Dental Bridges

Durango, CO

What is a dental bridge?

A bridge is a fixed prosthetic that can be an effective solution in cases of partial tooth loss. It is exactly as the name suggests, a bridge that replaces lost teeth between your remaining strong ones. However, in order to qualify for a dental bridge, you must have remaining teeth that are strong enough to support it. If you do, we will place dental crowns on those teeth so they can serve as anchors to hold up a gum-colored base that we can use to secure the bridge. Essentially, your remaining teeth provide the support necessary for ensuring your new tooth or teeth stay in place.

A dental bridge is an oral prosthetic that closes the space left by multiple missing teeth. It has two main components: artificial teeth called pontics and crowns called abutments placed on the two teeth closest to the space on both sides. The artificial teeth can be made from various materials like gold, silver, and other metals, but porcelain pontics are the most popular since they look just like natural teeth.

How a Dental Bridge is Held in Place

The type of dental bridge being installed in the patient’s mouth often dictates how the dentist goes about anchoring it down. Let us take a look at the four main types of dental bridges used in dentistry:

1. Conventional dental bridge

   Traditional dental bridges are anchored down on the two teeth closest to the gap left by missing teeth. Crowns are usually placed on these teeth to strengthen them so they can provide more stability for the bridge. Preparing the abutments from crowns requires taking off enamel from their sides. That permanently leaves them altered, so they will always need a restoration to serve as their artificial enamel.

2. Cantilever dental bridge

   Cantilever bridges are similar to traditional bridges, but there is one significant difference; the pontics are anchored down to only one abutment. These types of bridges are typically recommended when there is only one tooth next to the space left by lost teeth.

3. Maryland dental bridge

   These also use two abutments like traditional bridges, but it does not require placing crowns on the teeth closest to the gap. Maryland bridges use a porcelain or metal framework bonded to the backside of the two teeth closest to the gap.

4. Implant-supported dental bridge

   Implant-supported bridges might be recommended for patients who want a complete missing teeth solution. Implants are metal rods that serve as artificial teeth roots, and they help prevent the bone tissue loss that takes place when a tooth is lost.

   Implants also happen to be one of the pricier ways to replace missing teeth, so dentists often recommend combining them with other restorations to reduce costs. That way, the patient still gets the bone preserving properties of implants while saving a considerable about of money. To keep things in perspective, the price of a single implant is typically more than the cost of a full set of dentures.

   Implant-supported bridges involve inserting implants at the two ends of the space left by missing teeth and placing crowns on them. These crowns then serve as abutments that hold pontics that replace the rest of their missing teeth in place.

Why should I get a dental bridge?

Some of the benefits of replacing missing teeth with dental bridges include:

• Improves the patient’s smile

• Restores speech

• Improves chewing ability

• Helps to preserve the shape of the patient’s teeth

• Prevents the patient’s remaining teeth from moving out of their proper alignment

What can I expect from the procedure?

When you visit our dentist office for a dental bridge, we will begin by conducting an examination and taking X-rays. We need to determine whether your remaining teeth are strong enough to support a bridge. We also need to make sure you do not have any decay or infections. If you do, we will treat the problem before placing your bridge. Afterward, we will prepare your abutment teeth for the placing of dental crowns. We remove a small portion of the enamel from around the teeth. Next, we will take measurements, make an impression, and use a shade card to determine what shade your new teeth need to be. This information will all be sent to the dental lab to create your new crowns and bridge. In the meantime, we will place a temporary bridge in your mouth. This will not look as good or be as secure as the final product, but it will preserve your appearance while you wait.

Once your new bridge is ready, you will need to come back to our Durango, CO dentist office so we can remove the temporary bridge and bond the new one in place in place. We may need to make some minor adjustments during the fitting process and will do what is necessary to ensure that it fits correctly, is comfortable, and looks natural. Taking the time to do so will help you to enjoy your new teeth now and in the future.

Will my dental bridge look natural?

Absolutely. At Durango Dentistry, we will take every step necessary to ensure they look natural and fit perfectly. We begin by taking accurate measurements and also matching the shade of your prosthetic with your surrounding natural teeth. If your other teeth are stained or yellow, now is an excellent time to whiten them since we will create your new teeth using materials that are both resistant to stain and bleach.

Will getting a dental bridge be uncomfortable?

At Durango Dentistry, we can provide you with anesthesia to help you remain comfortable while getting your new dental bridge. The only time anesthesia may be necessary is when we are preparing your teeth or when we are securing your bridge in place. Feel free to let us know how you are feeling about the procedure and will help you to relax.

How long does a dental bridge last?

The duration of a dental bridge is different for everyone and is impacted by your daily habits. However, fixed dental bridges can last for 15 years or even longer. On the short end, they tend to last for five years. One thing to keep in mind is that the overall health of your mouth will influence the longevity of your bridge. Since the natural teeth with dental crowns determine the stability of the bridge, you must keep your natural teeth healthy. We recommend you do so by visiting our Durango, CO dental office for a teeth cleaning and dental examination twice a year. We can remove built-up plaque to prevent decay and infections. If you develop any oral health problems, we will address them immediately. We will prevent the problems from spreading do not spread and your mouth can remain in excellent health.

How does a dental bridge compare to standard dentures?

When you visit our dental office, we can discuss what the differences will be like from the perspective of the treatment and process. Generally speaking, the most significant difference between a dental bridge and dentures is that dentures are removable. Since they need to come out nightly, you will not have a full set of teeth 24/7. Simultaneously, anything removable runs the risk of becoming loose or even falling out at inconvenient times. For this reason, patients may be uncomfortable wearing dentures and prefer a more secure solution. If you are wearing dentures currently and find that you have difficulty eating your favorite foods, laughing loudly, or playing sports when wearing them, consider this alternative.