A dental bridge is a restoration that replaces one or more consecutive missing teeth. It “bridges the gap” between natural teeth. At Flower Mound Family Dentistry, we provide dental bridge treatment in Flower Mound, TX.
A bridge typically consists of false, tooth-colored replacement teeth secured by natural teeth or implants. Bridges help preserve remaining natural teeth and prevent shifting teeth.
Why Should You Get a Dental Bridge?
Even a single missing tooth creates problems with your mouth’s look, form, and function. Getting a bridge can:
- Prevent shifting teeth
- Improve bite function
- Reduce the risk of losing more teeth
- Help you regain a full smile
Bridges use porcelain, a translucent, tooth-like material. We color-match bridges to ensure false teeth match the shade of surrounding teeth.
In many cases, we recommend implant-supported bridges to provide more support. Because we place them in the jaw bone, dental implants can support the surrounding gum and bone. Implants also ensure bridges stay securely in place.
Facial sagging is still an issue among patients who get bridges because the restorations lay on the gums. Implants that replace teeth at the root add to your facial structure to combat this problem.
Types of Dental Bridges
Multiple types of bridges are available, depending on your budget and number of missing teeth:
- Traditional Bridge: A traditional bridge consists of false teeth supported by crown-capped natural teeth. The bridge sits on the gums, and we place dental crowns on teeth on either side of the missing tooth gap. Crowns are caps that fully cover teeth. We customize crowns to match the shape and color of your natural teeth.
- Cantilever Bridge: This bridge is similar to a traditional bridge but only uses support from a tooth on one side. Because of this uneven support, a cantilever bridge may not last as long as other options.
- Implant-Supported Bridge: This bridge uses small implant posts to secure false teeth. While this bridge requires surgery and a longer treatment time, implants secure restorations like bridges at the root.
- Maryland Bridge: This unique bridge uses a false tooth with metal wings. A dentist bonds the metal wings to the back of teeth on either side of a missing tooth gap.
Dental Bridge Treatment
Before you get a bridge, we ensure you are in good oral health. Tooth and gum infections can impact the stability of your bridge.
If you get a traditional bridge, we will first prepare the natural teeth on either side of the tooth gap. When we reshape these teeth for dental crowns, we ensure the crown does not look or feel bulky.
Then, we will take dental impressions and send them to a dental lab. In the meantime, we will provide a temporary restoration.
It can take two to three weeks to get your final bridge. Once the final restoration is complete, we will double-check its fit and appearance. Finally, we will attach the bridge to the crowns.
Implant Bridges
An implant-supported bridge may need more treatment time but provides more stability. First, we place the implant posts in the jawbone. The posts need time to fuse with the jawbone. This process, called osseointegration, takes three to six months. We will monitor your progress as you heal.
Then, once the implant posts fully heal, we place the abutments. These pieces will connect the post to the bridge. Finally, we will place your final bridge once you fully heal.
Dental Bridge FAQs
Do you have more questions about dental bridge treatment in our Flower Mound, TX office? Learn more with answers to these common patient questions:
Are bridges and partials the same?
A partial denture restores missing teeth in different parts of the mouth. Partials can replace different rows of missing teeth. Dental bridges only replace one or more teeth in a row. We will recommend bridges or partials depending on the location and number of missing teeth.
Can I get a dental implant instead of a bridge?
Yes, in many cases, we recommend that patients with a single missing tooth get an implant instead of a bridge. We do not need to prepare natural teeth for a bridge. Instead, we can place a single implant without impacting other teeth in the mouth. Our office can also use a couple of implants to replace multiple missing teeth.
Can I get implant bridges for my front teeth?
Yes, you can get implant-supported bridges to replace teeth in the front of your mouth. Implants can keep your bridge secure. Our dentist will help you decide if this is the best choice for you based on your needs and the health of your teeth and jawbone.
Can you re-cement a bridge?
Yes, a bridge will need recementing over time. We may also re-cement a bridge if you have gum disease or tooth decay that impacts the stability of your bridge. Because of the durable bond, you cannot re-cement a bridge without a dentist. We will re-cement a bridge or recommend implants if needed.
How long do dental bridges last?
A dental bridge can last 10 to 15 or more years with the right care. An implant-supported bridge can last longer without the need for re-cementing or replacement.
How do you clean a dental bridge?
You can clean a bridge just like natural teeth and gums. However, using interdental floss or water flossers can make cleaning easier. When you clean a traditional bridge, floss beneath your restoration to prevent bacterial buildup on the gums. Then, brush false and natural teeth with a toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste.
How much do dental bridges cost?
The cost of your dental bridge will depend on these factors:
- Type of bridge
- Number of missing teeth
- Insurance coverage
Before your treatment, we will review your options and ensure your bridge fits your budget. Our office also accepts dental insurance and payment plans from CareCredit and Alphaeon.
Do dental bridges hurt?
No, dental bridge treatment does not hurt. Before treatment, we will numb your mouth so you don’t feel anything.
After we place the bridge, you might feel some soreness in your gums and teeth for a few days. However, this is normal and should go away. Our dentist can recommend ways to help with discomfort, like over-the-counter pain medicine.
Restore Your Full Smile
Do you need to replace one or more teeth? Call Flower Mound Family Dentistry for a dental bridge in Flower Mound, TX, at 972-848-8745. You can also schedule an appointment online.
Let us know if you have any more questions about dental bridge treatment. We’re here to help.