A dental bridge is a dental prosthesis that dentists use to replace one or more missing teeth. This restorative dentistry treatment will help restore your oral function and the aesthetics of your smile by bridging the gap between the remaining teeth. If you are missing teeth, this is a great solution to keep the remaining teeth spaced and aligned properly. Dr. Alla Brown can provide you with a dental bridge in Buford, GA that will match the surrounding natural teeth and keep your smile complete.
Importance of Replacing Missing Teeth
Missing teeth will lead to many problems with your health, speech, and oral health. It is extremely important to replace your teeth to prevent long-term damage and future problems.
Once a tooth is lost, the underlying jawbone begins to deteriorate. The longer the area is exposed, the more likely the bone is to suffer significant loss. Untreated tooth loss will also increase your risk for gum disease and gum recession.
Teeth play an important role in proper speech and chewing efficiency. Even a few missing teeth can make it difficult to grind down certain foods and pronounce certain words. Replacing teeth is vital to being able to do basic everything activities like eating and chewing foods.
The teeth also provide support to the lower face. People who are missing teeth often look older due to a sagging or drooping lower face. Replacing teeth will help you hold the natural shape of your face.
Types of Dental Bridges We Offer
Lanier Family and Cosmetic Dentistry offers several types of dental bridges in Burford, GA. Each one is designed to address a specific dental situation. After a consultation and examination with Dr. Brown or Dr. Newberry, we will determine the best tooth replacement option for you. The current state of your oral health, the location of your missing teeth, and your personal goals are all factors that will determine the type of dental bridge that will work best for you. The main types of dental bridges include:
Temporary Removable Bridge
A temporary, removable bridge is not a permanent solutio for replacing missing teeth. They consist of false teeth secured to a metal framework which will attach to a few of your remaining healthy teeth. They will help to restore your smile and prevent your remaining teeth from shifting out of place. However, they may not be helpful with the function of your smile as they are not as stable as some of the other options.
Traditional Dental Bridge
The most common type of bridge is a traditional bridge. It is a fixed dental restoration that consists of two dental crowns on both ends with the replacement teeth in the middle called pontics. Your dentist will secure a traditional bridge to natural teeth. Your dentist will prepare the healthy teeth on either side of the bridge and then secure the crowns to them. This type of bridge restores functionality and aesthetics to the mouth, prevents teeth from shifting, and maintains the shape of the face.
Cantilever Bridge
Your dentist will suggest a cantilever bridge when only one healthy tooth is available on either side of the gap. Unlike a traditional dental bridge, which is supported by two adjacent teeth, a cantilever is only supported by one. Your dentist will prepare the abutment tooth and place the custom cantilever bridge. This type of bridge is very useful in parts of your mouth that experience less stress, such as the front of the mouth, and offer a solution when adjacent support is limited. The bridge will consist of the replacement teeth and one dental crown. We will prepare the healthy tooth and then secure the crown to that tooth.
Maryland Bridge
This type of dental bridge is used to replace a missing tooth, typically at the front of the mouth. A Maryland bridge consists of the false tooth (the pontic) and the metal framework that has wings on either side. Your dentist will bond these wings to the back of the adjacent natural teeth using resin cement. We will not need to modify or prepare these teeth in any way. Patients tend to like this type of bridge because they are minimally invasive and preserve the abutment teeth. They are an attractive option for people replacing a single tooth who want to preserve the integrity of their neighboring teeth.
Implant-Supported Dental Bridge
An implant-supported bridge is an advanced dental restoration used to replace multiple missing teeth. It is the most natural-looking and permanent solution that we offer. Unlike traditional bridges that rely on adjacent natural teeth for support, your dentist will anchor this type of bridge to dental implants that are surgically placed into the jawbone. We offer this type of implant-supported restoration to replace several consecutive missing teeth. It offers the most natural feel and appearance than any other bridge. It will help enhance your chewing efficiency, improve oral health, and maintain the integrity of facial structures, offering a durable, long-term solution for missing teeth.
Dental Bridge FAQs
We hope we can help you find the answers to your questions about dental bridges. Here, you will find answers to questions that people most often ask us. Our goal is to provide you with the insight you need about dental bridges so that you can make a decision about your oral health. Please contact our office if you have additional questions.
Can I sleep with a removable dental bridge?
No. Do not sleep with a removable dental bridge on. You should store your bridge in a safe place while you sleep. Sleeping with a removable bridge can create a choking hazard, increase the number of bacteria in your mouth, and cause a sore mouth when you wake up in the morning.
How long does a dental bridge last?
A dental bridge can last anywhere from five to fifteen years. This is because there are different types of bridges, and patients have different ways of caring for their prosthetics. If you take good care of your prosthetic, it can last longer.
What should I do if I have a broken bridge?
Do not try to repair it yourself. Also, do not wear it again until you visit your dentist for repair or replacement. Wearing damaged bridges can cause harm to the surrounding teeth, and damage your gums. Avoid the pain of wearing a damaged bridge by seeking treatment as soon as possible.
Can you sleep with a dental bridge in?
We recommend that patients remove their dental bridges before going to bed. This allows their muscles to rest and take a break. It also gives patients time to clean their appliances.
Can a tooth get an infection under a bridge?
Dental bridges cannot become infected, however, the remaining tooth beneath a bridge can. It is important to remove your bridge and clean it at night to prevent infection and bacteria buildup beneath the bridge.
How long does it take for a dental bridge to feel normal?
It takes about two weeks for a bridge to feel normal and comfortable in your mouth. Patients need to adjust to a new appliance in their mouth and learn how to function by chewing, biting, and speaking with it.
Can a dental bridge fix multiple missing teeth?
Yes, a dental bridge is a great option to replace multiple missing teeth. It will fill the gap left by one or more missing teeth, restoring your smile and improving your ability to chew and speak. With a bridge, you can regain your confidence and oral function.
Can I get a dental bridge on my front teeth?
Yes, we can use a dental bridge to replace your missing front teeth. They are a great option to restore your smile and ensure your front teeth look natural and attractive. With a bridge, you can confidently show off your pearly whites again!
Contact Us to Replace Missing Teeth with a Dental Bridge in Buford, GA
If you have missing teeth or are about to lose your teeth, request an appointment with Lanier Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Buford, Georgia to learn more about the best options for you.