In the journey to a full, healthy smile, dental bridges play an essential role, especially for those experiencing tooth loss. At Mitchell Dental Studio, Dr. Evan Mitchell and our compassionate team are committed to restoring not just the aesthetics of your smile, but its functionality too. Understanding the impact of missing teeth on both your oral health and self-esteem, we offer tailored dental bridge solutions designed to meet your specific needs.
Understanding Dental Bridges
A dental bridge essentially "bridges" the gap created by one or more missing teeth. A dental bridge has crowns on the teeth next to the gap, called abutment teeth, and a fake tooth or teeth, called pontics, in the middle. Pontics can be made from gold, metals, or porcelain. The bridge is supported by natural teeth or implants.
Types of Dental Bridges
At Mitchell Dental Studio, we recognize that each patient's situation is unique, and thus, offer various types of dental bridges, including:
- Traditional Bridges: The most popular type of bridges are constructed by creating a pontic, or artificial tooth, to fill the gap left by a missing tooth. This pontic is anchored by dental crowns placed on the natural teeth adjacent to the gap.
- Cantilever Bridges: These bridges are utilized when there are supporting teeth present only on one side of the gap created by the missing tooth or teeth.
- Maryland Bridges: Maryland dental bridges are minimally invasive, using a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the back of adjacent teeth, which preserves more of the natural tooth structure. The materials can be color-matched to the natural teeth, ensuring a seamless and comfortable fit.
- Implant-Supported Bridges: As the name suggests, these bridges are supported by dental implants. Each pontic sits atop its own dental implant, offering a highly stable and durable solution.
The Process of Getting a Dental Bridge
Getting a dental bridge typically involves two or more visits to Mitchell Dental Studio. The procedure begins with a consultation where Dr. Mitchell evaluates your needs and suggests the most suitable type of bridge. The subsequent steps include:
- Preparation of the Abutment Teeth: For a traditional bridge, the abutment teeth are recontoured to make room for a crown to be placed over them. Next, impressions of the teeth are taken to create a model that the dental lab will use to fabricate the bridge, pontic, and crowns.
- Fitting of a Temporary Bridge: To protect the exposed areas, a temporary bridge is fitted while your custom bridge is being made.
- Final Adjustments and Fitting: Once your custom bridge is ready, the temporary bridge is removed, and the new bridge is adjusted as needed to ensure a proper fit and comfortable bite.
Caring for Your Dental Bridge
Maintaining a dental bridge is akin to caring for your natural teeth. Regular brushing, flossing, and professional check-ups are essential. It's also important to clean under the pontic to ensure no food debris or plaque accumulates, potentially leading to gum disease or tooth decay.
Embark on Your Journey to a Restored Smile
Missing teeth should not hold you back from enjoying life to the fullest. With the expertise of Dr. Evan Mitchell and the dedicated team at Mitchell Dental Studio, you can reclaim the functionality and beauty of your smile through dental bridges.
If you're considering dental bridges or have any concerns about missing teeth, we invite you to contact us today for a consultation. Let's embark on this journey to a restored, confident smile together.
