It’s Easy to Fix a Gap in Your Smile
A dental bridge is a natural-looking restoration for missing teeth. Bridges are held in place using crowns or dental implants. A bridge will enhance your oral health by filling the empty gap, preventing your other teeth from shifting around. It’s a safe and affordable way to restore your smile.
A dental bridge is designed to last for several years. All you have to do is visit Corner Stone Dental for regular checkups and provide your teeth with routine home care to maintain your attractive new smile.
Traditional Dental Bridges
The traditional type of dental bridge contains a prosthetic tooth known as a pontic. A pontic is held in place by fastening it to dental crowns at each end of the gap. The teeth that support the crown are referred to as abutment teeth. A dental bridge is designed to look just like one of your natural teeth, giving you a flawless smile.
When caring for your dental bridge, you’ll want to make sure you clean underneath the pontic to prevent the accumulation of plaque and debris. Fortunately, there are special dental implements available for this purpose.
Get a New Bridge in Just a Few Weeks
It only takes a few weeks for our dentists at Corner Stone Dental to place a traditional dental bridge. This typically requires two visits to our Swansea dental office. At your first appointment, your teeth are prepared for crowns and an impression is made to create the bridge.
While you’re waiting for your permanent bridge, we’ll give you a temporary one so you won’t have space in your smile. When you return for your second appointment, we’ll place your permanent bridge.
Implant-Supported Bridges
If you’re looking to restore two or more missing teeth that are adjacent to each other, our dentist may recommend an implant-supported bridge. An implant-supported bridge uses dental implants instead of crowns to secure the restoration in place. Implant-supported bridges are very stable, providing outstanding comfort and support when you’re eating.
It takes longer to restore your missing teeth with an implant-supported bridge because the bones in your jaw will require about three to five months to become fully integrated with your dental implants.
Repairing a Dental Bridge
If your dental bridge becomes broken or it doesn’t fit correctly, call our office right away at (618) 236-0501 so we can fix your problem. We’ll fit you in for an appointment as soon as we can. Our dentists can repair or replace your bridge even if it was originally placed by another dentist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most dental insurance companies cover at least a portion of the cost of a dental bridge. To learn about the specifics of your plan, contact your provider. If you have any questions about our payment and financing options, just give us a call at (618) 236-0501 and we’ll be happy to help.
Yes, dental bridges are safe. They promote oral health by protecting sensitive and vulnerable areas of the gums that could become infected more easily. They also help prevent your natural teeth from shifting position.
You’ll wear your temporary bridge between your first and second appointment, while the permanent bridge is being created. Once your permanent bridge is ready, your dentist will remove the temporary bridge and place the permanent one.
Dental bridges last for a long time, with many remaining functional for 10 years or longer. Taking proper care of your bridge, including regular brushing and flossing in addition to visiting your dentist for regular dental cleanings, will help it last as long as possible. Our staff can also advise you on special cleaning products to use to keep the area around your bridge safe from infection.