Dental Bridges – Melbourne, FL
Bridge the Gap, Restore Your Smile!
Dentures are a tried-and-true tooth-replacement solution that’s great for patients who are struggling with severe tooth loss. But what if you’re only missing one tooth or a few teeth in a row? If that’s the case, then we may recommend a dental bridge. If you’d like to learn more about this restorative dentistry option, including if we recommend it for you, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with Dr. Beverly Rose. You can also read on to learn more about it!
Why Choose Dr. Beverly Rose for Dental Bridges?
- Top-Rated Dental Team on Google
- Dentist with 20+ Years of Experience
- Comfort Amenities, Like Soft Blankets
What Is a Dental Bridge?
As you may have guessed from the name, dental bridges in Melbourne are designed to “bridge” the gap left behind by tooth loss. Typically, they are used when a patient is missing one tooth or up to four teeth consecutively (any more than that, and the restoration can become unstable). The good news is that each replacement tooth is custom-made to suit your face shape, dental needs, and aesthetic preferences, which makes them look as natural as they feel.
Types of Dental Bridges
There are actually two different types of dental bridges: traditional and implant. During your consultation, we can discuss the benefits of each in depth. However, if you want to learn a little more about them in the meantime, you can read on!
Traditional Dental Bridge
A traditional dental bridge is anchored in place with two dental crowns, which are placed on the teeth surrounding the gap. This does require healthy enamel to be altered, but it’s lifelike, durable, and can last for over a decade with proper care (i.e., brushing your teeth twice a day, exercising caution with crunchy foods, scheduling a dental cleaning every six months).
Implant Bridge
Implant bridges, on the other hand, are anchored in place with two dental implants. There are several perks that come with this cutting-edge solution, starting with the fact that it preserves more of your natural smile. Since they are anchored to your jawbone, they also help prevent bone loss, preserve your youthful face shape, and provide unmatched durability.
The Benefits of Getting a Dental Bridge
Dental bridges continue to be popular for several reasons, including:
- They help prevent dental drift
- They are easy to care for
- They can last for 10+ years
- They look and feel natural
- They are crafted from the best materials
Dental Bridges FAQs
Are dental bridges removable?
Some patients wonder whether these restorations are intended to be frequently removed and reinserted, as dentures are, especially if you’ve heard of someone referring to them as “removable bridges”. However, this terminology is misleading because it refers to two different treatments.
Full and partial dentures are indeed removable, unless you’ve opted for a special type of implant denture. But usually, dental bridges are not intended to be taken out except by a qualified professional for repairs or replacement, once they’re cemented in place.
What are dental bridges made from?
You’re not alone if you’re wondering about what materials are used to make your one-of-a-kind restoration. Historically, dentists relied on metal amalgam replacement teeth because the materials are durable enough to withstand the pressures of biting and chewing.
However, they can also cause allergies, expand and contract with heat, and detract from your smile’s appearance. Today, Dr. Rose proudly offers more lifelike solutions made from tooth-colored ceramic or resin, which reflects light more naturally like enamel. This resilient material can last just as long as amalgam restorations, but can also be customized to match the size, shape, and tone of your teeth for beautiful, seamless results.
Does getting a dental bridge hurt?
It’s normal to feel a little nervous about upcoming dental procedures, but you might avoid scheduling an appointment if you’re convinced your treatment will be long or agonizing. Fortunately, Dr. Rose understands you might be anxious and will do everything in her power to help you remain relaxed throughout your visit.
For example, our team can numb your mouth with a local anesthetic before preparing your abutment teeth to anchor your dental bridge. We also offer relaxation dentistry to help ensure you feel calm and comfortable the entire time. Feel free to contact our office for more information about the different ways we can help you feel more at ease.
How long do dental bridges usually last?
Most patients can expect their restoration to last anywhere between 5 and 15+ years, though its longevity can be significantly affected by your individual circumstances. For example, a bridge located in the back of your mouth that sustains more pressure from biting and chewing might wear down faster than one located closer to the front of your mouth.
But it can also be impacted by other factors, such as your dietary decisions, your oral healthcare routine, or other bad habits, such as smoking or grinding your teeth. Our team can provide helpful aftercare instructions, including brushing and flossing twice daily and avoiding overly hard, sticky, crunchy, or sugary foods, intended to help you maintain your new teeth so you can continue enjoying their many benefits for years to come!