Dental Bridges Specialist

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge is a fixed prosthetic appliance that permanently replaces one or more teeth that are fully missing from your smile. It’s made up of an artificial tooth, called a pontic, attached to a dental crown on one or both sides. The crowns are secured to the teeth adjacent to your missing tooth, and literally “bridge” the missing space between your teeth.

If your adjacent teeth can’t support crowns, Glad Dental P.C. can offer you an alternative bridge. A cantilever bridge uses a crown on only one side of its pontic, while a Maryland bonded bridge is held in place by a metal framework sealed to the backside of your adjacent teeth.

What are the different types of dental bridges?

There are a few different types of dental bridges, each of which caters to the particular needs of your smile.

Traditional bridge

This is the most common type of bridge. It’s a pontic with a crown attached to both sides and works for patients who have healthy natural teeth on both sides of the area where they’re missing a tooth or teeth.

Cantilever bridge

A cantilever bridge is similar to a traditional bridge, but instead of having crowns on both sides of the pontic, it only has a crown on one side. This is an excellent solution for patients who only have one healthy abutment tooth next to the missing one. 

Maryland bonded bridge

Instead of crowns, a Maryland bonded bridge uses a metal or porcelain framework to hold your pontic in place. That framework is permanently sealed to the backside of your abutment teeth. 

A Maryland bonded bridge requires two abutment teeth to stay in place in your smile, but it enables you to replace your missing tooth without having to shave any enamel from your teeth.

Why do I need a dental bridge?

Missing teeth can harm more than just the appearance of your smile — they can also lead to:

• Bone loss and decay in your jaw
• Changing facial appearance 
• Jaw problems due to uneven distribution of your biting force
• Your remaining teeth moving out of alignment
• Difficulty chewing and speaking

Ultimately, your mouth was designed to have all of its teeth working together in harmony. A dental bridge restores the natural balance to improve the function and health of your smile. 

Your dentist can fit you with a superb dental bridge in two easy office visits. 

Once your abutment teeth are prepared, your dentist takes an impression of your smile. That impression is sent off to a lab that uses it as a model to custom-design the pontics and crowns in your bridge so that they fit seamlessly and comfortably in your mouth. While you’re waiting for the lab to finish making your permanent restoration, your dentist fits you with a temporary bridge that protects your prepared teeth. 

When your permanent bridge is ready, you come back to the office for a second appointment. Your dentist removes your temporary bridge, cleans your mouth, and puts your permanent bridge in place. They can check that the bite and fit are comfortable and accurate, and makes any necessary adjustments to improve how it feels and functions in your smile. Once you and your dentist are satisfied with the fit and bite, they seal it in place with a bonding solution. You leave the office with a beautifully restored smile that you’ll be excited to use for improved eating and speaking.

You can care for your bridge just like you care for the rest of your smile. If you brush it and floss daily, and maintain regular checkups and professional cleanings with Dr. Yakobashvili, Dr. Datikashvili, and the team at Glad Dental P.C., your bridge should last for years.

Don’t wait to get the functional and radiant smile that you deserve. Get started with your dental bridge today by scheduling an appointment with Dr. Yakobashvili, Dr. Datikashvili, and the friendly dental professionals at Glad Dental P.C. You can book your visit by calling the office or scheduling an appointment with the easy-to-use online tool.