A bridge is a dental restoration that replaces one to four consecutive lost teeth. Bridges renew the appearance and function of patients’ smiles with false teeth. Adjacent teeth or implants may also secure dental bridges. At Sea of Pearls Dental Boutique, Dr. Daniela Oliveira helps patients restore their smiles with a dental bridge in East Cobb, GA.
Dr. Oliveira works with patients individually to find the proper restoration to meet their oral health goals. After a thorough examination and consultation, she will determine if a bridge is the best restoration for your needs.
Types of Dental Bridges
Dentists use several types of dental bridges to restore one or more teeth. The type of bridge you receive will depend on your budget, goals, and number of lost teeth:
- Traditional Bridge: A traditional bridge uses support from teeth on either side of the missing tooth gap. A dentist removes enamel from these teeth during traditional bridge treatment to prepare them for crowns.
- Cantilever Bridge: This type of bridge is similar to a traditional bridge. However, a Cantilever bridge uses support from one side. This bridge may not be as stable as traditional bridges for this reason.
- Maryland Bridge: A Maryland bridge uses a replacement tooth bonded to the back of adjacent teeth. The false tooth has metal wings that a dentist bonds to natural teeth. Maryland bridges benefit young patients who lose permanent teeth by offering quick treatment.
- Implant-Supported Bridge: Dental implants can support bridges instead of crowns or metal wings. Implant-supported dental bridges consist of false teeth secured by one or more implants. The number of implants you will require depends on your number of missing teeth.
Bridges may be fixed or removable. A removable bridge offers a quick fix for missing teeth. However, removable bridges are not as stable as fixed bridges. Removable dental bridges may make it challenging to eat harder or chewier foods.
Are Dental Bridges for Me?
When considering dental bridges, we take these factors into account:
- Your age
- The number of missing teeth
- Condition of natural teeth
- The size of your tooth gap
We will also ensure you have healthy jaw bone if you want implant-supported bridges. The proper bridge can prevent problems caused by missing teeth. A bridge may be right if you have multiple consecutive missing teeth. Replacing missing teeth with a bridge can prevent shifting teeth and an uneven bite. Restorations like bridges can also prevent further tooth and bone loss.
While partials may seem the same as bridges, they are different. Partial dentures can restore missing teeth in other parts of the mouth. We may recommend a bridge if you have a single row of missing teeth. However, we may recommend partials if you have multiple rows of lost teeth.
Traditional vs. Implant-Supported Bridges in East Cobb, GA
A traditional dental bridge requires support from prepared adjacent natural teeth. Tooth crowns cover these prepared teeth to secure the bridge in place. However, tooth preparation permanently changes the appearance of natural teeth. Tooth preparation is irreversible, so you must cover these teeth permanently.
Traditional bridges may not fully support the facial structure because they do not protect against bone loss. While the bridge uses support from natural teeth to stay in place, it lays on the gums. A traditional bridge does not support the underlying gum or jawbone.
Dr. Oliveira works with local specialists who surgically place dental implants. While implant-supported bridges require investment, they last longer than traditional options. Implant-supported bridges can restore bite function, prevent tooth loss, and prevent problems like facial sagging.
This is because dental implant posts restore missing teeth at the root. Once these artificial roots heal, they act like natural teeth. The titanium implant posts are permanent if you care for your dental health.
Additionally, we recommend a single dental implant over a bridge if you have one missing tooth. If you receive an implant, you will not need tooth preparation for healthy natural teeth.
Dental Bridge Treatment in East Cobb, GA
Dr. Oliveira begins dental bridge treatment by ensuring that patients have good oral health. Patients who want implant-supported bridges need enough bone tissue to support them. Dr. Oliveira will recommend bone grafting to create proper support for the implants.
She will also take digital scans and impressions of the smile to create the bridge. Dr. Oliveira sends these dental scans to a local lab that will make the dental bridge prosthetic.
Additionally, Dr. Oliveira will refer patients who want implants to a local specialist. The oral surgeon will place the implant posts into the jawbone. It takes three to six months for the implants to heal. During this time, patients will wear healing caps. Once the implants heal, you will return to our office, where Dr. Oliveira will secure the permanent bridge.
How to Care for Dental Bridges
You must brush and floss your bridges twice a day. When brushing, use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Use a toothpaste with non-abrasive ingredients.
We often recommend water flossers and proxy brushes for restorations. A water flosser uses water to flush out debris beneath the bridge. Proxy brushes use small bristles to remove debris. Flossing before brushing also allows the active ingredients in toothpaste to clean between teeth.
Remember to make regular visits to the dentist for a cleaning and exam. We will clean your natural teeth and bridge at these visits. Additionally, we will ensure your bridge is stable. You can schedule cleanings every six months to keep on top of your oral health.
Restore Missing Teeth Today
Create a complete and functional smile with a dental bridge treatment in our East Cobb, GA, office. You can request a dental appointment with Dr. Oliveira online, and we will contact you shortly. You can also call Sea of Pearls Dental Boutique today at 470.795.6677.
Don’t hesitate to let Dr. Oliveira or a member of her team know if you have questions about your restorative options. Our dental office proudly serves patients across Marietta, including East Cobb, Roswell, and Sandy Springs, GA.