DENTAL BRIDGES

Filling the Gaps In Your Smile

If you are missing a tooth or several teeth in a row, a dental bridge may be the cosmetic dentistry solution for you. A dental bridge is used to close or “bridge” the gap across an area of missing teeth.

dental bridges

Missing teeth can impact speech, chewing as well as self-confidence. The adjacent teeth, also known as abutment teeth, are used to anchor the bridge in place. The bridge contains the prosthetic crowns (or false teeth) of the missing teeth. Dental bridges are supported by the natural teeth on either side of the bridge. Unlike a removable bridge, a dental bridge is a fixed prosthetic that can only be removed by a dentist.

Benefits

Dental bridges are a cosmetic dental solution that can completely restore your smile as well as the functionality of your bite. Bridges are fixed appliances that do not move or slide. Other benefits of dental bridges include:

  • Restoring the ability to properly chew food

  • Redistribute the forces in your bite to create a healthy, functioning bite

  • Maintain the shape of your face

  • Limit the remaining teeth from drifting out of proper position

If you have missing teeth, Fair Lakes Family and Cosmetic Dentistry can help determine if a dental bridge is the right cosmetic restoration for you. If you have any questions about dental bridges, please call (703) 273-4505.

What To Expect

A dental bridge requires at least two office visits to complete. Your dentist will recontour the abutment teeth by removing some of the enamel to prepare them for crowns. Impressions of the surrounding teeth will be required to precisely fabricate the bridge. Next, a temporary bridge will be placed until the permanent bridge is made in the lab. At the next dental visit, your permanent bridge will be cemented into place. It is not uncommon for you to need another dental visit to check the fit and functionality of your bite. At Fair Lakes Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, our goal is to make sure all of our patients are comfortable and adapting to their cosmetic restoration.

Happy man smiling into camera

Dental Bridges Versus Dental Implants

Like bridges, dental implants (link to dental implants page) are used to restore missing teeth. Dental implants are permanent prosthetics placed in the mouth that effectively act as fake teeth. Here are some advantages of dental bridges over implants:

Bridges are less expensive than implants, but offer the same benefits.

The typical lifespan for bridges is about ten years, making it a cost-effective but less daunting change than an implant. When it comes to your physical appearance, it can be beneficial to see what works for you before making an irreversible change!

If you are missing teeth and considering improving the overall look of your smile, it may be time to consider a dental bridge. We work with patients to collaboratively come to a decision about the best cosmetic dentistry procedure for your smile. Schedule an appointment with us by calling 703-273-4505 or filling out our online appointment form.