If you have missing teeth, a Frisco dentist can fill in those gaps with a dental bridge. The bridge is essentially a false tooth, also known as a pontic. The teeth on either side of your gap hold the false tooth permanently in place. A dental bridge may consist of gold, porcelain, or some other durable material. The bridge’s outer surface is supposed to blend in with the natural teeth on either side of the gap. For more information about this dental appliance, reach out to Frisco Dental today at 972.335.2201.
Types of Dental Bridges
There are four main types of dental bridges that we offer at Frisco Dental, including:
Traditional Dental Bridges
A conventional dental bridge contains a false tooth or group of teeth that are stabilized by dental crowns. We secure the crown to your existing teeth. If you have teeth on either side of a single gap, then a traditional dental bridge could be your best option.
Cantilever Dental Bridges
The pontic in a cantilever dental bridge attaches to only one tooth on either side of the gap. A dentist uses cement to secure the pontic to the natural tooth. This may be the most straightforward approach to filling in a gap.
Maryland Dental Bridges
A Maryland bridge utilizes a metal or porcelain frame that the dentist bonds to the back of the natural teeth. Therefore, you must have teeth on both sides of the gap for the Maryland dental bridge to work.
Implant Supportive Dental Bridges
Instead of using traditional crowns, a dentist will attach the pontic tooth to the natural teeth using a dental implant. This surgical procedure holds the bridge in position. Implant-supported dental bridges are perfect if you have more than one gap back to back.
Who Needs This Dental Appliance?
With so many possible solutions for filling in a gap, you may be wondering if you are a candidate for a dental bridge. A dental bridge provides several benefits that include:
- Restoring your full smile with no gaps in your teeth
- Improving your ability to chew using a complete set of teeth
- Improving your ability to talk with clear pronunciation
- Helping you maintain the shape and contour of your face
- Allowing you to chew in a more balanced manner
- Preventing other teeth from getting damaged or coming loose
The best way to determine if a dental bridge is right for you is to visit your dentist at Frisco Dental Associates. We can diagnose your medical condition and then make recommendations based on accurate test results. Whether you choose tooth bridges or another treatment, you do not have to live with missing teeth any longer.
What Does The Process Involve?
The process of getting a dental bridge involves two appointments. During the first appointment, the adjacent anchor teeth are prepared and re-contoured. Next, your dentist will make an impression for the prepared teeth from which we’ll make a custom bridge to replace the missing space. A temporary bridge is placed on the prepared teeth to preserve the gum and space around the missing area.
At the next visit, your dentist will remove the temporary bridge and place the final bridge using permanent cement. It is adjusted to match your natural bite and your adjacent natural teeth.
How Can You Care For Your Dental Appliance?
Once we place your dental bridge, you will need to take proper care of it as you would your other teeth. We recommend that you brush your teeth twice a day and floss in between your teeth. We also recommend that you schedule regular checkups with your dentist. If you ever sense something wrong with your dental bridge, please schedule an exam immediately. This action allows us to take care of the issue before it turns into a costly medical problem.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
If you are ready to fill in the gaps, contact Frisco Dental Associates today. We offer complete dental bridges in the Frisco, TX area. Call us at 972.335.2201 to schedule a consultation with a specialist. We are here to help you restore your smile.