Gentle Care Dentistry & Implants
General Dentist & Dental Implant Provider located in Sierra Vista, AZ
Dental Bridges in Sierra Vista, AZ
Achieve a Complete Smile With Our Restorative Dentist in Sierra Vista
If you’ve developed gaps in your upper or lower arch of teeth or you’re having difficulty chewing, dental bridges can help improve the mechanics of your bite. This minimally invasive treatment can help replace up to four missing teeth, completing your smile for an improved appearance.
At Gentle Care Dentistry & Implants, our Sierra Vista restorative dentist, Dr. Kent Hales, is dedicated to supporting your oral health in any possible way. Read on to learn if you qualify for a dental bridge and how you may benefit from this treatment.
What Are Dental Bridges?
As their name implies, dental bridges help bridge the gap left by one or more adjacent missing teeth. Dental crowns are used on either side of the gap to support the fake teeth in the bridge, known as pontics. With crowns acting as anchors, your restoration will be stable and natural-looking.
Unlike dentures, dental bridges offer a stable and comfortable fit. Bridges are also a less-invasive treatment than dental implants and are a much more convenient procedure for replacing lost teeth.
Types of Dental Bridges
Traditional Dental Bridges
Traditional dental bridges are the most common and widely used type of dental bridge to replace missing teeth. These bridges typically consist of one or more prosthetic teeth, known as pontics, which are anchored to the adjacent natural teeth, referred to as abutments. The dental bridge is secured using dental crowns placed over the abutment teeth.
This type of bridge is ideal for patients who have healthy teeth on both sides of the gap and do not require additional invasive procedures like dental implants. Traditional bridges are a stable, natural-looking solution for patients looking to restore their smile and bite function. They offer benefits such as:
- Natural-looking restoration for missing teeth
- Stable and durable solution for gaps
- Comfortable fit that helps restore chewing function
- Prevents teeth from shifting and misaligning
For patients seeking a non-invasive tooth replacement solution, traditional dental bridges are an excellent choice.
Implant-Supported Bridges
For patients who are missing several teeth in a row or have weakened abutment teeth, implant-supported bridges provide a more permanent and stable solution. This method involves placing dental implants into the jawbone to act as the foundation for the bridge. Dental implants are small titanium posts surgically placed into the jaw to replace the root of the missing tooth. Once the implant has integrated with the bone (a process called osseointegration), a custom bridge is placed on top of the implants, providing a secure, permanent restoration.
Implant-supported bridges are an excellent option for patients who:
- Are missing multiple adjacent teeth
- Have insufficient or weakened adjacent teeth to support a traditional bridge
- Want a permanent solution with greater stability
- Prefer a more natural-feeling restoration with no risk of slippage or discomfort
Implant-supported bridges are known for their durability and long-lasting results, as they are anchored securely to the jawbone. With the proper care, implant-supported bridges can last many years, helping you maintain your oral health and functionality.
Maryland Dental Bridges
Maryland dental bridges, also known as resin-bonded bridges, are a popular option for replacing missing front teeth. Unlike traditional bridges, Maryland bridges do not require crowns to be placed over the abutment teeth. Instead, the pontic is bonded to the back of the adjacent teeth using a strong resin material and metal or porcelain wings.
Maryland bridges are ideal for replacing missing front teeth because they are more conservative and minimally invasive than other types of bridges. A Maryland dental bridge is typically used when there is enough healthy tooth structure to support the bridge, and when the missing teeth are not subject to heavy chewing forces.
Benefits of Maryland Dental Bridges:
- Less invasive compared to traditional bridges
- No need for tooth reduction on the abutment teeth
- Ideal for replacing missing front teeth
- Preserves natural tooth structure
- Quick and relatively simple procedure
Maryland bridges are an excellent option for patients seeking a non-invasive dental solution that preserves the integrity of adjacent healthy teeth. They are also an affordable choice for those who want a bridge that does not require extensive preparation of surrounding teeth.
