Replace missing teeth using quality dental bridges at Patel and Dornhecker Dentistry
Restoring the smile after tooth loss is critical to avoid predictable problems such as shifting teeth or bone loss. However, several choices available might cause patients to feel overwhelmed when it comes to making a decision about what is right for them. Many men and women will find that dental bridges are a wonderful way to replace teeth affordably and naturally. Let’s look at dental bridges and the many varieties available at Patel and Dornhecker Dentistry.
What is a dental bridge?
Dental bridges are fixed prosthetic devices securely attached to natural teeth or dental implants to fill the gap created by one or more missing teeth. They use a false tooth or teeth in between, called pontics, and two dental crowns on either side of the gap, called abutment teeth. The material used for quality dental bridges can vary, including porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys, or a combination of these, though porcelain and ceramic are the most natural-looking.
What are the different types of dental bridges?
At Patel and Dornhecker Dentistry, we offer several different dental bridges depending on a patient’s needs and preferences. These may include:
- Traditional fixed dental bridge. This is the most popular kind of dental bridge, in which two crowns on nearby healthy teeth hold the prosthetic tooth (pontic) in place. The crowns are cemented onto the teeth and provide stability for the false tooth.
- Cantilever bridge. Our team uses this type of bridge when there is only one healthy tooth on one side of the gap. The false tooth is then supported by a single crown on the healthy tooth, creating a cantilever effect.
- Maryland bonded bridge. This variety of bridge uses a metal or porcelain framework bonded onto the backs of two adjacent teeth. The pontic is then attached to this framework, providing support without using crowns on the neighboring teeth.
- Implant-supported dental bridge. In cases where several missing teeth are together in the dental arch, an implant-supported bridge may be recommended. This involves placing implants in the jawbone and attaching a custom-made bridge to them, providing a strong and stable replacement for missing teeth.
Is a dental bridge the best way to replace missing teeth in my smile?
While dental bridges are considered a popular and effective way to replace missing teeth, they may not be the best option for everyone. We invite patients to consult our dentists to determine the best treatment plan for their needs. Other options for replacing missing teeth include dental implants, partial dentures, and full dentures. Drs. Jesal A. Patel and Shawn Dornhecker will consider factors including the specific location of the missing adult teeth, the health of the surrounding teeth, and your overall oral health to recommend the most suitable solution for you appropriately.
Where can I find out more about quality dental bridges?
If you want dental bridges or any other solution to replace missing teeth, we invite you to call one of our clinic locations serving patients in and around Cincinnati, Fairfield Township, and Bridgetown, Ohio. To schedule your appointment at our Fairfield office, call (513) 815-3166.
