Dental Bridge
Lacey, WA
 Dental bridges are a popular cosmetic dentistry choice for people with missing teeth. These dental tools bring back your ability to chew, boost your look, and ensure your oral health is outstanding. A dental bridge is made up of dental crowns that fit over your teeth and artificial teeth that will bridge the gap that is left by missing teeth. At Brian K. Rounds, DDS, we offer dental bridges suitable for people of all ages and provide patients with pertinent information to help them make informed decisions.
What is a Dental Bridge?
Dental bridges will replace either one tooth or multiple missing teeth. We can create customized bridges that mimic the shade of your other teeth. When your teeth have a gap, our dental team puts a dental crown on the strong teeth on each side to hold up the dental bridge in the middle. These teeth are like anchors, so we call them abutment teeth. The dental bridge makes a false tooth called a pontic. This tooth can be made from materials like gold, mixtures of metals, or porcelain.
Dental bridges offer multiple benefits for people who have lost their teeth. They help to restore your appearance, which, in the long run, will increase your confidence. These dental tools will hold your remaining teeth in position and prevent them from shifting in position. Additionally, dental bridges will help to enhance the functionality of your jaw and aid in speaking and chewing.
Procedure for Dental Bridges Installation
Getting a dental bridge at Brian K. Rounds, DDS usually involves a series of dental visits. First, we reshape the abutment teeth, making them ready for the dental crowns that will be placed on them. Then, we take detailed impressions of your teeth to craft crowns that perfectly fit you.
After taking those detailed teeth impressions, we send them off to a dental lab. This part takes a bit of time, usually a few weeks. On your second visit, we fit the dental crowns, and then the bridge will be placed on the gap that exists between these two dental crowns. We first put in temporary cement to ensure that the bridge will fit well; after a few weeks of use, we can proceed to add permanent cement.
Common Types of Dental Bridges
There are various types of bridges available in our dental clinic that we can use to close gaps that are left by missing teeth. The four main types you can choose from include:
Traditional Dental Bridges
These types are the most available and consist of dental crowns and artificial teeth. We bond the dental crowns on the natural teeth present on either side of the missing teeth (gap), and then the artificial teeth available will close these gaps. We recommend this type of dental bridge for people who have healthy teeth surrounding the gap left behind by lost teeth.
Cantilever Dental Bridges
Cantilever dental bridges closely resemble traditional dental bridges. The only difference is that this type only has one crown. So when we bond this bridge on your teeth, the artificial teeth tend to hang over the gap. This method is recommended if you only have healthy teeth on just one side of the gap.
Maryland Dental Bridges
Maryland dental bridges, on the other hand, make use of metal wings rather than crowns to secure the bridge in position. We bond these wings to the surrounding teeth to ensure the bridge is in position. The method is ideal for your front teeth.
Implant-Supported Bridges
Implant-supported bridges closely resemble traditional bridges. But the dental tools will rest on dental implants rather than your natural teeth. Implants are small posts that we use to replace the roots of your missing teeth. Before we attach the bridges, we must ensure that the implants are fully integrated with your bone. The process can take several months to complete.
Advantages of Dental Bridges
If you want to enhance your aesthetics without compromising your oral health, our experts recommend dental bridges. According to the American Dental Association, 95 percent of well-maintained bridges can last over 10 years. Here are more reasons to consider these innovative appliances.
Enhances Oral Aesthetics
A dental bridge goes beyond just bringing back the function of a missing tooth - it also gives a boost to the look and color of the replacement tooth. Our skilled team knows how to craft a dental restoration that not only feels right but looks great, too. You can opt for a tooth-colored porcelain crown that resists stains, seamlessly blending in with your other teeth.
Stable Solutions
With a dental bridge, you can wave goodbye to the worry of it accidentally slipping out, a concern often associated with dentures. This bridge is securely fixed in place, ensuring a steadfast hold and eliminating the risk of unexpected movements. The only time it takes a break is during your dental cleaning sessions.
Durable Options
Dental bridges are tough dental tools, just like dental crowns. They might not be as strong as your real teeth, but with good care, they can last for about 10 years. Remember, the key is to keep the supporting teeth healthy by taking good care of your mouth.
Non-invasive Options
Many people choose dental bridges instead of options like dental implants because they are less invasive. Dental implants often need one or more surgeries, and sometimes, you might even need a bone graft if your bone mass is not enough. On the flip side, dental bridges can settle comfortably in your mouth without the need for any oral surgeries.
A Quick Fix for Missing Teeth
For a speedy fix to a missing tooth, think about getting a dental bridge. While the treatment might take a bit more time than getting just one dental crown, it is usually a quicker solution. The length of the process depends on the type and size of the dental bridge. Brian K. Rounds, DDS ensures the whole placement process is wrapped up in just two appointments.
If you are considering dental bridges, ensure you contact us at (360) 764-5236 for comprehensive guidance on this cosmetic dentistry option. Our goal is to exceed your expectations by offering the best solutions for your lost teeth.
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