Replace Missing Teeth With Dental Bridges
A gap in your smile can severely impact your confidence and dental health. To improve the look, health, and balance of your smile, Dr. Brian J. Polidori can place a dental bridge. A dental bridge consists of one or more consecutive replacement teeth supported by either adjacent dental crowns or dental implants. At our practice, we build long-lasting relationships with our patients to protect their oral health for years to come. To learn more about whether dental bridges are right for you, contact our dental office in Lakewood, CO, and schedule your appointment.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is composed of a fused set of replacement teeth. Many of our patients prefer porcelain bridges because they look the most natural. In some cases, we recommend porcelain fused with metal or all-metal restorations to replace posterior teeth (molars) that must withstand the pressure of chewing. Our lab can typically provide a custom bridge in about two weeks. In the meantime, we can provide a temporary bridge.
What to Expect during Your Consultation
Dr. Polidori will perform a complete evaluation to assess whether you are a good candidate for a dental bridge. In general, dental bridge candidates should be free of tooth decay and periodontal disease. These conditions must be addressed before moving ahead with any restorative work.
Dental implants can require two surgeries with about three to six months of healing time in between. Those interested in an implant-supported bridge:
- Must be healthy enough to undergo surgery
- Have a dense, healthy jawbone
- Be a non-smoker
Placing Your Dental Bridge
The first step in placing a traditional dental bridge is preparing the adjacent teeth for crowns. This step involves removing a small amount of enamel to accommodate the crowns. Once your teeth are prepared, we will take impressions that will guide technicians in creating the bridge and crowns.
You will return to our office for a follow-up appointment once the permanent restoration has been created. Dr. Polidori will remove your temporary bridge and replace it with the permanent restoration, making any necessary adjustments to ensure it is comfortable and does not interfere with your bite. Once your bridge is secured, it is fully functional. You will be able to chew, speak, and smile with complete confidence.
If you choose an implant-supported bridge, Dr. Polidori will take impressions of your implants and surrounding teeth to create a restoration that attaches to the implants and provides a precise fit.
Benefits
A full, healthy smile is not only aesthetically appealing, but also important to your oral health. A strong set of teeth allows you to chew and speak properly. It naturally distributes bite strength evenly across all teeth, preventing damage and injury. Additionally, a strong set of teeth prevents remaining teeth from shifting out of position.
Implant-supported bridges are especially beneficial. They not only provide all the benefits of a traditional bridge, but also prevent the jawbone atrophy that can occur in the absence of tooth roots. Implants are the only solution providing this important advantage.
Contact Us Today
Dr. Polidori strongly believes in patient education and will discuss your oral health concerns with you in detail. Contact our practice today to discover how dental bridges can restore your smile and improve your oral health.
