Dental Bridges – Chesapeake, VA
Reclaiming Your Healthy, Beautiful Smile
If you’re missing one or several teeth in a row, your appearance might be the least of your worries. Having gaps in your smile can negatively affect your oral and overall well-being, as it can make it incredibly difficult to perform normal daily tasks, such as eating and talking properly. Fortunately, our team can effectively replace your missing pearly whites with custom and lifelike dental bridges! Keep reading to learn more about this tooth-replacement solution or give us a call to set up an initial consultation with our team.
Why Choose Troisi Dentistry for Dental Bridges?
- Completely Personalized Treatment Results
- Dentist with Over a Decade of Experience
- Caring & Detail-Oriented Dental Team
What is a Dental Bridge?
Fixed bridges are used to close a gap in your smile. These tooth replacement prosthetics can be used to replace one or a few consecutive missing teeth. The replacement tooth or teeth, called pontics, are fused on either side to dental crowns. These crowns are then cemented into place over healthy teeth on either side of the gap, anchoring the replacement teeth firmly in position to recreate your smile.
Types of Dental Bridges
Whenever you first visit our team, you’ll undergo a thorough oral assessment so that we can understand your smile situation as well as determine if dental bridges are the best solution for you. Depending on our findings, we’ll recommend one of the two treatment options we provide:
Traditional Dental Bridge
Patients who are missing one or more consecutive teeth might be eligible for a traditional bridge to easily restore their full smile. This restoration will be placed in your mouth via the dental crowns on either side. This process also involves altering the two natural teeth on either side of the gap to make room for the new bridge.
Implant Bridge
Instead of relying on healthy natural teeth to support your bridge, you can also opt for dental implants. The metal posts will be embedded into your jawbone and you’ll have to undergo a healing period. Afterward, we can fit your bridge to the implants without having to alter any of your natural teeth. Not only will this option provide more stability, but you can expect the results to last much longer compared to traditional ones.
The Benefits of Getting a Dental Bridge
Dental bridges offer a wide range of benefits for your smile and oral health, such as:
- Rebuild your full bite
- Improve chewing ability
- Maintain the positions of existing teeth
- Affordable and convenient treatment option
- Can last several years before needing replacements (a decade or more with implant bridges)
Dental Bridges FAQs
How Long Should a Dental Bridge Last?
On average, you can expect your dental bridge to last anywhere between 5 and 15 years. However, this can vary on several different factors. The longevity of your bridge will depend on things like your diet, oral hygiene, and whether or not you are engaging in bad oral habits, like smoking, nail-biting, teeth grinding, or ice chewing. Bridges that replace the front teeth may last slightly longer than the ones in the back of the mouth because they are not subjected to as much wear and tear from chewing.
Is a Partial Denture the Same as a Bridge?
No. Partial dentures are sometimes referred to as “removable bridges,” but this is misleading. A bridge is designed to stay in place for many years and can only be removed by a dentist. On the other hand, partial dentures can be removed by the patient at any time. The other main difference between the two tooth replacement options is the fact that bridges can only replace missing teeth if they are consecutive. Partials can bring back several teeth in different locations across an arch. During your consultation, we will discuss which option can best meet your needs.
Do Dental Bridges Look Natural?
The dental bridges that we place are made from all-ceramic, so they can be color-matched to your surrounding teeth. Ceramic looks just like tooth enamel and even reflects light in the same way. Once placed, your dental bridge should blend in with the rest of your smile quite well. Unlike dentures, dental bridges are anchored in place with dental cement, so you don’t need to worry about it shifting around unnaturally or falling out of place.
What Can You Not Eat with a Dental Bridge?
Dental bridges allow you to chew most foods easily, so you should still be careful when it comes to certain items. After all, you want your denture to last as long as possible. The worst offender is sticky foods, as they can loosen your bridge. You should stay away from things like fruit gummies, caramel, and other sticky candies. You should also be mindful of the amount of sugary foods and beverages you are consuming. By only enjoying them in moderation, you can reduce your risk of cavities.