Do you have multiple missing teeth? Are your permanently lost teeth making it difficult to eat? Dental bridges are a minimally invasive tooth replacement method. We can place a custom dental bridge in our Cedar Park, TX office to replace one or more consecutive missing teeth.
Tooth bridges are one of the most effective restorative dentistry treatments we provide patients. At Vista Ridge Family Dentistry in Cedar Park, TX, we offer dental bridges to renew the look and function of the smile.
Do I Need a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge can restore multiple consecutive missing teeth. These restorations prevent various problems from missing permanent teeth including:
- Teeth shifting to fill a missing tooth gap
- Speech issues from missing teeth
- Changes in face shape
- Eating problems from an uneven bite
If you have a row of missing teeth and want to preserve the look and feel of a natural smile, a bridge may be right for you. We will not recommend bridges for patients with teeth clenching and grinding. Our office will treat bruxism before we recommend restorative care.
We will also treat gum disease and tooth decay to ensure you are healthy enough for tooth restoration. Tooth and gum infections can impact the stability of your bridge.
Types of Dental Bridges
A dental bridge can be fixed or removable. Fixed or non-removable bridges clasp onto natural teeth. Removable bridges may be removed for cleaning. While they may cost less than fixed bridges, they are less stable.
We recommend dental bridges secured by dental crowns or implants for improved stability. There are many bridges to choose from, and we will help you determine which option is right for you:
- Traditional Bridge: A conventional fixed bridge uses crown-capped teeth on either side of a missing tooth gap to secure false teeth in place. They offer an excellent option for restoring multiple teeth at once and can replace missing teeth without oral surgery.
- Cantilever Bridge: This is similar to a traditional bridge. However, a Cantilever bridge uses support from one side of the missing tooth gap to secure the prosthetic. The risk of these restorations is that they do not receive enough support. They are only anchored on one side.
- Resin-bonded bridge: This bridge typically replaces front teeth with false teeth. Metal wings are bonded to surrounding teeth with resin.
- Implant-Supported Bridge: This treatment uses dental implant posts to restore a row of missing teeth. They do not use support from natural teeth because dental implants act like natural teeth to replace missing teeth at the root.
The Dental Bridge Procedure in Cedar Park, TX
Bridge treatment can take two to three office visits. Our dental office works with a dental lab to create dental crowns and dental bridges to replace multiple missing teeth. To begin dental bridge treatment, we prepare the natural teeth on either side of the missing tooth gap. Preparing the teeth removes part of the outer tooth enamel to ensure the dental crowns fit correctly.
Then, we take digital dental impressions of the smile. We send these impressions to a dental lab, where technicians create custom-made teeth that match the natural contours of the smile. Our office will also provide a temporary bridge at this time.
Once the permanent restoration is complete, we will secure the tooth bridge with the crowns. Finally, we ensure the restoration fits properly and blends in with the smile’s appearance.
Implant-Supported Dental Bridges
We recommend an implant-secured dental crown for single teeth so adjacent teeth do not require modification. Instead, we will use dental implants to support a bridge. We will take X-rays to view your teeth, gums, and jaw to prepare for implant treatment.
Good candidates for implants are in good oral health. If you have gum disease, tooth decay, or other problems, we will treat these issues first. Then, we will ensure you have enough healthy jaw bone to support implants. If you lack healthy jaw bone, we may recommend grafting treatment.
To begin treatment, an oral surgeon will place the implants in the missing tooth gap. Our surgeon will cover the implant posts with healing caps.
Like traditional bridge treatment, we take digital impressions to create the prosthetic. The implant can take three to six months to heal as it fuses with the natural jaw bone.
Once the implants heal, we will place the abutments. These pieces will connect each implant with the bridge. You will need more time for your gums to heal after placement.
Finally, we will place the final bridge. We will double-check the shape and shade of your false teeth, and our team will also ensure your bridge fits comfortably.
Should I Get a Traditional or Implant-Supported Bridge?
There are multiple factors to keep in mind when considering your bridge options:
- Treatment Time: It takes longer to complete implant treatment due to preparation and healing time. You can receive a traditional tooth bridge in several weeks. Alternatively, it can take months to heal after implant treatment.
- Preparation: If you do not have enough jaw bone to support your implants, you will require bone grafting treatment. However, if you choose a traditional bridge, we must prepare your natural teeth for crowns.
- Cost: Implant-supported bridges will cost more upfront due to their materials and treatment time. Traditional bridges may be a more cost-effective option. However, you must re-cement or replace your bridge over time. Implants stay in the jaw bone, ensuring your restoration lasts many years without replacement.
If you aren’t sure whether you need a traditional or implant bridge, we recommend contacting our office and scheduling a visit with our team. Traditional and implant-supported bridges are excellent choices for different reasons, and we’d be happy to discuss them with you.
How to Care for a Dental Bridge
A traditional bridge can last 10 to 15 years with the proper care. Implant-secured crowns or bridges can last 15 to 20 or more years. To ensure your restoration lasts for years to come, follow these tips:
Brush and Floss
Good oral hygiene is an essential part of bridge care. Brush and floss for two minutes twice a day. Ensure you clean under your bridge, as food can get trapped under your prosthetic.
Flossing around the gums and beneath the bridge will prevent bacterial buildup. A water flosser or threaded floss will also help provide a proper clean. Don’t forget to floss between your natural teeth because bacteria can still affect your oral health.
Visit the Dentist
Remember to schedule routine cleanings. Professional dental care can provide a deep clean for your teeth, gums, and bridge. Cleanings every six months reduce the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. We can also perform routine exams to ensure your bridges stay stable.
Call For Repairs
If your bridge comes loose, we can fix it in our office. Our dentists can also treat gum and tooth infections that affect bridge stability. If your restoration or bite feels off, let us know. We will find the cause of your dental problem and repair or replace your restoration.
Restore Missing Teeth with a Dental Bridge
Are you interested in a dental bridge in Cedar Park, TX? Call Vista Ridge Family Dentistry for restorative dental treatment today at 512-866-9654 or schedule a dental appointment on our website.
Please let us know if you have questions about dental restorations like dental bridges. We will work with you to find the best dental restoration for your missing teeth. Whether you need a single crown-capped implant, implant bridge, or traditional dental bridge, we can help. Our goal is to deliver functional, beautiful smiles.