Cantilever Dental Bridges
Cantilever dental bridges are a unique type of dental bridge that is ideal for patients who have a gap with only one adjacent tooth remaining on one side of the missing tooth. In a cantilever dental bridge, the pontic is supported by a single dental crown attached to the neighboring tooth, rather than two crowns placed on both sides of the gap (as in a traditional bridge).
This type of bridge is particularly useful when there is only one healthy tooth available to anchor the bridge, and it’s most often used in the front teeth where the forces on the bridge are not as significant as those in the back.
Benefits of Cantilever Dental Bridges:
- Ideal for limited spaces with only one healthy tooth available
- Preserves adjacent healthy teeth with minimal preparation
- Restores appearance and function of your smile
- Perfect for replacing front teeth
However, cantilever bridges are generally not recommended for back teeth or areas where the bridge will experience heavy pressure from chewing, as the cantilever design can put more stress on the supporting tooth.
When Are Dental Bridges Necessary?
While many patients elect to have dental implants, they aren’t for everybody. A dental bridge procedure serves as a great alternative if your jaw bone density isn’t strong enough to withstand the implant procedure. Whether you need a traditional or cantilever bridge, our dentist Dr. Hales may also recommend dental bridges to patients with:
- One or more missing teeth
- Severely damaged or decayed teeth
- Significant teeth-gaps
- Ill-fitting dentures
At your initial consultation, Dr. Hales will evaluate your teeth and gums to determine if dental bridges are right for you. To learn if you may benefit from a traditional dental bridge, schedule an appointment at our Sierra Vista office by calling (520) 458-9460.
The Dental Bridge Process
Creating Your Bridge
You’ll first attend a consultation with Dr. Hales, where he’ll perform a thorough evaluation of your oral health to determine if dental bridges will best suit your needs. If approved, he can begin the shaping process.
Our Sierra Vista dentist will first administer a local anesthetic so you won’t feel any pain while he works. Once the numbness sets in, he’ll shape the teeth on either side of the gap so the dental crowns will fit naturally and comfortably. To finish your first appointment, Dr. Hales will take digital impressions of your teeth for our off-site manufacturer to use as a blueprint for creating your restoration.
Placing Your Bridge
After receiving your custom bridge and placing it, our restorative dentist will make any necessary adjustments to ensure a secure and natural fit before fixing it into place. You’re then ready to showcase your new smile!
Frequently Asked Questions
With proper maintenance, dental bridges can last up to 15 years before a replacement is needed. To ensure your restoration remains in good condition for years to come, it’s essential to practice good oral hygiene. This includes brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and rinsing with mouthwash between meals.
We also encourage patients to schedule biannual appointments at our Sierra Vista office for routine dental exams and cleanings. Regular dental visits will help keep both your oral health and dental bridge in good form.
A dental bridge can replace up to four adjacent missing teeth. Bridges will usually have one to two false teeth, though rare cases may require more than five false teeth. Dr. Hales will determine how many teeth your bridge will replace at your initial consultation.
Receiving a dental bridge is a virtually painless process. Before beginning the procedure, Dr. Hales will administer a local anesthetic to ensure you don’t feel a thing.
It’s normal to experience mild soreness once the numbness subsides, but any pain should fade within a few days. You can use over-the-counter pain relievers and cold compresses to alleviate any discomfort.
Taking care of your dental bridge is similar to caring for natural teeth. Brush at least twice a day, floss carefully around the bridge, and avoid sticky or hard foods that could damage it. If you have an implant-supported bridge, it’s especially important to maintain your gum health around the implants. Be sure to schedule regular check-ups with your dentist to ensure your bridge stays in top condition.
Let Dr. Hales Restore Your Smile
Dental bridges are a convenient, natural-looking restoration that can improve your smile’s function and appearance. Dr. Hales will determine which type of bridge will be most effective for your unique situation. To schedule an appointment at our Sierra Vista office, contact us at (520) 458-9460. You can also fill out our online contact form and a member of our team will be with you shortly.