, we will ensure it provides a perfect fit and color match before bonding it in place. We may need to make minor adjustments to ensure a comfortable fit and natural bite. Your new bridge will look, feel, and function like your natural teeth.
Will Your Bridge Look Natural?
At Dental Care of Madison, we place emphasis on creating custom dental restorations that blend beautifully and seamlessly with your natural teeth. We take digital impressions and match the shade of your new teeth to your existing smile, ensuring beautifully natural results. If your remaining teeth are stained or discolored, now is the perfect time to consider professional teeth whitening treatments to enhance your smile. Your new bridge will be created from high-quality, stain-resistant material, ensuring lasting beauty and function.
How Long Do Dental Bridges Last?
At Dental Care of Madison, we offer durable dental bridges that typically last between 5 and 15 years or even longer with proper care and maintenance. To ensure the longevity of your restoration, be sure to brush and floss regularly and avoid biting down on hard objects or foods that can damage both your natural teeth and your dental bridge. Make sure to visit Dental Care of Madison at least twice a year to ensure your dental bridge remains stable and effective for many years to come.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Bridges?
- They Are Custom-Crafted: Dental bridges are meticulously crafted to match the shade, color, and shape of your natural teeth, enhancing the appearance of your smile.
- They Improve Chewing Function: Replacing missing teeth with a dental bridge will help you chew with comfort and enjoy more of your favorite foods.
- They Help You Speak More Clearly: Your new bridge will help prevent the slurring that may sometimes occur with tooth loss, restoring your clarity of speech.
- They Prevent the Remaining Teeth from Shifting: Your replacement teeth help prevent the teeth neighboring the gap from shifting or tilting, preserving the alignment of your teeth and bite.
- They Balance Your Bite: Replacing missing teeth helps redistribute and balance the forces of your bite, lowering your risk of tooth wear or damage, periodontal disease, and even TMJ discomfort.
- They Provide a Confidence Boost: Restoring your beautiful, natural-looking smile with a dental bridge can help boost your confidence and quality of life.
- They Are Incredibly Durable: With proper care and maintenance, your new dental bridge can enhance your smile for many years to come.
Dental Bridges Near Me in Madison, MS
Looking for solutions to fill gaps in your smile? Contact Dental Care of Madison to learn more about replacing one or several missing teeth in a row with a dental bridge. Our experienced dentists and patient-centered team are dedicated to providing high-quality, durable restorations that can enhance your smile for many years to come. Call us at (601) 898-9390 to schedule your appointment, or request one online today!