A dental bridge is a natural-looking way to fill in gaps caused by missing teeth. Custom-made for each patient, these bridges are designed to blend in with your natural smile. At our Arlington, TX office, we offer custom bridges to replace one or more missing teeth.
Bridges restore the shape of your teeth and help maintain the proper bite between your upper and lower teeth. A traditional bridge has two crowns on either side of the gap, with a fake tooth in between. If you need to replace several teeth in a row, bridges can also be supported by dental implants. Our Arlington office offers other restorative options for restoring missing teeth as well.
Dental Bridges in Arlington, TX
Bridges can be supported by crowns or implants. A traditional bridge replaces one or more missing teeth, using crowns on each side of the gap for support. Crowns cover the natural teeth on either side of the gap to keep the bridge in place.
Dental implants can also support bridges. These are small titanium posts placed in the jawbone, acting like replacement tooth roots. Implant-supported bridges are strong and stable, allowing you to eat and speak comfortably.
While getting implants takes longer, they provide more lasting support. Whether you choose a traditional bridge or an implant-supported bridge, we will work with you to find the best option for your needs.
Benefits of Bridges
Bridges offer several benefits if you have missing teeth, such as:
- Improved appearance: Gaps in your smile, especially in the front, can affect how you feel. Bridges fill these gaps, giving you a more natural, pleasing smile. We work with labs to create bridges that match the shape and color of your teeth.
- Improved speech: Missing teeth can make it hard to speak clearly. Filling in those gaps with a bridge helps you pronounce words correctly. This is especially true with implant-supported bridges.
- Stability: When a tooth is missing, other teeth can shift out of place. Bridges keep your teeth in alignment, and implant-supported bridges provide extra stability by replacing the tooth roots.
- Better function: Losing a tooth can make it hard to eat certain foods. Bridges restore your ability to bite and chew without pain. Implant-supported bridges also add strength to your bite by replacing tooth roots.
Dental Bridge Process
The process begins with a full exam of your teeth and gums. If there are any issues, like tooth decay or gum disease, we will treat those first. Sometimes, this may involve extractions, root canals, fillings, or gum treatments.
To start the bridge treatment, we will numb the area and prepare the teeth next to the gap by shaping them for crowns. After that, we take impressions of your teeth to send to a lab.
The lab will create a custom bridge based on these measurements. Once ready, the bridge will be secured in place by your dentist, making sure it fits well and feels comfortable.
Implant Bridge
If you prefer to secure your bridge with implants, we will first check if you’re a good candidate. We’ll recommend any needed treatments to make sure your mouth is healthy. Like other bridge treatments, it’s important to have healthy teeth and gums.
If you don’t have enough jawbone to support the implants, we may suggest a bone graft. This involves using healthy tissue from a donor or another part of your mouth.
When you’re ready, we will work with an oral surgeon to place the implants. We’ll take X-rays to find the best spots for the posts. The surgeon will place the implants to make sure they are fully supported by the bone and provide a strong foundation for your bridge.
After surgery, it takes about 3 to 6 months for the implants to heal. During this time, called osseointegration, the bone will grow around the posts. Once you’re healed, we will attach abutments that connect the implants to your bridge. After your gums heal from the abutments, you will return to our office for your final bridge.
How to Care for a Dental Bridge
Once you get your final bridge, follow these tips to help it last:
- Brush and floss daily: Brush at least twice a day and floss to prevent bacteria buildup around your bridge. Use a soft toothbrush to gently clean around it. You may find threaded floss or a water flosser helpful, especially if you have implants.
- Regular dental visits: Regular checkups and cleanings are key to keeping your bridge in good shape. Our dentist can spot problems early and provide thorough cleanings to prevent decay and gum disease.
- Avoid sticky or hard foods: Foods that are sticky or hard could damage your bridge. Stick to softer foods, at least at first. If you have implants, you’ll find it easier to eat harder foods over time as the implants provide strong support.
Restore Missing Teeth Today
Need to replace several missing teeth? Get a custom dental bridge for a complete smile. Call our office at 817-646-1217 to schedule a consultation or book an appointment online. Have questions about dental bridges? We’re happy to answer them at your next visit!