Dental Bridges
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are restorative dentistry that helps replace missing teeth and provide an aesthetically pleasing smile. If you have one or more missing teeth, a dental bridge can be a great option to restore your smile and improve your oral health. At 23rd Street Dental, Dr. David Allen and Dr. Clinton Hyatt in Oklahoma City, OK, offer dental bridges to patients who need to restore their smiles.
What Are Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge is an oral appliance that replaces the gap left by one or more missing teeth. It is typically made from porcelain fused with metal but can also be constructed from all-ceramic material for patients with allergies or sensitivities to metals in the mouth. The bridge consists of two abutment crowns attached to adjacent teeth and a false tooth (or pontic) placed between them to fill the missing tooth’s space. The abutments support the false tooth and then act as anchors once the bridge is cemented into place.
What are the Benefits of Bridges?
Dental bridges can restore your smile after tooth loss caused by trauma, decay, or periodontal disease.
Dental bridges can help restore your ability to chew and speak properly, improving your oral health. They also prevent the remaining teeth from shifting out of place, leading to bite problems and gum disease.
A dental bridge can improve the appearance of your smile by filling in gaps caused by missing teeth. Our dental team will customize the bridge to match the color and shape of your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless and natural-looking result.
Dental bridges are made from high-quality materials, such as porcelain and metal, which are strong and durable. With proper care, a dental bridge can last for many years.
Types of Dental Bridges
Several types of dental bridges are available, including traditional bridges, Maryland bridges, and cantilever bridges. Each type has its unique benefits and may be recommended based on the patient’s specific needs.
This type of bridge is the most common and consists of two dental crowns on either side of the gap, with a replacement tooth in between. The dental crowns are placed over the adjacent teeth, which serve as anchors for the bridge.
This type of bridge is made from a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the back of the adjacent teeth. This type of bridge is less invasive than a traditional bridge and is a good option for patients with healthy adjacent teeth.
This type of bridge is similar to a traditional bridge but only requires one adjacent tooth for support. This type of bridge is less commonly used and may not be recommended in some instances.
Getting a dental bridge requires two or more dental appointments. During the first appointment, our dental team will prepare the adjacent teeth for the dental crowns by removing a portion of the enamel. Next, we will take an impression of the teeth and send it to a dental lab, where the bridge will be custom-made to fit your needs.
Once the bridge is ready, you will return to our office for the second appointment. Our dental team will carefully place the dental crowns over the adjacent teeth and attach the replacement tooth in between. Before permanently bonding, we will ensure the bridge fits comfortably and looks natural.
Procedure for Getting a Dental Bridge
Caring for Your Dental Bridge
Caring for your dental bridge is similar to caring for your natural teeth—brush and floss daily to prevent plaque buildup and gum disease. Avoid eating hard or sticky foods that may damage the bridge, and visit our office regularly for dental check-ups and cleanings. With proper care, your dental bridge can last many years and help you achieve a beautiful, healthy smile.
Dental Bridges in Oklahoma City, OK
At 23rd Street Dental, we proudly offer our patients in Oklahoma City high-quality dental bridges. Our dental bridges are custom-made to fit your unique needs and preferences, ensuring that you receive the best possible treatment for your individual situation. Schedule an appointment today.
