When a Dental Bridge May Be Recommended

There are various reasons why a dental bridge might be recommended. A dentist might advise you to get one if you have multiple missing teeth next to each other (typically no more than three) and your budget is not enough to cover implants.

When to Consider Getting a Dental Bridge

Missing Teeth:

Replaces one or more missing teeth to restore your smile.

Severe Decay:

Used when a tooth can't be repaired with fillings or crowns.

Post-Extraction:

Fills the gap left by a tooth extraction.

Irreparable Damage:

Replaces a tooth damaged beyond repair.

Bite Maintenance:

Prevents remaining teeth from shifting and maintains bite alignment.

For high-quality dental bridges in Rockville, MD, consult with our expert team.

What to expect when getting a dental bridge

Dental bridges help to restore the aesthetics and function of lost teeth. The artificial teeth that come with the restoration are usually made out of porcelain since the material shares similar characteristics with natural teeth, like its white color and translucence. The pontics can also be made from other materials like silver, gold, or metal alloy.

Restoring the function of a person’s teeth allows them to enjoy a broader range of foods, which often leads to improved digestion. Replacing lost teeth also helps to improve speech and pronunciations.

The Process

Getting a dental bridge starts with the dentist examining the patient’s mouth to determine if a bridge is the right solution for them. The teeth used as abutments are closely examined to make sure they are strong enough to anchor down the patient’s teeth.

The integrity of the teeth around the gap determines the type of dental bridge the dentist recommends. Traditional and Maryland bridges require two teeth as abutments, while cantilever bridges are installed using only one abutment.

Once the type of bridge that will be used has been selected, the abutments are then prepared for the crowns that will be placed on them by shaving off enamel from their sides. This leads to a tighter fit with the crown.

The dentist then takes an impression of the patient’s mouth and sends it to a dental lab where restorations like bridges are made. It takes a couple of weeks for the patient’s customized bridge to get back to the dentist. The prepared abutments are protected with temporary crowns for the time being.

The patient comes back for a second appointment once their oral prosthetic is ready. The temporary crowns are removed, and the bridge is secured to the abutments with the crowns attached. Alterations are made as needed to ensure everything looks right. The patient walks out of the clinic with their smile restored. Dental bridges in Rockville, MD are designed to enhance both function and appearance. Other benefits of replacing teeth with a bridge include:

• The patient’s ability to chew is restored.
• The patient’s speech and pronunciation are improved.
• The bridge prevents the patient’s remaining teeth from moving out of alignment.

Explore Dental Bridges

Dental bridges get you natural-looking artificial teeth that improve the way your smile looks and restore your ability to enjoy your favorite foods. Call or visit our Rockville clinic to set up an appointment with our dentist.

Request an appointment here: https://www.rockvillefamilydental.com or call Rockville Family Dental at (301) 575-0941 for an appointment in our Rockville office.