Dental Bridges – Shelton, CT
Restore a Complete Smile with a Dental Bridge
Modern advancements in dentistry can preserve natural teeth for longer than ever; however, tooth loss is still a prevalent issue. Whether from decay, infection, or trauma, we can replace your consecutive missing teeth with a dental bridge in Shelton. We offer several solutions to replicate the teeth you’ve lost while creating results that look and feel natural. You’ll have a smile that you’ll be proud to show off.
Why Choose Dental Center of Huntington for Dental Bridges?
- Personalized treatment plans
- CEREC technology
- Implant placement and restoration
What is a Dental Bridge?
Every tooth is essential for maintaining a healthy smile. Losing even one will cause your jawbone to slowly deteriorate because it isn’t being stimulated by the root. Over time, your remaining teeth won’t have the support they need. They will drift out of alignment, increasing your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Eventually, they may even fall out. A dental bridge prevents common issues associated with tooth loss by bridging the gap between one or more missing teeth in a row. Your remaining teeth will have the stability they need while you regain a confident, functional smile.
Types of Dental Bridges
Innovations in dentistry provide more options than ever to replicate lost teeth. Your dentist in Shelton will evaluate your oral health and discuss your goals to determine which solution is right for you:
Traditional Dental Bridge
A traditional fixed bridge has been used for decades to replace one or more missing teeth. We take a digital impression of your mouth to recreate the crowns of your lost teeth. They’ll be made using CEREC technology to match your real teeth, so no one will notice they aren’t your own. Your bridge is held in place by bonding customized dental crowns over the adjacent teeth. Unfortunately, this means their structures will be altered permanently; however, you can have a complete smile in just a couple of appointments. Your bridge and crowns will last for about 7-10 years before needing to be replaced.
Implant Bridge
An implant bridge differs from the traditional method because it doesn’t require dental crowns. Instead, 1-2 dental implants are surgically placed into your jaw to anchor your bridge to your bone. Your adjacent teeth won’t be altered or undergo stress from supporting the bridge. The dental implants will hold it in place while also serving as new tooth roots. As a result, they are the only method to preserve your jaw to stop bone loss. You’ll avoid future dental problems while using a solution that’s proven to last for decades.
The Benefits of Getting a Dental Bridge
Missing teeth cause several consequences for your oral health and quality of life. Replacing your lost teeth with a dental bridge provides many benefits, including:
- Natural-looking results
- Improves your confidence
- Durable, personalized restorations
- Improves your oral health
- Look younger
- Maintain a nutritious diet
Dental Bridges FAQs
Whether you’re missing one tooth or several teeth in a row, if you’re considering a dental bridge, it’s only natural to have questions you’d like answered before signing on the dotted line. The good news is that our Shelton dental team is here to help every step of the way – starting from your very first phone call. Plus, we’ve dedicated this next section to answering FAQs about dental bridges!
How Many Teeth Can a Dental Bridge Replace?
Typically, dental bridges are used to replace anywhere from one to four missing teeth. Any more than that and the restoration can become unstable, negatively impacting the strength of your bite. So, if you’re missing several teeth throughout your mouth or more than four teeth in an arch, then we’ll need to explore your other options, like a partial denture or dental implant.
How Long Should a Dental Bridge Last?
Dental bridges can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years – quite a wide range! The lifespan of yours depends largely on two things: the material it’s made of and how well you care for your smile. For example, if you consistently engage in unhealthy dental habits, like smoking or chewing on ice, then there’s a good chance that your dental bridge will last for a few years at most. Conversely, if you get a checkup and cleaning twice a year, brush consistently, and implement similar best practices, then yours has the potential to last for well over a decade.
Do Dental Bridges Look Natural?
Since dental bridges are custom-made for each patient, they don’t protrude in an unnatural manner or look bulky in any way. Plus, we’ll select the shade that’s closest to your surrounding teeth, ensuring that your restoration blends in seamlessly. In short, your dental bridge won’t just function naturally, it will look completely natural too!
Can Dental Bridges Get Cavities?
No, dental bridges cannot get cavities. That doesn’t mean that you don’t need to take care of them though! After all, the underlying gums can still develop an infection, and the teeth anchoring the dental bridge in place can still decay. So, it’s of the utmost importance that you follow all of the guidelines we give you – from brushing twice a day to coming in every six months for a checkup and cleaning.
What Can You Not Eat with a Dental Bridge?
Just like your natural teeth, dental bridges aren’t indestructible. For that reason, it’s a good idea to exercise caution with foods that have a crunchy consistency, like raw nuts, whole apples, and tortilla chips. We also encourage our patients to avoid treats that are sugary and sticky, like sour gummies. These are particularly risky because they can tug on your restoration and increase your chances of developing cavities. Ultimately, it’s best to focus on eating nutrient-dense, smile-friendly foods instead, like cooked vegetables, oatmeal, and plain yogurt.
Schedule Your Consultation
Don’t feel embarrassed by your missing teeth any longer. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation for a dental bridge. We’ll create a functional, attractive smile using the art and science of dentistry.
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