DENTAL BRIDGE KATY TX
Grand Parkway Smiles patients have several options available when it comes to tooth replacement, including dental bridges. Sometimes referred to as porcelain fixed bridges, these devices are – as the name implies – designed to quite literally bridge a gap in the patient’s teeth. As your Katy dentist, we offer our patients dental bridges as an effective, attractive solution to tooth loss.
WHAT ARE DENTAL BRIDGES?
A traditional dental bridge typically consists of an artificial tooth hugged by two crowns. The crowns and artificial tooth (called a pontic) form a solid line to span the gap left behind by a missing tooth. Strong, healthy teeth on either side of the pontic (called abutment teeth) are usually needed to accommodate and support the crowns that will ultimately hold the prosthesis in place.
The dentist will begin by filing down the abutment teeth so the crowns can be placed over them. He will then take an impression of your teeth and send it to the lab where your dental bridge will be made according to custom specifications. Your dentist and lab technicians will take great care to create a dental bridge that blends in seamlessly so it looks, feels, and functions just like your natural teeth.
When your dental bridge is ready, you’ll return to the dentist office for placement. Once a proper look and fit is assured and any necessary adjustments have been made, the dental bridge will be permanently cemented into place.
More facts about dental bridges:
- Dental bridges can be supported by dental implants on each side instead of natural teeth; those are called implant-supported bridges
- Dental bridges can contain more than a single pontic; two or even three artificial teeth in-between abutments is not uncommon
- As the number of pontics in a dental bridge increases, so does the number of abutment teeth needed to securely hold the prosthesis in place and support its structural integrity
- Sometimes, dentists only have a single abutment tooth to work with; dental bridges utilizing one abutment tooth instead of two (or more) are called cantilever dental bridges
- A third and somewhat conservative type of dental bridge, called a Maryland bridge or resin-bonded bridge, utilizes metal “wings” that hook onto neighboring teeth to hold the prosthesis in place, eliminating the need to file down adjacent healthy teeth
- Most patients choose porcelain as the material for their dental bridge, thanks to its natural look and feel; other materials like gold, alloys, or a combination of those, however, are also available
WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR A DENTAL BRIDGE?
Your Grand Parkway Smiles dentist may suggest that you could benefit from a dental bridge if you
- Are missing one or more teeth
- Want to regain your ability to speak and chew properly
- Want a permanent solution to tooth loss that can last as many as 20 years with proper care
- Want superior appearance, comfort and functionality to what traditional dentures can provide
- Are not a candidate for dental implants
WHY CHOOSE GRAND PARKWAY SMILES IN KATY FOR DENTAL BRIDGES?
The dentists at Grand Parkway Smiles in Katy are dedicated to providing you with quality dental bridges that allow you to speak, eat, and laugh with confidence. We don’t compromise on materials and stand behind our workmanship for a long-lasting, natural-looking, healthy smile.
Dental financing is available to ensure our patients have access to the dental care they need, when they need it. Ask us about our affordable payment plans!
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER RECEIVING A DENTAL BRIDGE?
Taking good care of your dental bridge at home can dramatically increase its life span. While the artificial material your dental bridge is composed of cannot, in and of itself, contract caries, your abutment teeth can. For this reason, it is important to brush twice daily and floss around as well as underneath your dental bridge consistently.
Like natural teeth, dental bridges can fracture under excessive pressure. Take care when chewing sticky or very hard foods (such as taffy and nuts) to keep your dental bridge healthy and free from damage.
We look forward to telling you more about dental bridges and how you can benefit from this tooth replacement solution. Schedule a consultation with your Katy dentist at Grand Parkway Smiles by calling 832-222-0016 today!