What Are Dental Bridges?

A dental bridge essentially bridges a gap in your mouth. It involves replacing a missing tooth with a false tooth which is bonded to the natural teeth on either side of the gap. There are two main types of dental bridge. Although they can be made from a variety of materials such as gold, typically they're made from porcelain to aesthetically blend in with your natural teeth, which are permanently bonded to your natural teeth either side of the space, with the false tooth (or teeth) in the middle.

If the teeth on either side of your missing teeth are strong and healthy, you may be able to have an adhesive bridge. An adhesive bridge is a false tooth with 'wings' either side of it. These wings are bonded to the inner surfaces of the supporting teeth. This avoids the need to prepare the neighboring teeth for full coverage crowns.

What are the benefits of dental bridges?

When you have a missing tooth or missing teeth, it can affect you in a number of ways. A dental bridge can help to address those changes.

Dental bridges offer a permanent solution for missing teeth and unlike dental implants, bridges can replace missing teeth without surgery. Your new tooth can also be barely distinguishable due to the porcelain finishes that are available, meaning that a natural look is easy to achieve.

Having a dental bridge can boost your confidence by restoring your smile and make day to day activities such as eating and talking easier, by helping with your ability to chew and pronounce words properly. Replacing a missing tooth can also help protect your remaining teeth. When you have gaps, remaining teeth may lean over or move into the space, affecting the way you bite. Food can also get trapped in spaces, increasing your risk of tooth decay.

When getting dental bridges, you are making an investment in your confidence, quality of life and overall oral health and by getting a dental bridge here in Garland, Texas, you'll be well on your way to achieving that.

Dental bridges cost more than dentures but are typically more comfortable. Bridges are also an investment in your oral health, as replacing missing teeth in this way can help preserve the health of your remaining natural teeth.

How are they fitted?

To create the bridge, your dentist will take an impression of your mouth. This involves creating a plaster mold of your teeth and gums, so the bridge can be made to fit your mouth as closely as possible. At this stage, your dentist will also determine the right shade for your bridge, so it matches your natural teeth.

The bridge is then custom-made by a specialized lab technician according to the dentist's instructions. Your dentist can fit a temporary solution, such as a plastic bridge or crown, while you're waiting for your bespoke bridge to be made.

Once it's ready, your dentist will fit your new bridge. You will be given a local anesthetic injection before the procedure begins, which will block any pain from your gums, but you will stay awake during the procedure. Your dentist will ensure the fit is comfortable by checking that you bite correctly with the bridge in place.

Don't hesitate to book a consultation to see how we can help you with dental bridges in Garland, Texas.