How we rescue broken, incomplete smiles to support your total health with high-quality dental bridges
A “complete” smile, full of healthy teeth (no gaps), supports the positive self-image that fuels confidence and overall well-being. Plus, teeth not broken, aching, or otherwise damaged can function as “nature intended.” Healthy chewing function also supports everything from a nutritious diet to proper digestion. The office of Stephen Huber, DDS, is proud to play an important role in transforming our patients’ smiles and lives with prompt and high-quality tooth replacement solutions. These solutions include dental bridges that have stood the test of time.
A bridge is a non-surgical way to replace one or many teeth. A bridge uses the adjacent teeth as anchors to support the missing tooth or teeth. With today’s dental advancements, a bridge can be fabricated in a fairly short period of time, using a metal or nonmetal foundation. Don’t let that missing tooth affect the way you speak, eat, and smile. Bridges yield immediate results that last a lifetime. Ask your dentist what type of bridge may be right for you.
What is a dental bridge?
Like an architectural bridge, the dental bridges designed in Leawood, Kansas, come in many different forms. The “standard” dental bridge, however, is made up of at least one replacement tooth as well as two crowns. The crowns are cemented to the teeth next to the gap where a tooth used to be. Once secured in place, the prosthetic tooth fills in and otherwise “bridges” the gap.
Why do you need dental crowns when building a dental bridge?
The neighboring teeth play a vital role in the long-term health of the prosthetic tooth (or teeth, if you have more extensive needs). They function as anchors. These “abutment” teeth, as they are called, help to hold the prosthetic or “pontic” in place. The new tooth would otherwise be vulnerable to further damage due to the extreme forces placed on the teeth and restorations from everyday chewing and behaviors.
How do you “build” a dental bridge?
As with all treatments at our office, we must collect as much information about your mouth as possible. With restorations, we use this information as a guide to fabricate your new tooth structure. The bridge is made expertly by our dental lab. While you wait, a temporary bridge is placed to protect the treatment site and for aesthetic purposes. Dr. Huber will also slightly reduce and reshape the abutments to ensure the crowns fit correctly. Once the permanent crown is ready, he ensures that the crowns and pontic look and fit perfectly before applying them as a single piece to the anchor teeth.
How long can a dental bridge last?
Our team works closely with patients to ensure they get the most out of their new teeth. Bridges are generally a well-established and relatively hassle-free form of permanent tooth replacement. They support healthy function and a beautiful smile and prevent further complications (such as teeth shifting toward the gap). While they should generally be brushed and cared for, such as natural and healthy teeth, there are some special considerations. We can advise on techniques and special oral care products (such as floss threaders, interdental brushes, or floss picks) to properly clean all of the food particles, bacteria, and plaque from underneath the bridge. This guidance helps minimize the risk of tooth decay or gum disease.
If you are concerned about changes to a tooth or are tired of hiding your incomplete or broken smile, our office in Leawood, KS, is here for you! Call us today at (913) 349-9795 with more questions and to schedule an appointment.
