Dental Bridges – Fort Worth, TX
Building Bridges to Restore Smiles
If you’re missing one or more teeth in a row, you’re probably interested in a lifelike and comfortable way to replace them. Luckily, dental bridges can replace one or several lost teeth in sequence with a line of dental crowns customized to fill the gap and restore your smile. Here’s a brief guide to how Dr. Drennan can use these time-tested dental appliances to give you a functional grin that you’re eager to show off. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact our office online. Our staff will be happy to assist you.
Why Choose Drennan Family Dentistry for Dental Bridges?
- Compassionate and Experience Dentist
- Beautiful Restorations Create a Lifelike Smile
- Financing Options Available
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a series of dental crowns strung together and supported by dental implants or the healthy teeth on either side of the gap created by tooth loss. These appliances can effectively complete a smile after tooth loss, allowing the patient to chew and smile normally afterward. It’s important for a person receiving a dental bridge to be free of tooth decay and gum disease, as these infections can make failure more likely. The crowns of a dental bridge are made from beautiful porcelain or ceramic, creating a lifelike and durable restoration.
Types of Dental Bridge
There are a few different types of dental bridges available, and Dr. Drennan will discuss your options and his recommendations during your consultation. Here are two common types of dental bridges and how they work.
Traditional Dental Bridge
A traditional dental bridge is one or more artificial teeth strung between two dental crowns designed to be placed upon the healthy teeth on either side of the empty space in a smile. This is a non-surgical and comfortable option that can last for fifteen years or more with proper care.
Implant Bridge
Rather than using crowns placed on healthy teeth, implant bridges are supported by dental implants inserted into the jawbone. Since these titanium posts will naturally fuse with the surrounding bone structure, they create a sturdier hold that doesn’t require the alternation of natural teeth. While the artificial teeth may need replacement eventually, the implants can last for a lifetime with excellent care.
The Benefits of Getting a Dental Bridge
Dentists recommend replacing lost teeth as soon as possible to prevent many oral health issues. Dental bridges offer such wonderful benefits as:
- Bracing the neighboring teeth to keep them in place.
- Improving a patient’s confidence in their smile after tooth loss.
- Allowing a patient to chew more powerfully so they can enjoy a healthier and more varied diet.
- Protecting the mouth from infections due to trapped food or dental injuries resulting from uneven pressure in the chewing process.
Replacing lost teeth can vastly improve your self-image, oral health, and quality of life. If you’re interested in what a dental bridge may be able to do for you, please schedule a consultation at our office.
Dental Bridge FAQs
Can You Take a Dental Bridge Out?
Dental bridges are designed as permanent fixtures for your smile. Once one has been placed in your mouth, it’s bonded to your teeth, making its removal difficult. If you would prefer a removable tooth replacement option that is similar to a bridge, a partial denture may serve you better. However, a partial denture is not as secure as a dental bridge because it attaches to the teeth and gums via metal clasps. Still, some patients prefer them because they’re easy to clean.
What Are Dental Bridges Made Of?
While materials can vary, they are generally made from the same materials as our dental crowns. The most popular option for most restorations is porcelain and other tooth-colored mediums because of their life-like luster and durability. However, depending on where your bridge is going to sit, a fusion of different materials may be best. For example, if your bridge is situated near the back of your mouth, adding metal to the bridge can give it some extra structure.
Is Getting a Dental Bridge Painful?
At Drennan Family Dentistry, our priority is to ensure you are always comfortable. Before any procedures where we may alter the structure of your teeth, we’ll use local anesthesia to numb the area we’re working on. This ensures that once the procedure has begun, you’ll only feel a bit of pressure as our instruments press against your teeth. After your procedure, you may feel some temporary soreness as the anesthetic wears off, but it should be easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
How Long Should a Dental Bridge Last?
A dental bridge is one of the longest-lived dental restorations available. On average, you can expect your tooth replacement to last between 5 and 15 years. However, there are several factors that can affect exactly how long your bridge stays secure. Of these factors, the most important is how well you take care of it. Oral hygiene is crucial to maintaining the security of your dental bridge, so be sure to brush twice per day for at least two minutes, floss every day, and visit our office every six months to ensure your smile is the cleanest it can be.
