Getting Your Smile From “Point A” To “Point B,” How Dental Bridges Close The Gaps To Replace Missing Teeth
The Bell Dental Group “specializes” in crafting beautiful, healthy smiles. And when teeth cannot be preserved through means such as nonsurgical root canal therapy, Dr. Alonzo Bell can design high-quality prosthetic teeth.
Dental bridges are among the most time-tested forms of tooth replacement. While there are many such bridge “designs,” modern dental bridges are largely permanent (non-removable) and are indistinguishable in feel, appearance, and function from natural and healthy teeth.
Our office in Alexandria, Virginia, encourages prompt tooth replacement with the likes of bridges. You avoid many distressing and life-altering complications by quickly replacing gaps in your smile. These consequences include:
- Imbalances in your “bite,” which alter everyday functions (such as chewing food)
- Neighboring teeth that shift and move toward the gaps
- A lack of variety in your diet due to problems with chewing
- Poor digestion (also due to difficulties with eating)
- Problems with cleaning between crowded, crooked, and otherwise unevenly spaced teeth
- Dental decay and gum disease risks because of challenges in cleaning misaligned teeth
- Symptoms of TMJ dysfunction; for instance, chronic headaches, earaches, lockjaw, tinnitus, facial and jaw pain
- Bone loss or “resorption,” which arises when the supporting bony tissues in the jaw do not get the stimulation they need to stay strong (due to a lack of teeth)
Dental bridges may be a great choice to prevent or stop the above complications in their tracks. They can be a great choice for individuals who need to replace one or some missing teeth. They may also be attractive to individuals concerned about the expense associated with dental implant-supported crowns, bridges, and dentures. It should be noted that we work hard to remove any barriers to patients getting their preferred dental treatments. We offer in-office dental savings plans and financing through CareCredit® and are always here to navigate financial and other challenges with you.
Bridges are also attractive because they can be completed in a few visits. They are not as invasive as surgical procedures required to place implants in the jawbone. Patients with existing bone loss also appreciate that bridges do not require additional procedures to build up the lost bone. Candidates for dental implants may need to undergo bone grafting to provide a strong foundation for the implant.
The bridge relies on neighboring “abutment” teeth to hold up the prosthetic tooth (or teeth). To support these abutments or “anchor” teeth, they must be reduced in size and reshaped to accommodate dental crowns. The placement of crowns bolsters the strength of these anchor teeth. The crowns are connected to the “pontic” (or replacement tooth). Then, this three-piece unit or dental bridge is cemented to the reduced abutment teeth. The crowns fit on top of these teeth, while the pontic in between them generally fills the space to replace the tooth. Again, more than one pontic may be connected to the crowns to replace additional teeth.
For the long, healthy life of your bridge, it is vitally important to clean underneath the pontic. We can demonstrate ways to thoroughly and adequately remove food particles and bacteria from tight spaces. There are many tools and techniques that can enhance your home care routine. The Bell Dental Group awaits your call! Contact us at (703) 783-4557 today.
Dental Bridges
A bridge is a non-surgical way to replace one or many teeth. A bridge uses the adjacent teeth as anchors to support the missing tooth or teeth. With today’s dental advancements, a bridge can be fabricated in a fairly short period of time, using a metal or nonmetal foundation. Don’t let that missing tooth affect the way you speak, eat, and smile. Bridges yield immediate results that last a lifetime. Ask your dentist what type of bridge may be right for you.
