Dental bridges are one of the top ways to replace missing teeth. They replace anywhere from one tooth to multiple consecutive teeth. We provide dental bridges as one of our restorative dentistry services. Traditional dental bridges use your natural teeth to support them, while implant-secured bridges use dental implants instead.
Getting Dental Bridges in Marshall, TX
The dental bridge process starts with a consultation in our dentist office. We’ll talk to you about your budget, your dental goals, and your medical history. The dentist also performs a complete oral exam to check your dental structure. We need to see the condition of your jawbone and the surrounding teeth. This consultation determines which type of restoration is the best for your unique needs.
If you’re getting a traditional dental bridge, we’ll prepare anchor teeth on each side of the span of the bridge. Typically, we fortify these teeth with dental crowns. It puts less pressure on your natural teeth, so they don’t wear down as fast. We take impressions so the dental lab can fabricate your bridge. Usually, we place a temporary bridge while yours is being made. We’ll also work with you and the lab to choose the shade of white for your bridge’s teeth so that they blend in perfectly.
When your permanent bridge comes, we fit it to your smile. We ensure that it fits well, is comfortable for you to wear, and functions properly.
For an implant-supported bridge, we start by performing the implant placement surgery. After this, we must wait 3-6 months for the implants to fuse with the jawbone. We’ll provide a temporary restoration in the meantime. As with the traditional bridge, we’ll receive the final restoration and fit it perfectly to your mouth.
Types of Dental Bridges
There are multiple types of dental bridges. We work with you to ensure you get the best restoration for your unique needs. Every patient is different, so we personalize care for each person.
Traditional Dental Bridges
This is the type that people usually recognize. We place dental crowns on your natural teeth while supporting the bridge between them. A traditional bridge is ideal for patients who have strong natural teeth on either side of the bridge. Even with the dental crowns, you must have healthy teeth to ensure the bridge has the proper support.
Cantilever Bridges
Similar to traditional bridges, only a single dental crown supports these. There are instances where people have only one tooth on a side of the dental bridge, such as in the back of your mouth. Since they rely on only one tooth for their support, they’re not quite as long-lasting and robust as other forms of bridges.
Maryland Bridges
These are also known as resin-bonded bridges. These are similar to a traditional bridge but have a conservative take on it that’s typically used to replace front teeth. We don’t need to make any big changes to your tooth structure. The porcelain or metal structure has resin or wings on either side. We bond these to the back of your teeth with a strong dental adhesive.
Implant-Supported Bridges
Instead of your natural teeth, dental implants support this type of bridge. They’re the most stable and durable option to replace your missing teeth. Dental implants are placed in the jawbone, mimicking the structure of the tooth root. They help combat jawbone degeneration and feel the most like your natural teeth. Implant-supported bridges are seen as a permanent solution for your missing teeth.
Schedule an Appointment
We have a dental bridge solution for patients looking to replace their missing teeth. Call us or schedule an appointment online.