Dental Bridges in Parker, CO
All About Dental Bridges
At Signature Smiles Dentistry in Parker, Colorado, we offer fixed dental bridges and permanent dental bridges to replace missing teeth and transform oral health and appearance. During your initial consultation, our dentists will determine the type of restoration best suited to you. Then, we will make a plan, begin preparations, and take teeth impressions. From there, we will make the bridge from the impressions and attach it in approximately two weeks. Discover why a dental bridge may be right for you!
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a permanent fixture that fills in for missing teeth. Types of dental bridges include fixed dental bridges, also called permanent dental bridges. A bridge fits into the gap where your tooth or teeth used to be. A dental bridge comprises two or more crowns for the teeth on either side of the opening (called abutment teeth) and a false tooth or teeth in between (called a pontic).
Do Dental Bridges Require Special Care?
Caring for your bridge is only a bit more complicated than caring for your natural teeth. Here are some tips on how to maintain your dental bridge:
- Maintain Good Oral Hygiene – Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Floss daily. Be thorough but gentle.
- Schedule Regular Dental Check-Ups – Visit your dentist regularly. During a dental cleaning, your hygienist will also clean and polish your bridge.
- Avoid Eating Hard or Sticky Foods – Chew hard or sticky foods on the opposite side of your mouth or cut them into small pieces.
- Contact Your Dentist With Problems – Reach out to your dentist if you experience problems such as pain, looseness, or sensitivity with your dental bridge.
Four Types of Dental Bridges Available in Parker, CO
The four types of dental bridges available at Signature Smiles Dentistry include traditional, cantilever, Maryland, and implant-supported options:
Traditional Dental Bridges
Traditional bridges include one or more fake teeth held in place by dental crowns. The dentist crowns one tooth on each side of the bridge as its support. These work well when you have healthy natural teeth on each side of your missing tooth gap. The downside of traditional dental bridges is the strain these bridges put on supporting teeth. There is also the permanent enamel loss these teeth suffer after fitting the crowns. Enamel does not grow back, so you cannot remove the bridge later or the crowns.
Cantilever Dental Bridges
Cantilever dental bridges work like traditional bridges, but only support the replacement tooth on one side by one crowned tooth. Wearing a bridge supported on only one side also puts all of the fake tooth’s pressure and use on your single natural tooth. This sometimes causes broken teeth and loose crowns.
Maryland Dental Bridges
Maryland bridges provide an alternative to traditional bridges. Your pontic is supported by a metal or porcelain system of frames. Your dentist bonds the framework onto two teeth next to the missing tooth. This means you do not lose tooth enamel on supporting teeth and do not need crowns. Maryland bridges sometimes work better than traditional bridges. However, when used for molars, this may result in loosening of the bridge. In addition, the bridge often fails with biting force, and its frame sometimes causes problems with your gums or bite.
Implant-Supported Dental Bridges
To replace missing teeth using implant-supported bridges, the dentist first places a dental implant in your jawbone. This post fits one or more implant crowns. You can get implants to support a row of teeth if you cannot undergo implantation for every tooth. This option gives your new teeth a natural, secure, and comfortable feeling. These permanent solutions last for decades when well cared for. Placing one or more implants involves a surgical procedure followed by recovery.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are an excellent option for restoring your smile, function, and oral health after losing one or more teeth. Benefits of dental bridges include:
- Improved Chewing Ability – Dental bridges can help you regain your chewing ability and improve your digestion.
- Protecting Remaining Teeth – When a tooth is missing, the adjacent teeth may shift or rotate into the gap, causing misalignment or damage. Dental bridges can prevent this.
- Improved Speech and Dental Function – Dental bridges can restore speech and function by replacing missing teeth that affect articulation and sound.
- Restored Aesthetics – Dental bridges can give you a natural-looking and complete smile. They can match the color and texture of your natural teeth. In addition, a well-crafted dental bridge can enhance your facial features.
Dental Bridge FAQs
Signature Smiles Dentistry knows that you may have questions about your dental bridge procedure. If you can’t find the answer here, give us a call and we’ll be happy to help.
A dental bridge can last 5-15 years or longer with proper care and maintenance.
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It’s best to care for your dental bridge as you would your natural teeth, including brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash. Avoid hard or sticky foods and visit your dentist every six months.
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A dentist can remove a dental bridge. However, do not attempt to remove your own bridge. Removing a bridge may cause damage to the supporting teeth, so it is not common.
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Brush your teeth and bridge as usual, then floss underneath your bridge with a floss threader.
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We may recommend a dental bridge for individuals with one or more missing teeth and healthy adjacent teeth or implants to support the bridge. Your dentist will evaluate your oral health and discuss your potential options.
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Contact Us for Dental Bridges in Parker, CO
Don’t wait any longer to get the smile you deserve. Contact Signature Smiles Dentistry today and let us help you achieve a healthier and happier smile! You can call us to learn more about our services and book an appointment, or you can book your visit online. Booking online is fast, simple, and secure.