Oak Grove Family & Cosmetic Dentistry provides restorative options for patients with missing teeth. Missing teeth can affect your overall smile and how your bite pattern functions. If you don’t replace a missing tooth, you’ll develop other issues like shifting teeth or TMJ. Dr. Chavala Harris is your local restorative dentist in Durham, NC, who can replace one or more missing teeth with a custom dental bridge. She can renew your smile with a durable and natural-looking tooth replacement.
What is a Dental Bridge?
If you’re missing one or more teeth in a row, a dental bridge is an excellent way to restore them. Our team is here to guide you through the simple process. We’ll fill that gap with a solution that looks natural, feels comfortable, and is built to last.
A dental bridge does exactly what its name suggests. It “bridges” the empty space in your smile. It consists of a false tooth, or pontic, that custom dental crowns firmly hold in place on either side of the gap. The crowns that cover the natural teeth are also called the abutment teeth. A dental bridge can be permanently cemented in place or removable as a temporary placeholder for dental implants.
The Benefits of Dental Bridges
Patients with single missing teeth or consecutive missing teeth benefit from a bridge. The advantages of getting a bridge include:
- Eat and Talk Normally Again: One of the coolest things about a dental bridge is that it lets you eat and speak like normal. Missing teeth can make it hard to chew your favorite foods or say certain words clearly. A bridge fills that empty space, so you can enjoy your meals and have conversations without any trouble. This makes everyday life more comfortable, and helps you eat a healthy and balanced diet.
- Prevent Shifting Teeth: When you lose a tooth, the teeth next to the gap can start to shift and move out of place. This can mess up your bite and even cause jaw pain. A bridge acts like a placeholder that keeps everything where it’s supposed to be. This helps your bite stay even and prevents extra stress on your jaw.
- Quick Treatment: Compared to some other tooth replacements like implants, bridges are pretty quick. You’ll usually only need two visits to the dentist, spaced a few weeks apart. That means you can get back to smiling, eating, and feeling confident without a long wait.
- Built to Last: If you take good care of it, a dental bridge can stick with you for a long time. 10 to 15 years or even more to be exact. They’re made from super-strong porcelain or ceramic, so they can handle all the chewing you do every day while still looking great.
- Looks Totally Natural: We make sure your bridge matches your other teeth perfectly. We choose a color, shape, and size that blends right in. No one will even notice it’s not your real tooth!
- Helps You Stay Healthy and Avoid Future Problems: A gap in your smile can trap food and germs, which can cause cavities and gum disease in your other teeth. A bridge covers that space, making it way easier to keep clean. This helps protect your mouth from bigger problems like gum disease.
Restoring Your Smile with a Dental Bridge in Durham, NC
Your restorative journey begins with a friendly consultation and exam. Dr. Chavala Harris will carefully evaluate your oral health, take any necessary X-rays, and ensure the teeth adjacent to the gap are strong enough to support your new bridge. These supporting teeth, known as abutment teeth, will provide a solid foundation.
Tooth Preparation
At your first preparation appointment, Dr. Harris will gently reshape the abutment teeth by removing a minimal amount of enamel. This ensures there’s enough space for the custom crowns that will anchor your bridge.
Impressions and Temporary Bridge
We then take detailed digital impressions of your teeth, and send them to a dental lab where skilled technicians craft your permanent bridge. Before you leave, we’ll place a temporary bridge to protect your prepared teeth and keep your smile looking whole.
Final Restoration
When your beautiful, custom-made permanent bridge is ready, you’ll return for your second visit. Dr. Harris will remove the temporary bridge and carefully check the fit, color, and comfort of your new restoration.
After making adjustments to ensure your bite feels perfectly natural, she’ll securely cement your new bridge into place. In just two visits, you can leave our office with a restored and fully functional smile that you’ll be proud to share.
Dental Bridge FAQs
A dental bridge can replace many consecutive missing teeth, but there’s more to them than that. Read answers to common questions about dental bridges in Durham, NC.
What are the different types of dental bridges?
Dentists offer four main kinds of dental bridges. The best type for you depends on where your missing tooth is and the health of your other teeth.
- Traditional Bridge: This is the most common type. It uses a fake tooth that is held in place by two crowns. The dentist cements the crowns onto the healthy teeth on each side of the gap.
- Cantilever Bridge: This is similar to a traditional bridge, but it only needs one tooth next to the gap to hold it in place. It’s like a porch swing that’s only attached on one side.
- Maryland Bridge: This type uses a metal or porcelain framework with “wings” that are bonded to the backs of the adjacent teeth. It’s a more conservative option because it doesn’t need us to file down those teeth for crowns.
- Implant-Supported Bridge: This is the strongest and most stable type. Instead of being held by natural teeth, dental implants in your jawbone support the bridge. This is often the best choice when more than one tooth in a row is missing.
Who is a good candidate for a dental bridge?
A good candidate for a dental bridge is someone with one or more missing teeth and healthy surrounding teeth. The gums and remaining teeth must be healthy because these will bear the bridge’s load. People who practice good oral hygiene and are committed to keeping their mouth healthy typically do well with bridges. Dr. Harris will evaluate your condition to decide if a bridge is best for you.
How long do dental bridges last?
Dental bridges typically last 5 to 15 years or even longer with proper care. Their longevity depends on things like the type of bridge, your oral hygiene habits, and overall health. Regular dental checkups, brushing, flossing, and avoiding hard foods can help extend the life of your bridge. The bridge will work well for many years if the supporting teeth stay healthy and strong.
Can I eat normally with a dental bridge?
Yes. You can eat normally with a dental bridge once you’ve adjusted to it. Initially, you may want to stick to softer foods and avoid sticky or hard foods until you become comfortable. Over time, the bridge will feel natural and allow you to chew more effectively than you could with missing teeth. Still, we recommend that you avoid biting down on hard items like ice cubes or hard candies.
Will a dental bridge look natural?
Yes, a well-made dental bridge can look very natural. The pontics will match the color, size, and shape of your existing teeth, and the crowns blend seamlessly with your smile. Advances in dental materials and techniques make it hard for anyone to tell the difference. Dr. Harris will work with you to ensure the best cosmetic result.
Will I speak differently with a dental bridge?
Some patients may have minor speech changes immediately after getting a bridge, particularly if they were missing front teeth. However, this is usually temporary, and speech improves as you adjust to the bridge. The restored teeth help you pronounce words more clearly and confidently. If speech issues persist, we can adjust the bridge to improve comfort.
Schedule a Visit to Restore Your Teeth
The best way to find the perfect tooth replacement option for you is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Harris. She will evaluate your smile and offer you a treatment plan that best meets your dental health needs and budgetary goals.
Call 919-899-4467 or schedule an appointment online today. We look forward to helping you restore your smile with a custom dental bridge soon.