Dental Bridges – La Plata, MD

“Bridge” the Gaps in Your Grin

A closeup of a smiling older woman

For most, losing just a single tooth is bad enough. It causes improper changes in your smile’s look. So, missing several adjacent teeth can seem downright terrifying. That said, there’s a great solution for this latter scenario: dental bridges. These prosthetics could restore your full and gorgeous grin. Luckily, we at La Plata Dental offer high-quality ones. To learn more about them, just keep reading or book a consultation with us soon!

What is a Dental Bridge?

A smiling middle-aged woman using dental bridges

In essence, a dental bridge is a fixed restoration. It normally consists of crowns fused to either side of a pontic (i.e., replacement tooth). These crowns (or similar anchors) attach to your mouth, ensuring the whole appliance stays secure.

Given their nature, dental bridges work best for those missing several adjacent teeth. Such patients can expect a pretty smile, as their new teeth will blend seamlessly with the others. (After all, a bridge’s high-grade porcelain is tooth-colored and matches your grin’s qualities.)

The Types of Dental Bridges

A dental bridge near an educational model of gums with implants

Before you get a dental bridge, you’ll need to consult our dentists. Doing so lets them learn about your oral health, smile goals, medical history, etc. Plus, the visit confirms which type of denture best suits you.

Based on the consult’s results, our team will suggest one of two bridge types. These are the following:

Traditional Dental Bridge

A dental technician working on a dental bridge

Per its name, a traditional bridge is the more popular type. It’s the previously described sort that uses dental crowns for stability. In other words, it depends on abutment teeth to stay in place.

Since it relies on existing teeth, this bridge alters your tooth structure. Therefore, placing it requires a dentist to remove bits of your enamel.

Implant Bridge

A 3D illustration of a traditional dental bridge

Unlike the traditional one, an implant bridge depends on dental implants. These latter prosthetics are replacement tooth roots that fuse with your jaw. Once fully fused, they don’t slip or fall like dentures might.

Because it doesn’t need your existing teeth, an implant bridge doesn’t alter your tooth structure. The dentist won’t need to remove your enamel to place it. However, this option is more expensive than the standard bridge.

The Benefits of Getting a Dental Bridge

A 3D illustration of an implant dental bridge

Traditional or not, a dental bridge offers many great perks. various benefits. These typically include:

A Lifelike Smile: Given their porcelain material, dental bridges blend seamlessly with your smile. Their artificial teeth won’t look out of place to your friends or family.
Higher Confidence: By restoring your smile, a dental bridge will boost your confidence. From there, you’ll feel more assured and easy-going in social settings.
Aligned Teeth: Dental bridges fill your smile gaps, thus keeping your other teeth from tilting.
Long-Lasting Results: A standard bridge has a 15-year lifespan if you properly care for it. On the other hand, implant ones can last 35 years or more.

As you can see, a dental bridge is great for treating multiple lost teeth. Given this fact, book a consultation with our office! La Plata Dental would love to restore and beautify your smile!