Missing teeth can have a serious impact on the health and appearance of your smile. If left untreated, the neighboring teeth may shift to fill in the gap, creating alignment issues with your bite. Missing teeth can also increase your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and bone loss down the road. The gaps left by missing teeth can mar an otherwise beautiful smile.
Dental bridges are an excellent option to replace missing teeth. They are an effective alternative if you are not a suitable candidate for dental implants, and they provide you with a more stable restoration than dentures.
Your dental bridge will consist of a false tooth supported by two dental crowns attached to the adjacent teeth which will serve as anchors for your prosthetic tooth. Dental bridges can replace a span of one to three teeth. In order to be a suitable candidate, your neighboring teeth must be healthy enough to support the dental bridge.
The best way to determine whether a dental bridge is the right tooth replacement option for you is to speak with Dr. Frank in person. Please call 201-792-9400 today to schedule your consultation at our Hoboken dental office.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges provide you with a variety of benefits, including:
- Eliminates gaps in your smile
- Prevents the sunken facial appearance often caused by missing teeth
- Prevents neighboring teeth from shifting out of position
- Improves your ability to chew and speak
- Distributes bite forces properly
- Restores a beautiful smile
- Reduces the risk of bone loss and gum disease
Dental Bridge Procedure
At your first visit, Hoboken cosmetic dentist Dr. Frank DePaola will prepare your neighboring teeth and take an impression of the teeth to be used in the construction of your dental crowns and bridge. You will be fit with a temporary bridge to be worn until your permanent one has been created.
Once your crowns and bridge have been completed, you will return to our Hoboken cosmetic dentistry office to have them placed. Dr. Frank will securely bond the dental crowns to your adjacent teeth and attach the dental bridge in place. Any necessary adjustments will be made at this time to ensure a proper fit.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is used to replace a missing tooth. It consists of a false tooth supported by two dental crowns attached to the adjacent teeth. The false tooth gets suspended between the two crowns like a bridge. A dental bridge can be used to replace between one and three teeth.
Am I a Candidate for a Dental Bridge?
Most people are suitable candidates for dental bridges. However, your adjacent teeth must be healthy enough to support the restoration. In general, dental bridges are recommended as an alternative for patients who are not candidates for dental implants or who prefer a less invasive option than implants.
What Are the Different Types of Dental Bridges Available?
There are three different types of dental bridges:
- Traditional fixed bridge. This option is used to replace one or more missing teeth. Traditional fixed bridges cannot be removed from your mouth, and they are held in place by two dental crowns attached to your neighboring teeth.
- Resin-bonded bridge. These dental bridges are generally used on front teeth. Your prosthetic tooth will be attached to metal bands that get bonded to your neighboring teeth.
- Cantilever bridge. These are also used on front teeth and are an ideal option if you only have teeth remaining on one side of the gap. Your false tooth will be anchored to the side with natural teeth remaining.
How Do I Care for My Dental Bridge?
Since your dental bridge must be supported by your adjacent teeth, it is important to maintain optimal levels of oral health following your procedure. Brush at least twice a day and floss once a day to prevent the development of tooth decay and gum disease that can lead to additional tooth loss. You should also visit our Hoboken cosmetic dentistry office twice a year for your regularly scheduled dental cleanings to remove the buildup of plaque and tartar which can cause serious oral health issues down the road.
How Will My Dental Bridge Impact My Ability to Eat and Speak?
Your dental bridge will make eating easier than it was with a missing tooth. You may need to eat soft foods cut into small pieces until you get used to the bridge. Your dental bridge will also make it easier to speak, eliminating many of the speech issues commonly associated with missing teeth.
Please contact The Practice at Maxwell Place using the form at the right side of the page or call 201-792-9400 today to schedule your initial dental bridge consultation. Dr. Frank DePaola serves patients in Hoboken, Jersey City, and throughout Hudson County, New Jersey.
