Dental Bridges in Swanton, OH
A smile with one or more gaps due to missing teeth can affect many aspects of your life, from your self-confidence to your oral health and your ability to enjoy your favorite foods. A dental bridge is one of several restorations the trusted cosmetic and restorative dentists at Dental Health Associates offer to help improve the health, function and beauty of teeth. Expertly planned and crafted from high quality dental materials, a dental bridge with our Swanton dentists can make your smile feel complete again.
The Benefits of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges address an array of problems caused by missing teeth. Dental bridges can:
- Strengthen your bite, allowing you to eat and chew easier
- Alleviate jaw pain caused by an uneven bite
- Support the facial structures and help preserve a normal facial appearance
- Prevent teeth from drifting out of position
- Minimize the risk of tooth decay, gum disease and other dental issues
- Restore a natural-looking and uniform smile
Bridges are a great choice for patients who have healthy teeth on one or both sides of the gap that can support the bridge. In some cases, we may recommend an implant supported dental bridge for enhanced support. If the surrounding teeth are not able to support the bridge, we may recommend a dental implant only.
Dental bridges are also a great option for patients who have several missing teeth but dislike the idea of wearing partial dentures. Unlike a partial denture, bridges are not removable, meaning you can eat, speak and smile without worrying that your teeth will slip out.
The right dental restoration for you will depend on your specific needs and goals. Our team will recommend the best treatment option for you following a dental examination and evaluation.
Types of Dental Bridges
Traditional bridges consist of an artificial tooth, known as a pontic, with a dental crown on either side of the gap. The pontic fits in the gap and the crowns fit on the adjacent teeth.
Cantilever bridges consist of a pontic and two dental crowns positioned next to each other.
Maryland bonded bridges are composed of a pontic attached to two metal wings. The metal wings are bonded to the back of the teeth adjacent to the gap.
Dental Bridge Placement Process
The dental bridge placement process typically takes two dental appointments. In the first appointment, we will prepare your teeth for placement by taking a small amount of tooth structure from the surrounding teeth that will support the bridge. We will take impressions of your teeth, which will be used to fabricate your bridge. A temporary bridge or restoration will be placed to protect your teeth while you wait for your permanent bridge.
Once your permanent bridge is ready (typically two weeks after your first appointment), you will return to our office. We will replace the temporary restoration with the permanent bridge. Final adjustments will be made to your bridge to ensure it fits properly in your mouth. Your bridge will be cemented into place using a strong dental adhesive. Bridges are made of high-quality porcelain, which means it will blend in seamlessly with your surrounding teeth.
Regular brushing and flossing are necessary to keep your bridge functional and beautiful for many years. Dental Health Associates is committed to helping you maintain a healthier and more radiant smile. Our team will provide you with additional tips on how to care for your bridge and schedule routine dental checkups to monitor its proper function. If a problem is detected, our expert team can quickly address it.
Contact Our Swanton Dental Practice Today
If a gap left by a missing tooth is interfering with your ability to eat, speak or smile, a dental bridge placed by Dental Health Associates may be the solution. To learn more about dental bridges or the other dental restorations we offer, please contact our Swanton office to schedule a one-on-one consultation.