If a single tooth or an entire row of teeth is gone, you’ll want to find a replacement quickly. Otherwise, not only could chewing and speaking become more difficult than usual, but your remaining teeth could move into the gap and throw off the alignment of your entire bite. Dr. Lively can use a dental bridge to close the gaps in your smile; contact 333 Dental Care today to learn more about the restoration and whether it’s right for you.
Dental Bridge – Mangum, OK
Filling the Gaps in Your Grin
Why Choose Us for Dental Bridges?
- Lifelike Crowns and Prosthetic Teeth
- Dentist with Over 20 Years of Experience
- Implant-Retained Bridges for a More Stable Smile
What is a Fixed Dental Bridge?
A bridge is created by taking one or more prosthetic porcelain teeth called “pontics” and suspending them between two dental crowns. These crowns fit over your existing teeth (or in certain cases, two dental implants) that serve as support. Bridges are designed to look as natural as possible in your mouth, and they can be used to perform the everyday functions of regular teeth – namely chewing, speaking, and biting. Note that in order for your teeth to hold a bridge, small amounts of enamel normally need to be removed so that there’s enough space for the crowns.
Advantages of a Dental Bridge
- Bridges are small and lightweight, so they’re comfortable to chew with.
- They’ll ensure that the force of your bite is correctly distributed in order to protect your other teeth.
- By filling in the empty space, you prevent other teeth from drifting.
- You’ll be able to speak and eat normally again.
- A bridge can last for many years with good oral hygiene.
Am I a Candidate for Dental Bridge?
A bridge can be used if:
- You are missing one tooth or a few teeth in a row AND
- The teeth on either side of the gap are still healthy and are strong enough to support crowns AND
- You have good oral health overall and are completely free from gum disease.
Dr. Lively can check your mouth to decide whether a dental bridge or another kind of restoration would be best in your case.
How Do I Care for a Fixed Bridge?
To take care of your bridge, brush and floss twice a day like you normally would. Thoroughly clean the area around and under the bridge; otherwise, the teeth supporting the crowns could start to decay, and that could cause the bridge to fail. It might help to add fluoride rinse to your oral hygiene routine. Also, don’t forget to return to 333 Dental Care so that Dr. Lively can clean your teeth and make sure that your bridge is still in good shape.
Implant-Retained Bridges
If you don’t want to make alterations to your natural teeth, you might be able to get a bridge that’s supported by dental implants instead. This has several advantages; in addition to leaving healthy dental structures in your mouth alone, implant placement helps stimulate the jaw so that it doesn’t suffer the deterioration that normally occurs whenever teeth are missing.