Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are built to literally “bridge” the gap or space that has been left by one or more missing teeth. In addition to improving speech, oral health, and making eating your favorite foods easier, a bridge from our Tampa, FL, dentist also looks beautiful thanks to the tooth-colored porcelain that’s used for the dental crowns and false teeth, or pontics, situated directly over the gap.
Here’s what you need to know about .
Determining Your Dental Bridge Type
If you’re considering a dental bridge, you might be wondering which form of the restoration would be the most effective solution for replacing your exact number and configuration of missing teeth. There are several types of dental bridges, each suited to different needs and situations. Our dentist can walk you through the possibilities and will ultimately settle on one that works best.
Depending on your smile, you could receive one of the following:
- Traditional Bridges: These are the most common type and consist of one or more artificial teeth (pontics) anchored by dental crowns placed on the adjacent natural teeth. Traditional bridges are durable and ideal in areas with healthy surrounding teeth.
- Cantilever Bridges: Used when there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing tooth or teeth, cantilever bridges involve securing the pontic to a single crown on one side. This type is less common and typically used in areas of the mouth that are under less stress, such as the front teeth.
- Maryland Bridges: Also known as resin-bonded bridges, these are made of a metal framework with porcelain fused to metal or ceramic teeth. The framework is bonded to the back of the adjacent natural teeth, minimizing the need for crowns and preserving more of the natural tooth structure.
- Implant-Supported Bridges: These bridges are anchored by dental implants rather than crowns. They are a good option when multiple teeth are missing and a surgical solution isn’t opposed, providing superior stability and jawbone stimulation compared to other types of bridges.
Notable Benefits of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges offer numerous advantages that go beyond merely filling the gap of a missing tooth and providing a natural-looking replacement that blends seamlessly with your existing teeth. Some of those other benefits include:
- Enhanced Functionality: By replacing missing teeth, bridges improve your ability to chew and speak properly, which can be hindered by gaps in your teeth.
- Preventing Shifting: Bridges prevent the remaining teeth from shifting out of position, which can lead to bite problems, uneven wear, and further dental issues.
- Maintaining Facial Structure: Missing teeth can cause the facial structure to sag and appear older. Bridges help maintain the shape and structure of your face.
- Durability: With proper care, dental bridges can last many years, making them a long-term solution for tooth replacement.
Enhance Your Smile & Quality of Life With a Bridge
For patients missing one or more teeth, a dental bridge from our dentist in Tampa, FL, may be the perfect solution to fill the gap, rejuvenate your oral health, and prevent further dental issues. Call Imagine Dental today at (813) 866-7080 to request an appointment.
