Dental bridges are one of the primary restorations we use to replace missing teeth. They’re a comfortable replacement for missing teeth, replacing one missing tooth or multiple consecutive missing teeth. We offer dental bridges as a restorative dental service in our Denton, TX dentist office. We want to restore your smile, giving you back both function and aesthetics so you’re confident in your smile again.
Dental Bridge Treatment in Denton, TX
We offer both removable and fixed bridges. Both options are ideal for different reasons. We work with each patient to create a personalized treatment plan that’s perfect for their individual needs.
Removable Dental Bridges
Removable dental bridges are worn throughout the day but typically are taken out at night. They’re also used as a temporary restoration if you have implants placed for a fixed bridge and are waiting for them to heal. Some of the biggest benefits of removable dental bridges are that they’re a cost-effective and quick restoration to get. They’re minimally invasive, and you don’t require surgery like you do with implant-supported bridges.
This type of dental bridge uses your natural teeth to support it. There’s one anchor tooth on each end of the bridge’s span. This puts a lot of stress and strain on the natural teeth. Anchor teeth are more likely to wear down faster and succumb to tooth decay and other oral health problems. We recommend fortifying the anchor teeth with dental crowns. Though we have to remove natural tooth structure to place the crowns, they take on the stress of supporting the restoration.
While removable dental bridges are cheaper in the long run, you must readjust or replace them in their lifespan. Your jawbone continues to deteriorate and changes the fit of the bridge. They also require removal at night, special cleaning, and maintenance to stay functional. You also have some food limitations and may be unable to break down certain foods.
Implant-Supported Bridges
Instead of using your natural teeth to support the bridge, dental implants anchor this bridge at either side of the span. With this type of bridge, you get benefits only dental implants can provide. For instance, they prevent further jawbone deterioration and promote bone regeneration for the implants to fuse with the jawbone. You regain almost 100% of your bite function and don’t have to eliminate foods or remove the restoration. It’s fixed, staying in your mouth at all times.
This option also eliminates harming your current natural tooth structure. Supporting a dental bridge means taking on a lot of stress and strain. Dental implants can handle it. They’re the most stable dental restoration.
Though they come with many benefits, the most common problem with dental implants is price. Because they require a surgical component, there are more costs involved. It also takes longer to get your final restoration. Dental implant posts need around 3-6 months to heal before you can get the final bridge.
Getting Your Dental Bridge
As with all restorations, we start with a consultation in our office. We’ll perform a thorough oral examination, utilizing diagnostic tools if needed. We’ll also discuss your cosmetic goals, medical history, and any current oral health problems. This helps us determine which bridge is the right fit for you.
We surgically place the dental implant posts in your jawbone for an implant-supported bridge. We’ll provide a temporary removable bridge while the implants heal and fuse with your jawbone. Pieces called abutments attach to the implant posts to connect the final restoration, which is custom-made by a dental lab. Then, we permanently fix the restoration to the implants.
We’ll prepare the teeth and take impressions for a removable bridge to custom-make the dental crowns. The dental bridge will also be custom-made to meet your specifications. We ensure that all restorations fit the size, shape, and shade of the rest of your smile.
Schedule a Consultation
A dental bridge can be the right solution to replace your missing teeth. Call us or schedule a consultation online to learn more.