Dental Bridges
Benefits of Dental Bridges in Philadelphia, PA
Are you tired of seeing a gap between missing teeth when you look in the mirror? Dental bridges help patients with missing teeth restore their smile and bite. By filling the gap in your mouth with a durable yet natural-looking artificial material, you can get back to enjoying your favorite foods and showing off a polished smile.
Pennsylvania Center for Dental Excellence helps patients restore their smiles with dental bridges in Philadelphia, PA. Our team is passionate about oral health and helps patients achieve their best and brightest smiles. Dental bridges serve as an excellent option for patients with missing teeth looking for a permanent restoration solution.
What are Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge uses composite resin to fill the gap between two teeth in your mouth. Unlike traditional dental implants, a bridge secures your mouth via the placement of dental crowns on the supporting teeth. Between the two supporting dental crowns lies artificial teeth that secure into the gumline.
One of the main benefits of a dental bridge is that it consists of porcelain. Porcelain is a highly durable and tooth-colored material that helps dental bridges look and fit more naturally in patients’ mouths. Pennsylvania Center for Dental Excellence can help customize a dental bridge to match your teeth’ unique structure and color for a comfortable, natural-looking fit.
Types of Dental Bridges
Pennsylvania Center for Dental Excellence provides three different types of dental bridges to address the unique concerns of every patient:
- Traditional bridges
- Cantilever bridges
- Maryland bonded bridges
What to Expect When Getting a Dental Bridge
The first step to the dental bridge procedure is to prepare the supporting teeth. To prepare for the dental crown, your dentist will gently shave down a small part of the enamel of your supporting teeth. Patients typically receive a local anesthetic to make the procedure more comfortable and alleviate potential pain.
After preparing the surrounding teeth, your dentist will take dental impressions. These impressions help make a custom dental bridge that will fit naturally in your mouth.
Since a third party makes dental bridges, patients generally need to make multiple trips to the dentist’s office for the procedure. During the first visit, your dentist will give you a temporary bridge to protect your teeth while you wait for the permanent bridge.
When the permanent dental bridge is ready, your dentist will use it to replace the temporary one. Once your dental bridge is secure, your dentist will give you specific aftercare instructions to promote proper healing and dental bridge maintenance.
How to Care for Your Dental Bridge
A dental bridge is a permanent restoration solution; however, patients should maintain proper oral hygiene habits to care for their dental bridge. This includes brushing twice a day, flossing, and using mouthwash daily.
How Do I Know If I Need a Dental Bridge?
Dental bridges are ideal for patients missing one or several teeth. Another restoration option for missing teeth is a dental implant. However, implants tend to be significantly more expensive than dental bridges.
Ultimately, your dentist at Pennsylvania Center for Dental Excellence will help you determine if you are a good candidate for dental bridges in Philadelphia, PA.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
They are Durable
The porcelain material of a dental bridge allows patients to eat their favorite foods without worrying about damage. A bridge can last up to 15 years with proper dental care habits.
They Look Natural
Porcelain comes in a wide range of colors that can blend in naturally with your remaining teeth. In addition, your dentist can customize the dental bridge to match the shade and shape of your teeth.
They Help Prevent Gum Disease
Unlike your natural teeth, artificial teeth made of porcelain are resistant to the common germs found in your mouth. For this reason, dental crowns can help reduce the likelihood of gum disease and tooth decay. However, you must continue to protect your teeth with proper oral hygiene and regular professional dental cleanings.
They Restore Speech and Bite
Missing teeth make it difficult to enjoy your favorite foods and can impact your speaking ability. Dental bridges fill the gap of missing teeth to restore your bite and improve speech.
They Keep Your Remaining Teeth in Position
Teeth have a natural tendency to move out of place, especially when there is a gap. Dental bridges protect the structure of your mouth by preventing the surrounding teeth from shifting.
Pennsylvania Center for Dental Excellence offers dental bridges in Philadelphia, PA, for patients looking to restore their smile. Call (215) 352-5447 to schedule an appointment!