Replace Missing Teeth
Missing teeth can impact your life in a lot of ways, making it difficult to eat, speak, or smile without embarrassment. When your missing teeth are adjacent, the gap in your smile is especially noticeable.
Thankfully, Dr. Young can use a dental bridge to restore your smile. Explore our guide to learn more about dental bridges and how they work.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is designed to bridge the gap between one or more missing teeth. It’s made up of natural-looking porcelain teeth called pontics, which rely on your adjacent teeth for support.
Each of our bridges is customized to the unique shape and shade of your teeth, ensuring it will look natural and fit comfortably.
Bridges vs. Implants
To ensure your bridge fits perfectly, Dr. Young may need to shave some enamel from your surrounding teeth. He’ll then cover them with porcelain crowns to increase their strength and stability.
If the teeth surrounding your gap are already damaged or crowned, then a bridge is ideal for you. If not, dental implants offer an alternative that allows you to avoid filing down your natural teeth.
For the best of both worlds, Dr. Young can secure a bridge with dental implants. This restoration will look and function just like a traditional bridge except it relies on implants for support instead of your surrounding teeth.
Implant-supported bridges require a longer treatment time than traditional bridges, but the long-term health benefits are well worth it.
The Dental Bridge Process
Typically, a dental bridge can be placed in just two appointments. During your first visit, we’ll prepare your anchor teeth so the crowns will fit snugly over their surfaces. We’ll also take an impression of your smile and send it to a laboratory so they can use the data to customize your bridge.
Once it’s ready, Dr. Grubb will place your bridge and double-check that the fit is perfect. At this point, you’ll be ready to show off your beautiful new smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dental bridges cost?
The price of a dental bridge can vary depending on the nature of your case and the type of bridge used. Call our office for price estimates.
Are dental bridges safe?
Though they do require some of your natural teeth to be filed down, dental bridges are a safe and effective replacement for missing teeth.
What’s the difference between a temporary and permanent dental bridge?
A temporary bridge is a restoration that we can place after your first appointment. This allows you to live without gaps in your smile while you wait for your permanent bridge.
How long does a dental bridge last?
With proper care, bridges typically last ten to fifteen years.
Visit Dr. Young for a Dental Bridge
If you’re missing adjacent teeth, a dental bridge or implant-supported bridge may be the right treatment for you.
Call our office in Fort Worth at (817) 741-4567 and schedule a consultation with Dr. Young today.
