Dental Bridge Services

A bridge is one or more artificial teeth that are cemented into place using the real teeth on either side for support. Like the name suggests, this technique “bridges” the gap in your smile. A bridge is an ideal, natural-looking method to fill the space created by missing teeth, maintain your facial structure and restore your smile.

A bridge replaces the missing tooth both functionally and cosmetically. Bridgework is as much an art as it is an exact science. At Smile Crafters, our experienced dentists and advanced technologies enable us to give our patients bridges that last for years and enhance their confidence.

Types of Dental Bridges

Bridge materials include gold alloys, porcelain bonded to metal alloy or all-ceramic material made to match your natural tooth color. The choice of material depends on requirements for strength, wear and esthetics.

Bridges have two parts — abutments to support the bridge and pontics to fill the gap. Many types of dental bridges are available, including:

• Traditional fixed: A traditional fixed bridge has one or more pontics to replace missing teeth. The abutments are two or more dental crowns on either side of the gap.
• Cantilever: Cantilever bridges are similar to traditional fixed bridges but have an abutment on only one side of the bridge. This type of bridge is best for gaps near the front of the mouth.
• Maryland: A Maryland dental bridge uses wings to bind the replacement tooth to the back of the adjoining natural tooth. Maryland bridges are a popular option for front teeth replacement.
• Implant-supported: An implant-supported bridge uses dental implants as the abutments to hold the pontics in place. This bridge is best if you have three or more missing teeth in a row.

The type of bridge that's best for you is based on many factors, like:

• The size of the gap.
• Your age.
• The condition of your natural teeth by the gap.
• Your gum and teeth health.

Is a Dental Bridge Right for You?

A bridge may be a good solution if you're missing several teeth and this has changed your mouth and facial structure. Also, when teeth are missing for a while, the teeth around the gap may shift to fill the space. These shifted teeth can misalign your teeth, change your mouth's shape and stress your teeth and jaw. It can also become difficult to speak and chew or clean your teeth well. A dental bridge prevents these oral health issues and restores your smile.

How to Take Care of Your Dental Bridge

Caring for your dental bridge helps it last longer and improves your overall oral health. Follow these bridge aftercare tips:

• Brush your teeth with a nonabrasive fluoride toothpaste twice a day and floss your teeth daily.
• Clean the top and under your bridge daily using a floss threader or interproximal brush.
• Avoid smoking while healing from your bridge procedure.
• Don't chew hard or sticky foods, ice, pens, pencils, or your fingernails.
• Wear a night guard if you have bruxism and a mouth guard if you play sports.
• Visit Smile Crafters regularly to ensure your dental bridge is in good shape.

Get Dental Bridge Services From Smile Crafters Today

Smile Crafters provides professional dental bridge services for patients in and around Gilbert, Arizona. Trust us to improve your oral health and enhance your smile. Schedule your bridge appointment online or contact us today!