Dental Bridges – Owasso, OK
Fix Your Grin with Several New Teeth
You shouldn’t feel too bad about missing a few teeth. Tooth loss is more common than you’d think – studies show 120 million people in the U.S. are missing at least one chomper. That said, you don’t have to live with your unseemly smile gap. You can always get a dental bridge to solve the issue! With this prosthetic, Dr. Gaches of Infinite Smiles Dentistry will bring back your full grin. To learn more about its features, just keep reading or book a consultation today!
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is simply a kind of dental prosthetic. Designed to replace one to four teeth, it’s usually made of crowns affixed to either side of a replacement tooth (i.e., pontic). The appliance is also permanent and irremovable.
In most cases, an excellent dental bridge candidate will have the following:
- One or more missing adjacent teeth along the same arch
- Healthy teeth and bone structure that support the bridge
- Good oral hygiene practices that help support a bridge’s stability
The Types of Dental Bridges
As a first step to getting a dental bridge, you’ll have a consultation with Dr. Gaches. This visit lets him learn about your oral health, smile goals, medical history, etc. He’ll decide whether a dental bridge treatment suits you based on its findings.
If he decides to proceed, the consult details will also settle the kind of bridge right for you. As such, you can expect our office to suggest one of these two types:
Traditional Dental Bridge
The standard dental bridge is the better-known kind. It’s formed by an artificial tooth secured by dental crowns, with the latter prosthetics cemented to abutment teeth.
This bridge is best for patients with a small smile gap; it needs nearby natural teeth to work. At the same time, however, remember that placing it will remove some of your enamel.
Implant Bridge
An implant bridge doesn’t affix crowns to the artificial tooth. Rather, it uses dental implants – restorations that fit directly into the jaw. Consequently, this bridge tends to be more secure and less prone to slipping.
Compared to a traditional one, an implant bridge has several unique perks. An especially crucial one, though, is that placing it doesn’t require a dentist to remove any enamel.
The Benefits of Getting a Dental Bridge
Regardless of type, you can trust a dental bridge to solve the issues related to tooth loss. In particular, its benefits include:
- A Full, Lifelike Smile: The teeth in a dental bridge are made of high-quality materials, so they look natural and lifelike. Given that fact, you can trust this appliance to blend seamlessly with the rest of your smile.
- Reduced Risk of Oral Health Issues: Besides an unpleasant appearance, smile gaps can also house harmful oral bacteria. Fortunately, a dental bridge would fill such spaces and reduce your risk of gum disease.
- Easier Eating & Speaking: By giving you extra teeth, a dental bridge often helps you speak and eat. It’ll thus improve your quality of life!
Ultimately, a dental bridge will help your smile look new again. So, consider booking a consultation with our office today!
Dental Bridges FAQs
Is Getting a Dental Bridge Painful?
Not at all! Dr. Gaches is 100% dedicated to patient care and comfort, so he’ll take every precaution to ensure you don’t feel any pain during your procedure. In fact, the very first thing he’ll do is administer a powerful local anesthetic to completely numb the area being treated.
You may feel some pressure or vibration from the dental instruments as Dr. Gaches works, but you shouldn’t feel any sharp pain. That said, if you’re ever uncomfortable, just raise your hand and our team will adjust right away. There may be some soreness after the procedure, but this is usually mild and can be managed with generic pain relievers.
How Long Should a Dental Bridge Last?
Dental bridges are very sturdy restorations that often last 10 to 15 years or even longer. However, the actual lifespan of your bridge can vary based on several factors, including your oral hygiene habits, whether you grind your teeth, and how healthy the supporting teeth and gums are.
To get the most out of your dental bridge in Owasso, brush and floss carefully every day, avoid chewing on hard objects like ice, and visit our team regularly for checkups and professional cleanings. Taking these steps for consistent care will help you enjoy a strong, comfortable bridge for many, many years.
Is a Partial Denture the Same as a Bridge?
No. While partial dentures and dental bridges serve similar restorative purposes, they are not the same treatment. A dental bridge is permanently bonded in place, using neighboring teeth or implants as anchors to fill a gap. This means it stays in your mouth all the time and is brushed just like your natural teeth.
A partial denture, on the other hand, is removable. It uses metal or plastic clasps to hold itself in your mouth and must be taken out for cleaning and sleeping. During your consultation, our team will discuss your options with you and provide the treatment that best fits your goals, lifestyle, and budget.
How Many Teeth Can a Dental Bridge Replace?
A dental bridge is commonly used to replace one or two missing teeth in a row, but in some cases it can span three or even four teeth. However, it’s important to note that the more teeth a bridge replaces, the less stable and predictable it tends to be overall.
For larger spaces, Dr. Gaches may recommend combining dental implants with a bridge or exploring other options. During your consultation, we’ll design a solution that fits your smile and meets your needs. No matter what, you can trust that we’ll always prioritize stability and function, so you’ll be able to enjoy your restoration for years to come.