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Dental Bridges

At the office of Signature Dental Care, we provide skilled and experienced care to help every patient enjoy the benefits of optimal oral health and a beautiful smile. For individuals who are missing teeth due to extensive decay, periodontal disease, trauma, the result of an illness, or side effect of medical treatment, we offer a comprehensive range of services to rebuild complete, attractive, and functional smiles.

What Are Dental Bridges?

A dental bridge is a prosthetic device used to fill the gap created by one or more missing teeth. Bridges are custom-made to restore function, improve aesthetics, and prevent teeth from shifting.

Types of Dental Bridges

  1. Traditional Bridge: Anchored to adjacent teeth with crowns.
  2. Cantilever Bridge: Supported by only one neighboring tooth.
  3. Maryland Bridge: Uses a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the back of teeth.
  4. Implant-Supported Bridge: Supported by dental implants for added stability.

Benefits of Dental Bridges

  • Restores natural bite function, allowing comfortable chewing.
  • Improves speech clarity affected by missing teeth.
  • Enhances smile aesthetics, boosting self-esteem.
  • Prevents remaining teeth from drifting out of position.
  • Maintains facial structure and prevents bone loss in the jaw.

Procedure for Dental Bridges

  1. Consultation and Evaluation: Your dentist will assess your overall oral health and determine the best type of bridge based on your individual needs.
  2. Tooth Preparation: For a traditional bridge, the abutment teeth (those on either side of the gap) will be prepared by reshaping them to fit crowns.
  3. Impressions and Temporary Bridge: An impression of your teeth is taken to create a custom bridge. A temporary bridge is placed to protect exposed teeth and gums.
  4. Fitting the Permanent Bridge: Once the custom bridge is ready, the dentist ensures it fits properly, adjusting it for comfort and functionality before permanently bonding it.

Caring for Your Dental Bridge

Proper oral hygiene is essential for maintaining the health of the surrounding teeth and gums. Follow these tips:

  • Brush twice daily using fluoride toothpaste.
  • Floss under and around the bridge using a special floss threader.
  • Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleanings.

Dental Bridges vs. Other Solutions

  • Bridges vs. Implants: Implants offer a longer-lasting solution but require surgery and a lengthy healing process. Bridges, while less invasive, may need replacement after several years.
  • Bridges vs. Dentures: Dentures are removable and typically used for multiple missing teeth, while bridges are fixed and better suited for small gaps.

Costs and Insurance Coverage

The cost of dental bridges can vary based on the materials used and the complexity of the procedure. Many dental insurance plans partially cover bridge procedures, but the extent of coverage may vary. Be sure to discuss financial options, such as payment plans, during your consultation.

Modern Advances in Bridge Technology

Advancements in dental technology have greatly improved the durability and appearance of bridges. Today, materials such as porcelain and zirconia can be matched to the color of your natural teeth for a seamless look.

Are You a Candidate for a Dental Bridge?

If you’re missing one or more teeth and have healthy surrounding teeth, a dental bridge may be the ideal solution. Your dentist will perform a comprehensive examination to determine if a bridge is the best option for you or if other treatments, such as implants, would better suit your needs.

Dental bridges are an effective solution to restore missing teeth, improve oral health, and bring back your smile. Schedule a consultation with us at Signature Dental Care to learn more about how dental bridges can benefit you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my smile feel any different?

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Your new bridge is customized to the exact specifications of your smile. Before cementing to the underlying teeth or affixing it to the supporting implants, the shade, occlusion, and all aspects of its fit get carefully checked. In addition to being designed to blend seamlessly with your smile, it's also made to suit your bite and withstand all manner of oral function. We take great care to make sure your new restoration looks great, fits well, and that your bite feels comfortable.

Does dental insurance cover the cost of a bridge?

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Replacing missing teeth with a dental bridge is a worthwhile investment in the look, health, and function of your smile. While many dental insurances offer coverage for a dental bridge, and some toward the cost of implants, the benefits and amounts can vary significantly from plan to plan. At the office of Signature Dental Care, we understand the financial considerations involved in care and do all we can to help patients begin treatment without any additional stress or delay. In addition to doing our best to optimize your dental benefits, we also offer several payment and financing options. Feel free to contact our office if you have any questions on the cost of care, dental insurances, financing plans, or acceptable forms of payment.

What's the best way to care for my new bridge?

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Now that your new permanent crown or bridge is in place, it's essential to maintain good oral hygiene. With proper care, your new restorations will last for years to come. Make sure to brush and floss as instructed. We'll show you how to floss under your dental bridge to keep your new smile clean and bright. Remember to make appointments for your routine checkups and professional cleanings.

How long can a bridge last?

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The standard answer is that with routine dental visits and good home care, a bridge can last ten to fifteen years, and in many cases, much longer.

Why choose our office?

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At the office of Signature Dental Care, we fabricate your bridge from the highest quality dental materials to achieve the most cosmetically pleasing and lifelike results of care. It's also customized to the exact specifications of your smile and designed for optimal aesthetics, strength, and stability. Once fabricated and cemented into place, you'll feel confident sharing your smile, speaking, and eating your favorite foods.

As your trusted partner in care, we analyze every aspect of your smile to develop a treatment plan that provides aesthetically pleasing, healthy, and long-lasting results of care.

For more information on dental bridges, or any services we provide, give us a call today.

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