Dental Bridges in Stuart, FL
Stuart Prosthetic Dentistry provides dental bridges in Stuart, FL. Call our office today at 772.286.1606 to schedule an appointment.
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is a permanent restoration used to replace missing teeth by bridging the gap between remaining teeth. Traditional bridges are custom-made restorations that use adjacent natural teeth as anchors to support the replacement tooth. Unlike removable partial dentures, bridges are a fixed solution that restores both oral function and your beautiful smile.
What is a dental bridge made from?
Bridges can be made from several types of materials. Metal alloys (gold alloys), ceramics (porcelain), or porcelain fused to metal may be used when creating your custom dental bridges. Except for metal (gold) crowns attached for back teeth, mostly only used for molars, the ceramics (porcelain) can be tooth-colored to achieve a natural appearance and blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. Our goal in restorative dentistry is to create a restoration that looks natural and functions comfortably in your entire mouth.
How is dental bridge treatment done?
The traditional bridge procedure typically requires two visits. During the first visit, the teeth on either side of the gap (the prepared teeth) are carefully shaped to receive dental crowns. Impressions are sent to our dental lab, and temporary crowns are placed to protect the prepared teeth. Within a few months, your permanent bridge is ready for final placement. After any necessary adjustments to ensure proper fit and bite, your new bridge is cemented into place, completing your smile restoration.
CEREC single-visit bridges
Combining Dr. Tyler’s certification in dental laboratory technology (CDT), and prosthodontic advanced education and training, with CEREC advanced digital technology, your bridge can be fabricated efficiently and exceptionally in a single visit.
Dental Implants versus Dental Bridges
When deciding how to replace missing teeth, patients often compare traditional bridges with implant supported bridges. A tooth-supported bridge uses surrounding natural tooth structure as support, requiring dental crowns on adjacent teeth. These supporting teeth must be filed down to gain proper support for the bridge. An implant supported bridge, by contrast, doesn't require alteration to healthy adjacent natural teeth.
Dental flossing is more challenging when teeth are connected together by a bridge. Floss-threaders (coming in from the side) and a Waterpik® water-flosser are recommended for proper care of your new restoration. In comparison, an implant-supported crown between two unaltered teeth allows flossing as normal.
Bridge candidacy is far less restrictive than dental implant candidacy. Dental implant treatment is more invasive from a surgical perspective and requires sufficient jawbone for placement, sometimes needing bone grafting. Also, implants require sufficient jawbone for placement, sometimes needing bone grafting. In some cases, implants are contraindicated, making the bridge the right and only option for restoring your complete and beautiful smile.
The primary factor in determining bridge candidacy is the dental health and stability of the supporting teeth. If you suffer from gum disease (periodontal disease), have tooth decay, chips, cracks, or damaged teeth, then you may need to undergo additional treatments before these teeth can support a restoration.
Finally, the bridge treatment process, based on your treatment plan, is completed much faster than the implant process. A bridge can sometimes be finished in as little as two visits. On the other hand, dental implant treatment requires 3 to 6 months for implant healing and fabrication of the final restoration.
Restore Your Confidence and Complete Smile
Are you looking for a dentist in Stuart, FL to restore your smile? Contact our team today to learn more about how dental bridges can replace your missing tooth, improve your oral health, and give you back the confidence that comes with a beautiful smile. Call 772.286.1606 to schedule your appointment and begin your journey to better dental health.