Dental Bridges: Restoring Smiles with Seamless Elegance
Regain Your Confidence and Oral Function with Custom Dental Bridges
A missing tooth can do more than just affect your smile; it can also impact your oral health and confidence. Dental bridges offer a reliable and aesthetically pleasing solution to restore your smile’s beauty and functionality. At Union Street Dental in Bennington, VT, we are dedicated to providing personalized dental care, including custom dental bridges that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
What are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges are fixed prosthetic devices designed to replace one or more missing teeth. They consist of one or more artificial teeth (pontics) anchored to the adjacent natural teeth or dental implants. Dental bridges effectively bridge the gap left by missing teeth, restoring your smile’s appearance and function.
Types of Dental Bridges
There are several types of dental bridges, and your dentist will recommend the most suitable option based on your specific needs:
- Traditional Dental Bridges: These bridges consist of pontics held in place by dental crowns cemented to the natural teeth adjacent to the gap.
- Cantilever Bridges: Cantilever bridges are used when there is only one adjacent tooth available to support the pontic.
- Maryland Bridges (Resin-Bonded Bridges): Maryland bridges use metal or porcelain frameworks bonded to the back of adjacent teeth with minimal alteration to the natural teeth.
- Implant-Supported Bridges: These bridges are supported by dental implants surgically placed in the jawbone, providing excellent stability and preventing bone loss.
The Dental Bridge Procedure
Getting a dental bridge typically requires two or more dental visits. Here’s what you can expect during the dental bridge procedure:
- Initial Consultation: Your dentist will conduct a thorough examination of your oral health, discuss your concerns, and determine if a dental bridge is the right solution for you.
- Preparation: In the first appointment, the supporting teeth (abutment teeth) will be prepared by removing a small portion of enamel to accommodate the dental crowns.
- Impressions: Impressions of your teeth will be taken to create a custom dental bridge that fits your unique smile.
- Temporary Bridge: While your permanent bridge is being crafted in a dental lab, a temporary bridge will be placed to protect your exposed teeth.
- Placement: In the final appointment, your custom dental bridge will be checked for fit and aesthetics before being permanently bonded in place.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges offer numerous advantages for individuals with missing teeth:
- Restored Smile: Dental bridges improve the appearance of your smile, boosting your self-confidence.
- Enhanced Oral Function: Bridges enable you to speak, chew, and bite properly, restoring normal oral function.
- Maintain Facial Structure: Missing teeth can cause facial sagging; dental bridges help maintain your facial structure and prevent premature aging.
- Durable and Long-Lasting: With proper care, dental bridges can last for many years, providing a reliable tooth replacement solution.
At Union Street Dental in Bennington, VT, we understand the impact of missing teeth on your oral health and well-being. Dental bridges are a versatile and elegant solution to restore your smile’s beauty and function. If you have missing teeth or are considering dental bridges, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with our skilled dental team. We are committed to providing personalized care and crafting custom dental bridges that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. With dental bridges, you can embrace a restored smile, renewed confidence, and optimal oral function for a lifetime of happy and healthy smiles.