Everything You Should Know About Dental Bridges

A dental bridge can restore your smile if you’re missing one to three teeth in a row. At Amin Tabatabaian D.D.S. PLLC, the bridge is custom-made to match the color, shape, and size of the surrounding teeth; in this way, it can restore both the function and aesthetic of your smile. The bridge consists of two dental crowns and one tooth replacement called a “pontic.” The crowns fit over the healthy teeth on each side of the gap in your mouth; the pontic fills the open space left behind by your missing tooth or teeth. 

The Procedure for Dental Bridges

The procedure for receiving a dental bridge is relatively simple, usually involving only two visits to our dental office. During your first visit, we’ll prepare your teeth by removing a small portion of the enamel from the abutment teeth supporting the bridge. We’ll also make an impression of your teeth to send to the lab, where your custom bridge will be crafted. Your permanent bridge will be carefully checked and adjusted on your next visit to ensure a comfortable fit. Your dentist will then cement the restoration into place. 

Dental bridges do require special maintenance, just like your natural teeth. It would help to brush them at least twice daily and floss them daily so they do not become decayed or damaged. You should avoid chewing on hard foods to prevent damage to your new restorations. Caring for your teeth properly will help them to last as long as possible.

The Advantages of Dental Bridges

A dental bridge can correct problems with missing teeth. It can also help support adjacent teeth, which can help prevent these teeth from shifting out of place and causing misalignments. It can also prevent your remaining teeth from drifting toward the back of your mouth. Bridges are custom-made to match the color and shape of your surrounding teeth so that they blend in with your natural smile. In addition to a traditional bridge, other options for restoration include an implant-supported bridge or a cantilever bridge. An implant-supported bridge uses two dental implants at either end of the gap and is permanently fixed to the posts. A cantilever bridge also uses two abutments but doesn’t require pontics between the bridge and the neighboring teeth. Instead, it has one or more supports affixed to the surrounding teeth, with a metal wing on each side to anchor the bridge.

If you suffer from tooth loss and want to learn more about restoring your smile with a dental bridge, visit Amin Tabatabaian D.D.S. PLLC at 5701 Northeast Bothell Way Suite 3, Kenmore, WA 98028 or call (425) 486-9233 us today. We’re always happy to answer questions about our restorative or cosmetic treatments.