Fill Gaps and Restore Your Smile with Durable Dental Bridges
Dental Bridges
Modern dentistry offers numerous tooth replacement options, but a dental bridge may be your perfect solution! Designed to restore the functionality and aesthetics of your smile, a dental bridge effectively fills the gap left by missing teeth. It does this by utilizing your existing natural teeth, called abutment teeth, as anchors for an artificial tooth, also known as a pontic.
Encompass Dental Studio specializes in restoring smiles and oral functionality with state-of-the-art dental bridges. We serve the Columbus and Central Ohio area, so whether you have a single missing tooth or multiple missing teeth, our team offers modern solutions to suit your needs and enhance your quality of life.
What Are Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge is a restorative dental appliance designed to fill the gap left by one or more missing teeth. It anchors false teeth—known as pontics—to the natural teeth or dental implants on either side of the gap. This not only restores the appearance of your smile but also improves chewing and speaking abilities while maintaining the alignment of your adjacent teeth.
Types of Dental Bridges
We offer several types of dental bridges to address diverse patient needs:
- Traditional Bridges: These are the most common type of bridge featuring false teeth anchored by dental crowns placed on abutment teeth. Traditional bridges are ideal for patients with healthy adjacent teeth.
- Maryland Bridges: These bridges use a framework bonded to the backs of adjacent teeth rather than crowns, making them a more conservative option for replacing a missing tooth.
- Cantilever Bridges: Used when only one abutment tooth is available, these bridges are less common but effective in specific situations.
- Implant-Supported Bridges: This bridge is a cutting-edge option offering maximum stability and durability by securing the bridge to dental implants instead of natural teeth.
Why Would Someone Need a Dental Bridge?
Dental bridges are recommended for patients experiencing one or more of the following:
- Missing Teeth: Whether due to tooth decay, injury, or gum disease, a dental bridge can fill the gap and restore oral functionality.
- Shifting Teeth: Gaps left by missing teeth can cause adjacent teeth to shift, leading to misalignment and bite issues.
- Difficulty Chewing or Speaking: A dental bridge improves your eating and speaking skills.
- Maintaining Facial Structure: Missing teeth can eventually lead to a sunken appearance, which the various types of bridges can help prevent.
If you have missing teeth and want to restore your smile and oral health, a dental bridge from Encompass Dental Studio may be the right solution.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Replacing your missing teeth with dental bridges goes beyond the aesthetic appeal—it significantly impacts your oral health and overall well-being. Some of the notable benefits include:
- Provides a long-lasting solution with proper care and good oral hygiene
- Restores the appearance of your smile
- Improves chewing and speaking abilities
- Prevents adjacent teeth from shifting
- Maintains the shape of your face
The Dental Bridge Procedure
The dental bridge procedure usually involves two or more appointments. While the exact process may vary depending on the bridge type, number of teeth involved, and individual needs, here’s a general overview of what to expect from your appointment in our Central Ohio office.
Preparation of Abutment Teeth
The adjacent teeth, known as abutment teeth, are prepared to hold the dental bridge. This involves reshaping these teeth to accommodate dental crowns, anchoring the bridge securely in place.
Impressions
We use advanced digital scanning technology to create impressions of your prepared tooth structure. The impressions are electronically sent to a dental lab, where they are crafted into a custom bridge that seamlessly complements your natural teeth.
Temporary Bridge Placement
A temporary bridge protects the prepared teeth and gum tissue while you wait for your permanent bridge. This temporary solution maintains functionality and aesthetics during the interim period.
Placement of the Permanent Bridge
During your follow-up visit, the temporary bridge is removed, and the permanent bridge is fitted and adjusted for optimal comfort and function. Once the fit is perfect, we secure it with high-quality permanent dental cement.
Implant-Supported Bridges: A Durable Option
Implant-supported bridges are excellent for patients seeking the most stable and durable solution for missing teeth. Instead of relying on abutment teeth, this type of bridge is anchored to dental implants surgically placed in the jawbone. Implant-supported bridges provide superior support and promote good oral health by preventing bone loss. With proper care, they can last for decades.
Advantages of Implant-Supported Bridges
Implant-supported bridges come with various advantages.
- Exceptional Durability: Since the implant fuses with your jawbone, these bridges offer unmatched strength and stability and can withstand greater biting forces.
- Jawbone Preservation: Unlike traditional bridges that rely on adjacent teeth, implant-supported bridges stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss commonly associated with missing teeth.
- Enhanced Oral Health: Implant-supported bridges do not need to alter adjacent teeth, making them easier to clean and maintain, promoting long-term oral health.
An implant-supported bridge eliminates the need to alter healthy adjacent teeth while providing a natural look and feel.
Beautiful Artificial Teeth to Maintain Your Smile
If you’re ready to restore your smile and oral function, let the trusted and caring professionals at Encompass Dental Studio help. With our cutting-edge technology and personalized care, our team will guide you through every step of the dental bridge process. Contact our Central Ohio office today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a confident, healthy smile that will last a long time.
