Dental bridges are one of the most commonly used dental restorations. They are simple to place, durable, and highly effective at replacing missing teeth. At Sugar Land Dental, we use dental bridges to restore your smile aesthetics and functionality.
A dental bridge is a prosthetic tooth held in position with the help of abutment teeth on either side. These abutment teeth can be natural or artificial, depending on the treatment needed. For example, when you need an entire row of missing teeth to be replaced, you may need a complete bridge supported by an entire arch of abutment teeth.
Missing Teeth: When one or more teeth are missing as a result of decay, injury, or any other cause, it can lead to various issues such as jawbone deterioration, drifting of teeth from their ideal positions, and difficulty while biting and chewing food.
Gaps: When you are missing a tooth, it leaves a space between adjoining teeth that leads to the shifting of teeth from their ideal positions. If this gap is not treated at the right time, it can lead to other oral health issues such as gum disease and excessive spacing between teeth.
There are several types of dental bridges used in dentistry to restore lost teeth. The most commonly used ones include:
Traditional Bridges: Also known as ceramic bridges, these are made from dental-grade ceramic material and are highly durable. The bridge is held in position with the help of crowns on either side that replaces the missing tooth and the prosthetic tooth fills the space left by it. Traditional bridges are highly popular for their longevity and excellent aesthetics.
Implant-Supported Bridges: These bridges are similar to traditional ones with one major difference - they use implants instead of crowns to support the prosthetic tooth and filling. The missing tooth is restored using an implant stud and a permanent crown instead of a temporary one. The anchors hold the bridge firmly in position and prevent it from getting displaced. Implant-supported bridges offer excellent longevity and stability.
Cantilever Bridges: These bridges consist of only one crown on either side instead of crowns on both sides. The crowns act as anchors for the bridge and fill the gap left by the missing tooth while holding it firmly in position. Cantilever bridges offer excellent durability but have a shorter lifespan compared to other types of dental bridges.
Resin-Bonded Bridges: These ceramic bridges are bonded directly to the adjoining teeth using dental adhesives and can be placed in just two appointments with minimal restoration work done on them. They do not require crowns but offer limited durability and stability, making them unsuitable for people who engage in rigorous activities like sports or those who often experience oral trauma.
The procedure for placing a dental bridge requires two visits to our practice - placement and preparation. We will diagnose your oral condition thoroughly during your first visit by taking X-rays and scanning your mouth with a hand-held digital imaging system. We will take precise measurements of your mouth and create digital impressions that will be used as a reference for fabricating your bridge.
Contact Sugar Land Dental in Sugar Land, TX, for the best dental care. To book an appointment, call (281) 980-5100 or visit us at 101 Southwestern Blvd Suite 204, Sugar Land, TX 77478.
MON 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
TUE - THU 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
FRI 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
SAT - SUN Closed
