Dental bridges are a fixed replacement for missing teeth that cover the gap left by missing teeth and restore oral functionality and the appearance of your smile. At North Alabama Smiles, we recommend dental bridges for their reliability, cost-efficiency, and natural look.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge comprises one or several prosthetic teeth that are held firmly in position by abutment teeth. A crown is placed on either side of the gap and the artificial teeth are placed in between.Â
A dental bridge looks natural and helps re-establish your oral functions.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
The benefits of dental bridges include:
- Restore your smile’s aesthetics
- Resemble, feel, and function just like natural teeth
- Reinstate your ability to speak and chewÂ
- Correct and re-distribute biting force
- Prevent the shifting and movement of adjacent natural teethÂ
- Reduces the risk of jawbone loss and maintains the facial structureÂ
- Easy to maintain
Types of Dental Bridges
Traditional Bridges
A traditional bridge is the most common type of dental restoration used to replace missing teeth. This option is recommended when natural teeth are present on either side of the missing tooth.
Cantilever Bridges
This type of dental bridge is held in position by a dental crown that is bonded to only one abutment tooth. For a cantilever bridge, you only need one natural tooth next to the missing tooth for support.
Implant-Supported BridgesÂ
These restorations use dental implants instead of crowns for support. Implants are surgically placed for each supporting tooth and they hold the bridge firmly in position.
How Do Dental Bridges Work?
A dental bridge procedure is generally completed in two dental appointments. During the first visit, the adjacent teeth are prepared to ensure adequate spacing for the crowns to be secured on their surface.Â
An impression will then be taken of the opening and the supporting teeth that will serve as a model for fabricating your dental bridge. The impression is sent to our dental lab, where durable materials like porcelain are used to create the dental bridge. Bridges are precisely shaped to fit your requirements, using multiple layers of material in varying color shades for a smooth, radiant, and natural result.Â
Once ready, the bridge will be fitted to the prepared natural teeth and checked for correct fit and bite.
Dental bridges are a cost-effective and straightforward option for replacing missing teeth. To find out more about them, contact North Alabama Smiles at (256) 586-8100 or 55 Golfview Dr NE #5467, Arab, AL 35016.Â
