What Are Dental Bridges?
When one or more of your teeth have fallen out, it is not just a problem with appearance — missing teeth may cause other teeth to move out of position. This can result in unnecessary tension when you bite, pain when you chew, or even difficulty speaking. A dental bridge restores the health and appearance of your smile by covering gaps with a false tooth supported by either your natural teeth, dental implants, or both. At Dental@888 in Seattle, WA, Dr. Hal Kussick offers custom-made bridges with top-quality materials to help give you back your smile. If you have gaps in your smile, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Kussick to get more information about your treatment options with dental bridges.
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What Are the Benefits of Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges offer several benefits for those looking to replace missing teeth and restore their oral health and appearance. Some of the advantages a fixed bridge can offer Seattle, WA individuals include:
- Offers a durable and long-term tooth replacement solution
- Preserves the normal outline of your face
- Distributes bite forces equally to support your natural teeth
- Restores chewing and speaking capabilities
- Stops existing teeth from shifting out of place
- Boosts self-confidence and elevates overall well-being
- Supports the facial muscles, sustaining a younger-looking appearance
- Requires very little upkeep
- Enhances your smile's appearance by filling in the empty space
Am I A Good Candidate For A Dental Bridge?
Missing teeth are not just an aesthetic issue — gaps in the teeth can have a powerful impact on the health of your mouth. The fact is your mouth is carefully balanced, and a gap can affect its function. In time, a missing tooth may lead to teeth shifting, bite problems, and atrophy of the gums and jawbone. A dental bridge requires the surrounding teeth to be strong enough to support the restoration, with sufficient density in the jawbone and gum tissue. One of our skilled dentists will examine your teeth, gums, and jaw during your consultation to help you decide the best bridge type and material for your needs.
How DO Dental Bridges Work?
Before placing a bridge, the surrounding teeth must be strong enough to hold the restoration with good jawbone density and healthy gum tissue. Dr. Kussick will assess your gums and jaw during your consultation to help you choose the best type of bridge (traditional, cantilever, Maryland bonded, or resin bonded) and material (porcelain, ceramic, porcelain fused to metal, and metal).
After prepping and filing down your teeth, Dr. Kussick will take digital x-rays and dental impressions so he can create your custom bridge. While sending your bridge measurements to a lab, you will receive a temporary one. Once ready, you will have your mouth numbed with local anesthesia. In some cases, we may use other sedation methods if you have anxiety or a strong gag reflex to help keep you calm during the procedure. Depending on your needs, Dr. Kussick will cement in place or connect the dental bridge to implants. Next, we adjust the position of the bridge so it remains comfortable and stable.
Dental Bridge FAQ
Can you eat normally with a dental bridge?
Yes, you should be able to eat and drink normally. Once your dental bridge has been placed, it will look, feel, and function like your natural teeth.
How long will my bridge last?
Your dental bridge could last between 10 – 15 years or longer. To keep your dental tooth bridge long-lasting, our team recommends maintaining optimal oral hygiene, keeping up with your biannual cleanings and annual exams, and taking preventative care steps offered at our office.
Can a dental bridge be done on my front tooth?
Yes, a dental bridge can be performed on your front teeth. If you are interested in learning more about dental bridges for your front tooth, reach out to our Seattle, WA office to schedule a consultation.
Restore Your ORal Health And Your SMile
Even if you don't mind the way your smile looks with a missing tooth, it may lead to long-term issues if you don't seek treatment. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Kussick to learn more about dental bridge restorations and what options will fit your unique needs. Dental@888 is pleased to offer custom dental bridges that can improve the appearance and health of your teeth. Please contact our front office in Seattle, WA to schedule your consultation.
