Dental Bridge in Providence & Central Falls, RI
Dental Bridgein Rhode Island
A dental bridge serves as a restorative solution for replacing a missing tooth and has remained one of the leading methods for tooth replacement for many years.
How long does a bridge last?
Dental bridges typically have a lifespan of five to seven years. Yet, with diligent home care and consistent dental check-ups, it’s feasible to prolong the durability of a bridge well over 10 years.
Dental Bridge Procedure at Comfort Dental, RI
Dental Bridges at Comfort Dental
A dental bridge is a restorative structure made up of three components: two abutment teeth and a pontic. The abutment teeth are the supports for the dental bridge. In a standard three-unit bridge, there’s an abutment on each side of the gap left by the missing tooth. Crowns are specially crafted to cover these supporting teeth. The pontic, or the artificial tooth, replaces the missing tooth and sits centrally, with all three parts being securely fused together.
Dental bridges come in four main varieties:
Traditional Bridge
Traditional Bridge: This type involves at least two abutment teeth and one or more pontics to fill in the spaces of missing teeth, making it the most commonly used type of bridge.
Cantilever Bridge
Cantilever Bridge: Unique in its design, this bridge uses only one abutment crown to support the pontic. It’s an ideal option when there are teeth present on only one side of the gap.
Maryland Bridge
Maryland Bridge: Specifically designed for replacing front teeth, the Maryland bridge features a pontic with metal or porcelain wings on either side. These wings are bonded to the backs of adjacent teeth.
Implant-Supported Bridge
Maryland Bridge: Specifically designed for replacing front teeth, the Maryland bridge features a pontic with metal or porcelain wings on either side. These wings are bonded to the backs of adjacent teeth.
Tooth Replacement in Rhode Island
Why Replace a Missing Tooth?
Restoring a missing tooth with a dental bridge is not just about enhancing your appearance; it holds significant functional importance beyond aesthetics. Here’s why considering a dental bridge for a missing tooth is crucial:
Difficulty Chewing
A full set of teeth is essential for properly chewing your food. Missing one or more teeth can make this process challenging, leading you to possibly avoid certain favorite or nutritionally rich foods because they are too difficult to chew. Replacing a missing tooth with a dental bridge can restore your ability to chew comfortably and allow you to enjoy a diverse and healthy diet.
Altered Bite Alignment
An empty space in your jawbone leads to the adjacent teeth gradually shifting into that gap. This movement can disrupt the alignment of your bite, placing undue pressure on certain teeth and your jaw joint. Such imbalances can cause teeth to chip, crack, or even break. Filling the gap with a dental bridge from Comfort Dental helps maintain proper bite alignment and prevents additional dental issues.
Pain & Discomfort
While a misaligned bite might not always be painful, it can lead to discomfort or pain in the teeth or jaw for some individuals. TMJ disorder, a condition affecting the jaw joint, often stems from bite misalignment and can cause symptoms like chronic headaches, migraines, difficulty chewing, and soreness in the teeth. By using dental bridges to replace missing teeth, you can keep your bite correctly aligned, thereby reducing the strain on the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in your head and neck, and minimizing associated pain.
Restorative Dental Care in Rhode Island
Restore Your Bite and Relieve Discomfort at Comfort Dental
Professional teeth whitening offers a quick and cost-effective way to enhance your smile. Compared to more expensive procedures like veneers or crowns, professional whitening provides faster and longer-lasting results, making it a better choice overall. Schedule your teeth whitening today!
Dental Bridges FAQs
What is a dental bridge, and how does it restore my smile?
A dental bridge is a prosthetic device used to replace one or more missing teeth, restoring both the function and appearance of your smile. It consists of artificial teeth, called pontics, which are anchored to the adjacent natural teeth or dental implants. By filling the gap left by missing teeth, a bridge allows you to chew and speak properly while maintaining the alignment of your remaining teeth. In addition to improving oral function, a dental bridge can also prevent surrounding teeth from shifting and help maintain the overall shape of your face.
What types of dental bridges are available at Comfort Dental?
Comfort Dental offers several types of dental bridges tailored to each patient’s needs. Traditional bridges are the most common and are supported by crowns placed on the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth. Cantilever bridges are used when there is only one tooth available for support, while Maryland bridges use a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the back of adjacent teeth. For patients seeking maximum stability, implant-supported bridges use dental implants to anchor the replacement teeth securely in place. Your dentist will recommend the most appropriate type based on your oral health and specific dental needs.
What is the procedure for getting a dental bridge at Comfort Dental?
Getting a dental bridge typically involves several steps to ensure a proper fit and long-lasting results. The process begins with an initial consultation, where your dentist evaluates your oral health and determines the best type of bridge for your needs. If necessary, adjacent teeth are prepared by reshaping them to accommodate crowns. Impressions of your teeth are then taken to create a custom bridge. A temporary bridge may be placed while your permanent bridge is fabricated. During the final appointment, the permanent bridge is carefully fitted, adjusted, and cemented into place to restore your smile and oral function.
How long do dental bridges last, and how should I care for them?
With proper care, dental bridges can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years or longer, depending on your oral hygiene and habits. It is important to brush and floss regularly, paying special attention to the area around the bridge to prevent decay or gum disease. Avoiding hard or sticky foods can help prevent damage, while regular dental check-ups allow your dentist to monitor the condition of the bridge and surrounding teeth. Proper care ensures that your bridge remains functional, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing for many years.
Are dental bridges covered by insurance at Comfort Dental?
Many dental insurance plans provide coverage for dental bridges, particularly when they are deemed medically necessary to restore proper oral function. Comfort Dental works with a variety of insurance providers and offers flexible payment options to help make treatment more accessible. During your consultation, the dental team can review your insurance benefits, explain coverage details, and discuss any out-of-pocket costs. Understanding your insurance options helps you make informed decisions while receiving high-quality care.
