Dental Bridges in Clifton

Dental bridges are used when more than one tooth is missing in a row. They bridge the gap by filling in where teeth used to be. Although usually sought for aesthetic reasons, bridges also help you regain your bite as well as maintain the shape of your face. When you have missing teeth, the open space causes a lack of support for the remaining teeth. As a result, they may begin to shift over time, potentially causing you issues with your bite alignment and more.

Bridges need support to hold their position and are most often bonded onto the surrounding teeth. However, dental implant bridges are becoming increasingly popular, attaching to implanted artificial roots rather than the surrounding teeth. Either way, to be successful and long-lasting, they need to have a strong foundation, including the surrounding teeth, gums, and bones. Exceptional oral care is a must to ensure their longevity.

Missing teeth is not something anyone wants to deal with. Thankfully, dental bridges can help fill in those empty spaces and increase your overall quality of life while bringing you a few other benefits, too, including:

• Prevent surrounding teeth from shifting.
• Improve your ability to chew.
• Restore your smile.
• Regain your normal speech.
• Maintain your facial structure.

The ideal candidate for bridges will, of course, need to have between 1 and 4 consecutive missing teeth. Bridges cannot work if the missing teeth are in sporadic areas around the mouth. In this situation, you and your dentist will need to explore other options.

Good candidates for bridges will also need to have:

• Healthy gums. Bridges depend on your gums, if you have gum disease or deeper periodontal issues, it can severely impact the fit of your bridge. It is best to address these issues before moving forward with the bridge treatment.
• Healthy, strong teeth. Unless you opt for a dental implant bridge, they rely on the surrounding teeth for support. Keeping your teeth cared for and free from fractures or decay can allow them to be support for your bridge.
• A strong, dense jaw bone. Just as your teeth offer support, so does your jaw bone if you are getting a dental implant bridge. Without it, the implants cannot hold strong and will likely come loose over time.

A thorough examination by Dr. Schild can help determine whether you are an ideal candidate for a dental bridge.

For someone with missing teeth, getting a dental bridge can bring so many benefits. And, at Paramount Dental Arts, we have the technology, skills, and experience to ensure that the procedure is done right. After all, our patients trust us for dental advice and successful treatment outcomes. That’s what we deliver every time.

We understand that getting used to a bridge can take some time as it is a new addition to your mouth. So, we take our time to make sure that your bite is aligned and that everything is completely comfortable for you - and we won’t stop until it is.

Bridges are made out of gold, alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials.

The procedure for getting a bridge is often broken up into two visits. The first is all the preparation work for the bridge and the second is when you will actually receive the bridge.

Generally, no - bridges do not hurt. Your dentist can use a local anesthetic during any part of the procedure to ensure there is no discomfort.

Keep in mind that there are different types of bridges. On average, though, they are meant to last about 10-15 years, as long as they are properly cared for and your oral health is one of your top priorities. The better you are at staying consistent with brushing, flossing, and attending routine dental visits, the better chance you will have at extending the life of your bridge.

If you would like to learn more or are ready to schedule an appointment, call 973-777-1772.