REAL People. REAL Smiles.
Replace missing teeth with a dental bridge from Atlanta Smiles to increase tooth function and restore the appearance of your smile. Dental bridges fit permanently into the mouth by attaching to a surrounding tooth or the gums.
Atlanta Smiles offers dental bridges typically made of high-quality porcelain to create a natural appearance with added durability. In addition, we customize each dental bridge for maximum comfort and an accurate fit.
What Are Dental Bridges?
A bridge is a permanent dental appliance designed to replace missing teeth. The dental bridge can include one or more replacement teeth, also called pontics, but must affix to the gums or a supporting tooth. A dental bridge can also connect to a crown.
Dental bridges work as an alternative to implants or partial dentures. At Atlanta Smiles, we usually recommend a porcelain bridge for durability and aesthetics. Yet, other materials, like gold or alloys, also work to create a bridge.
What Are Bridges Used for in Dentistry?
Bridges replace missing teeth. Patients have several options to replace a tooth that fails due to a cavity, injury, or gum disease. Bridges work well for patients with gum disease when an implant isn’t a good option.
While some patients prefer a removable partial, bridges give patients a cost-effective option to permanently replace missing teeth without surgery.
What is the Procedure for Bridges?
Adding a bridge to your smile typically requires two visits with optional follow-up visits. We begin the process with an initial consultation to determine if a dental bridge is the right option for your health, teeth condition, and budget. Then, we establish a treatment plan and cost estimate to help you make an informed decision.
The goal of the first visit is to prepare the abutment teeth, or teeth surrounding the bridge. The abutment teeth may require contouring to remove enamel and create room for the new dental appliance. We then make an impression of the teeth for the dental lab to use to create the bridge.
We provide a temporary bridge to protect the exposed teeth between your first and second visit. This allows time for the lab to build the custom bridge. Placing the bridge does not usually require anesthesia.
Depending on your specific needs, we may schedule a follow-up visit to check the fit of the bridge.
What Types of Bridges Are Available?
We offer several kinds of bridges based on the placement location in the mouth and the condition of the gums and surrounding teeth.
- Traditional Bridges – The most popular type of bridge where the replacement tooth attaches between two natural teeth.
- Cantilever Bridges – The pontic attaches to only one natural tooth.
- Maryland Bonded Bridges – The replacement tooth sits between two natural teeth and uses metal or porcelain to bond onto the back of the abutment teeth.
Our highly-trained dentists work with you to determine the correct type of bridge to create the best outcome and long-lasting results.
Frequent Questions
How Long Do Dental Bridges Last?
A dental bridge can last for as little as five years or greater than 15 years. The quality of your initial dental procedure and how you care for your bridge impact the lifespan. Maintaining oral health with good dental hygiene improves the lifespan of the bridge.
Because a dental bridge attaches to the gums or surrounding teeth, the health of those teeth and the gums influence the bridge’s stability. Therefore, schedule regular dental cleanings and address any oral health issues quickly to achieve improved longevity.
What Is the Cost of Dental Bridges?
The cost for dental bridges varies based on the specifics of your treatment plan. For example, the type of bridge, number of replacement teeth, and number of required visits impact the cost.
Dental bridges offer a lower-cost alternative to implants because bridges do not require surgery. Yet, dental bridges have a shorter lifespan compared to implants. Many dental insurance providers cover a portion of the cost for bridges.
What are the benefits of Bridges?
Replacing missing teeth establishes improved oral health, structural integrity in the mouth, and the aesthetics of the smile.
- Allow for proper chewing and speaking
- Maintain the shape of the face and jaw
- Replace missing teeth
- Hold remaining teeth in place
- Correct bite issues due to the missing teeth
Are you ready to invest in your smile? Atlanta Smiles offers dental bridges to restore function and confidence. We walk you through each step in the process to provide the comfort and outcome you expect from Atlanta’s trusted dental experts.
What Is the Difference Between a Crown and A Bridge?
Dental crowns and bridges often work together to repair and replace teeth. A dental crown covers a damaged or decayed tooth to add protection and restoration. A dental bridge replaces a gap from a missing tooth or teeth.
Sometimes, we must place a crown on the supporting tooth to provide a solid structure to attach the bridge. Our professional dental team examines your teeth and recommends the best treatment options to produce a positive and lasting outcome.
When Are Dental Bridges Better Than Implants?
Implants offer longer-lasting results and added durability when compared to a bridge. Yet, implants aren’t always the best option to replace missing teeth. First, implants cost more than bridges. Second, if an implant doesn’t work for your budget, bridges provide a good alternative.
Also, implants are a surgical procedure. For patients with health issues that make surgery risky, a bridge offers a solution to replace the missing teeth.
Finally, patients often lose teeth due to gum disease. Implants require healthy gums. We walk each patient through the treatment options to provide the right solution for your health and smile.
Atlanta Smiles Offers Compassionate Dental Care
Atlanta Smiles serves patients throughout the Atlanta area with trusted dental health solutions. For over 20 years, we’ve offered patients reliable dental treatments to restore oral health and function, including bridges.
Our expert dental team has the knowledge, experience, and technology to create outstanding results and build patient confidence.
To learn more about dental bridges, schedule a consultation with Atlanta Smiles.
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