Dental Bridges
Dental Bridges in Westlake, OH
If you are living with missing teeth, you understand how it affects more than just your appearance. Gaps in your smile can make it difficult to chew comfortably, speak clearly, and can even lead to teeth shifting out of place. Dental Care of Westlake offers dental bridges in Westlake, OH as a solution. Dental bridges offer a time-tested, reliable solution to bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth, restoring the function and aesthetic of your natural smile. Reach out today.
What Are Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge is a custom-made prosthetic appliance designed to replace missing teeth by anchoring to the natural teeth or dental implants surrounding the empty space. A dental bridge typically consists of two or more crowns for the teeth on either side of the abutment teeth. A pontic, or false tooth or teeth, is placed in between. Pontics can be crafted from gold, alloys, or porcelain. Most patients prefer porcelain for its translucency and color of natural tooth enamel.
Common Types of Dental Bridges
We determine the type of dental bridge based on your missing tooth’s the location and the health of your surrounding teeth. The most common types of bridges include:
- Traditional Bridges – The most common type, a traditional bridge includes a false tooth held in place by dental crowns that we cement onto abutment teeth.
- Cantilever Bridges – We use cantilever bridges when there is an adjacent tooth on only one side of the missing tooth.
- Maryland Bridges – Often used for front teeth, these use a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the backs of the adjacent teeth, requiring less preparation of the natural tooth structure.
- Implant-Supported Bridges – The most stable option, a dental implant is used instead of natural teeth to support the prosthetic.
What to Expect During the Dental Bridge Procedure
Dental bridges typically occur during two visits. You can expect the following:
- During the first appointment, we remove a small portion of enamel on the abutment teeth to make room for a crown.
- Next, we take impressions of your teeth to craft the bridge, pontic, and crowns.
- While the permanent bridge is created, our team provides a temporary bridge to protect the exposed teeth and gums.
- During the second visit, we remove the temporary bridge and adjust the new bridge to achieve a proper fit and bite.
- Once the fit is perfected, the bridge is cemented into place, instantly completing your smile.
Significant Benefits of Dental Bridges
Choosing a dental bridge treatment helps boost your smile and the function of your mouth. Some of the most beneficial factors of choosing a dental bridge include:
- Restores Your Smile – Fills gaps for a complete, confident appearance.
- Improves Functionality – Restores the ability to properly chew and speak.
- Maintains Facial Shape – Prevents the “sunken” look that can occur with tooth loss.
- Distributes Bite Force – Prevents excessive wear on remaining teeth by evening out the pressure.
- Prevents Shifting – Keeps remaining natural teeth from drifting into the empty space.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Most patients who have lost one to three consecutive teeth are excellent candidates for a bridge. To be eligible for a traditional bridge, the teeth adjacent to the gap must be healthy and have strong bone support. If the surrounding teeth are decayed or weak, an implant-supported bridge may be a better alternative. Our skilled team performs a thorough dental exam to determine the best restorative path for your specific needs.
Dental Bridge Aftercare & Maintenance
With proper dental bridge maintenance, a high-quality bridge can last five to fifteen years or even longer. Dental bridge aftercare is similar to caring for your natural teeth but requires extra attention to the area underneath the pontic. We recommend the following:
- Brush twice daily and floss regularly.
- Use specialized floss or interdental brushes to clean under the bridge and around the abutments.
- Avoid chewing hard foods like that could crack the porcelain.
- Schedule regular checkups and professional cleanings to ensure the bridge remains secure and the underlying gums stay healthy.
Why Choose Us?
Dental Care of Westlake provides personalized restorative dental care using the latest technology. We understand that every smile is unique, which is why we take the time to design customized dental bridges. From the initial dental consultation to the final fitting, our team ensures a comfortable, stress-free experience focused on long-term results.
Other Services We Offer
In addition to bridges, we provide a full suite of restorative and cosmetic services. Some of the services we offer include:
Contact Dental Care of Westlake
Dental Care of Westlake is here for all your dental needs. When you need a dental bridge, we’ll explain the treatment and perform the service in a welcoming, comfortable environment. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Once you have adjusted to the bridge, you will find it much easier to eat. We recommend trying soft foods cut into small pieces until you are comfortable with the new prosthetic.
The cost varies depending on the type of bridge and the material used. Many insurance plans cover a significant portion of the restorative treatment. We offer various financing options.
The area is numbed with a local anesthetic during the preparation phase, so you should feel no pain. Some patients experience mild sensitivity shortly after the permanent bridge is placed, but this typically subsides within a few days.