Dental Bridges – Lewisville, TX
A Simple Answer for Addressing Tooth Loss
Have you lost one or more of your permanent teeth? Do the subsequent gaps in
your smile make it difficult for you to smile, bite, or speak with
confidence? Don’t worry – there is a simple answer for
addressing tooth loss: dental bridges in Lewisville. With this popular
tooth-replacement option,
Dr. Capehart
can replace a single missing tooth or multiple missing teeth in a row. To
learn more, keep reading or get in touch with our team!
What Is a Dental Bridge?
Today, dental bridges are one of the most popular restorative treatments. With their durability and lifelike look, it’s not hard to see why! In short, this smile-rebuilding solution is ideal for patients missing one tooth or several consecutive teeth. To fill the gap, two dental crowns anchor the pontics (the artificial teeth) in place. Typically, the restoration is crafted from porcelain since it’s incredibly durable and comes in a wide variety of tooth-like shades.
Types of Dental Bridges
“Dental bridge” is often used as an all-encompassing term. However, there are actually two different types: traditional dental bridges and implant bridges. Here’s a little more about both options:
Traditional Dental Bridge
Traditional dental bridges are ideal for patients missing 1-4 teeth in a single row. To bridge the gap, dental crowns are attached to the adjacent teeth, which secures the dental bridge in place. Since this option doesn’t require any surgery, they typically have a quicker turnaround time and lower upfront cost.
Implant Bridge
Implant bridges, on the other hand, incorporate state-of-the-art dental implants. By anchoring them to either side of the gap, the restoration can securely be held in place for 15+ years (with proper care, of course). In addition to a longer lifespan, implant bridges preserve your jawbone and encourage the growth of new tissue.
The Benefits of Getting a Dental Bridge
If you’re considering using a dental bridge to address tooth loss head-on, there are a number of perks to consider. For example, they:
- Are cost-effective
- Improve your bite
- Enhance your speech
- Preserve your youthful face shape
- Can last for a decade or more with proper care
- Look extremely lifelike
If you’re struggling with tooth loss, it’s important to know that you don’t have to endure gaps in your smile for the rest of your life. With modern, durable, natural-looking dental bridges, you can enjoy a complete smile (and all of the subsequent benefits) once more. To take the next step today, schedule an appointment with our skilled dentist in Lewisville!
Dental Bridges FAQs
Even if you want dental bridges in Lewisville, you may have concerns. That’s only natural – you likely don’t know much about these prosthetics. As such, perhaps you want to know more about them before you commit. Luckily, we at Capehart Dental can help: listed below are some answers to frequently-asked dental bridge questions. Read them over to learn what our restorations can do for you. For other details, feel free to call our office or book a visit!
How Long Should a Dental Bridge Last?
The average dental bridge lasts anywhere from five to 15 years. However, this range can vary based on certain factors. These include:
- Lifestyle – A patient's lifestyle is especially crucial to bridge longevity. Given your diet, oral hygiene, and bad oral habits (if any), the restoration’s lifespan could rise or fall.
- Bridge Location – As it happens, a bridge that replaces front teeth lasts slightly longer than one toward the back of the mouth. The former isn’t subjected to as much wear and tear from chewing.
- Bridge Type – An implant bridge typically lasts longer than a traditional one. While the implant posts can endure for several decades, though, the restoration will still need replacement.
How Many Teeth Can a Dental Bridge Replace?
Generally, a dental bridge can replace up to four missing teeth in a row. Still, most patients only use this appliance to replace a tooth or two.
You see, a bridge will become less stable as it extends farther. That instability becomes even greater if the abutment teeth aren’t strong and healthy. Therefore, having a bridge replace three or more pearly whites is risky.
That said, this risk is lower with implant bridges. Dental implants, after all, are as strong and secure as healthy natural teeth.
Do Dental Bridges Feel Natural?
You might fear that a bridge will cause odd sensations. Well, there’s no need to worry – the appliance will feel quite natural just a few days after you get it.
For starters, remember that a bridge uses durable materials. It can thus stand up to everyday chewing forces like tooth enamel. Given that fact, eating with one shouldn’t feel strange.
Furthermore, your dentist will take precautions to ensure a comfortable fit. They’ll reshape your abutment teeth and take dental impressions of each tooth, meaning the prosthetic will be well-made. That way, your bridge won’t feel awkward or even noticeable.
Can You Take a Dental Bridge Out?
Unlike dentures, bridges aren’t meant to be taken out. Rather, labs design them to remain in your mouth for many years once placed. Only a dental professional should ever try to remove them.
True, some healthcare providers call partial dentures “removable bridges.” Even so, that nickname isn’t accurate. While similar to bridges, partial dentures are intentionally made to be removable. In contrast, bridges aren’t.