Dental Bridges – Plainview, NY
Filling in Gaps in Your Grin
Having an incomplete smile can be disheartening, but luckily there’s no need to get used to life with missing teeth. Dr. Casañas and Dr. Tamburro can fill in a gap in your grin with a dental bridge – a time-tested solution for one or more consecutive missing teeth. If you have recently lost a tooth, give us a call right away; the sooner we see you, the sooner we can determine whether a dental bridge is the right choice for you!
Why Choose Meadowbrook Dentistry for Dental Bridges?
- In-Office Dental Implant Placement
- Replacement Teeth Made from High-Quality Materials
- Digital Impressions for Designing Prostheses
What is a Dental Bridge?
To create a dental bridge, a pair of dental crowns are combined with one or more prosthetic teeth. The crowns are made to be anchored to natural teeth or dental implant posts so that the prosthesis stays in place. Meanwhile, the prosthetic teeth between the crowns are what ultimately complete your smile. Dental bridges can be made from the same materials as dental crowns; this includes porcelain, which can be shaded to match the appearance of natural teeth.
Types of Dental Bridges
Will you get a traditional dental bridge or an implant bridge? Both have advantages worth considering, but your unique circumstances may make one more of a suitable choice than the other. We can discuss the different types of dental bridges in more detail at your initial consultation, but in the meantime, here’s a brief look at your options.
Traditional Dental Bridge
A traditional dental bridge is anchored to your natural teeth. Thus, our team will need to confirm that the teeth in question have enough strength to give the prosthesis the support it needs. You may be a candidate for a dental bridge if you are missing one or two teeth.
Implant Bridge
Implant bridges are attached to a pair of sturdy dental implants. You must have healthy gums and a strong jawbone in order to have dental implants placed. An implant bridge can be used to replace three or more teeth in a row.
The Benefits of Getting a Dental Bridge
Getting a dental bridge to replace your missing teeth can certainly be a worthwhile investment; there’s a reason why this restorative solution has lasted so long. Read on for a closer look at some of the biggest advantages associated with dental bridges:
- Preventing Dental Drift: Teeth have a tendency to drift toward empty space in your smile. By filling gaps with dental implants, you can keep your remaining teeth in place and prevent alignment issues.
- Improved Appearance: When made from natural-looking materials, dental bridges can be virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth, giving you a smile that you can show the world without reservation.
- Easy Maintenance: You don’t have to learn any special techniques to maintain a dental bridge. All you need to do is give them the same care as your natural teeth.
- Longevity: Dental bridges have the potential to last for many years depending on the care they receive.
Dental Bridges FAQs
Can You Take a Dental Bridge Out?
No, dental bridges are not intended to be removed by anyone other than a dentist. They’re designed to remain in your mouth for years once they’ve been bonded in place. Some providers refer to partial dentures as “removable bridges,” but this isn’t entirely accurate, either. Partials are similar restorations but are meant to be removed for cleanings, while dental bridges are not.
What Are Dental Bridges Made Of?
Although how bridges are made can vary slightly depending on your provider, they’re usually made from the same materials as dental crowns. Resilient porcelain is a popular choice because it can be customized to match the shade of your natural teeth for more seamless results than one made from gold or metal alloys, for example.
However, if you have molars that need to be replaced, then you might opt for a metal bridge that’s better able to withstand the added pressure of grinding your food sufficiently when you eat. The right material for you depends on your needs and unique circumstances.
Does Getting a Dental Bridge Hurt?
Many patients hesitate to undergo procedures that they want or need if they’re worried they’ll be long or agonizing. Thankfully, you can set your concerns about dental crowns aside. Before we prepare your teeth, we’ll apply a local anesthetic so that you don’t feel any discomfort while we work. We also offer multiple forms of sedation to help overly anxious patients feel relaxed and calm throughout their appointments.
It's not uncommon to experience some mild to moderate sensitivity for a few days after your restoration is anchored to your teeth. Usually, it’s safe to take over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or Tylenol to address any aches.
How Long Should a Dental Bridge Last?
Your newly restored smile can potentially last anywhere from 5 to 15 years, though its longevity depends on a few different factors, like:
- The material it’s made from. Metallic bridges may last longer but aren’t as natural-looking as tooth-colored ceramics (and often the lifespan difference is negligible).
- Where it’s located. Artificial teeth in the back of your mouth tend to sustain more bite force and chewing pressure than in the front.
- Subconsciously grinding your teeth day or night can prematurely wear them down.
- Toxic habits. If you anxiously bite nail caps or fingernails to cope with anxiety, you might chip your prosthetics. Other behaviors, like smoking or chewing tobacco, could stain them.