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Mesa Dental BridgesNear You
If you are looking for a solution for missing teeth, dental bridges in Mesa, AZ, might be the key to restoring the look and function of your smile. At Dental Brothers, we understand how tooth loss can impact not only your confidence but also your ability to eat, maintain proper oral health, and even your speech. Our experienced team of caring dental providers is here to help you restore your smile with high-quality dental bridges that look natural and are built to last. Schedule your appointment with our team today and discover how a dental bridge can help transform your smile.
Why Choose Dental BrothersFor Dental Bridges in Mesa, AZ?
At Dental Brothers, we believe that dental work should be as comfortable and efficient as possible, and dental plans should be tailored to your unique needs and goals. Our approach to dental bridges combines technical expertise with our commitment to patient satisfaction, delivering a high-quality experience for each patient. When you seek treatment from our dentists in Mesa, AZ, you can rely on:
- Custom-designed bridges crafted to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless appearance that blends right into your smile.
- Comprehensive dental care is available in one location, allowing you to complete all necessary treatments conveniently in one office.
- An experienced dental team that is skilled in both the functional and aesthetic aspects of bridge placement.
- High-quality materials and treatment techniques to help ensure your bridge is durable, comfortable, and long-lasting, providing reliable function for years to come.
- Personalized treatment plans developed specifically for your dental health needs, taking into account your goals, concerns, and unique health history.
What AreDental Bridges?
Dental bridges are prosthetic devices that are used to replace one or more missing teeth by bridging the gap where teeth are missing. A traditional dental bridge contains one or more artificial teeth held in place by dental crowns, and they can be made from a number of materials like porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of materials. Dental bridges help restore the appearance of your smile, but they also help maintain the shape of your face, prevent remaining teeth from shifting out of place, and restore your ability to properly chew and speak.
Types ofDental Bridges
Traditional Bridges
The most common type of dental bridge, a traditional bridge, consists of one or more artificial teeth that are held in place by dental crowns on either side of the gap in your smile. A traditional bridge is generally recommended for patients who have healthy teeth surrounding the missing tooth, and they provide excellent stability and can offer a natural appearance.
Cantilever Dental Bridges
A cantilever bridge is very similar to a traditional bridge but it requires only one supporting tooth as opposed to two. A cantilever bridge will be anchored to a crown on just one adjacent tooth and is typically recommended for patients that only have one healthy tooth surrounding the gap in their smile.
Maryland Bridges
Maryland dental bridges use a false tooth that is supported by a metal or porcelain piece that will be bonded to the backs of the adjacent teeth. Unlike a traditional bridge, Maryland brides do not require crowns for placement. They are a common solution for missing front teeth since they allow more of the natural structure of the tooth to be preserved.
Implant-Supported Bridges
An implant-supported bridge is secured using dental implants as opposed to being secured through crowns on the natural teeth. The implants are surgically placed in the jaw bone, and then they serve as anchors for the bridge. This helps preserve jawbone health and is often recommended for patients that are missing multiple teeth in a row.
Benefits ofDental Bridges
Choosing to replace missing teeth with a dental bridge offers a number of advantages that extend beyond simply filling the gap in your smile:
- Restored function: Bridges allow you to chew food properly and speak clearly, eliminating difficulties that can arise from missing teeth.
Maintained facial structure: Missing teeth can cause your face to sag over time, but bridges help preserve your natural face shape by providing support. - Prevention of tooth movement: When a tooth is missing, the teeth around the gap tend to shift into the empty space, potentially causing bite problems and making teeth harder to clean. Bridges help prevent this shifting.
- Improved confidence: A complete smile can significantly boost your self-esteem, making you feel more comfortable and confident, no matter the setting.
- Even bite distribution: Bridges help distribute the forces in your bite properly, reducing stress on remaining natural teeth and preventing excessive wear.
- Long-lasting solution: With proper care, dental bridges can last many years, providing reliable function and aesthetics.
How Long Does It TakeTo Get a Dental Bridge?
The process of getting a dental bridge typically requires two dental visits over the course of a few weeks. During the first appointment, your dentist will prepare the teeth around the gap, called the abutment teeth, by removing a portion of enamel to make room for the crowns that will be placed to hold the bridge in place. Impressions will be taken of the teeth so the custom bridge can be created, a process that will generally take around two to three weeks. While the custom bridge is being created, many dentists will provide a temporary bridge to protect the exposed teeth and maintain function. During the second appointment, your new permanent bridge will be carefully fitted and adjusted to ensure proper bite and comfort. Once everything is just right, the bridge will be cemented into place. If any issues arise, follow-up visits can be scheduled to ensure optimal fit and comfort.
The Dental BridgeProcedure
The process of placing a dental bridge typically requires multiple appointments. During the initial consultation, your dentist will take a look at your teeth, gums, and jaw to determine if a bridge is the best restorative solution for you. If your provider determines that a traditional bridge is the best solution, the teeth adjacent to the gap will be prepped by first removing a small amount of enamel so they are ready for crown placement. Once the anchor teeth are prepared, impressions will be taken so a custom bridge and crowns can be created. In many cases, a temporary bridge will be placed while the permanent bridge is being made. Once the custom bridge is ready, you will return to the office for placement. Your provider will begin by checking the fit, the alignment, and the appearance of the bridge before cementing it in place.
If your provider determines that an implant-supported bridge is the best solution, the process will include surgical placement of the implants before the bridge can be permanently placed. Your dentist can provide detailed information about the process based on your specific needs and dental goals.
Mesa Dental BridgeAftercare & Maintenance
Dental bridges are designed to be durable and long-lasting, but to ensure the best results, it’s important to take good care of your bridge and your overall oral health. After a bridge is placed, there may be some mild soreness or sensitivity. Avoid eating hard foods or chewing on hard candy, ice, or chewy foods in the days following to allow time for your bridge to heal.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is very important: brush your teeth twice daily and floss carefully around the bridge. Routine dental exams and cleanings are also essential, and with proper care, a dental bridge can last upwards of 10 years.
Alternatives To Dental Bridgesin Mesa, AZ
Removable Partial Dentures
A removable partial denture is a prosthetic device that can replace one or more missing teeth and can be removed for cleaning. Removable partial dentures are a more affordable solution and are sometimes recommended for patients who are missing multiple teeth and want a non-surgical solution.
Dental Implants
Dental implants replace missing teeth by surgically placing a titanium post into the jawbone and attaching a custom replacement. Unlike a bridge, a dental implant does not rely on any neighboring teeth for support.
Resin-Bonded Bridges
A resin-bonded bridge uses a framework that is attached to the backs of the adjacent teeth rather than being attached to adjacent teeth with a crown. This offers a less invasive solution for the surrounding teeth and is often one of the top restorative solutions for patients missing front teeth.
Orthodontic Space Closure (Braces/Clear Aligners)
In some cases, orthodontic treatments can be used to move surrounding teeth into the space left by a missing tooth and avoid other restorative solutions altogether. Orthodontic space closure (i.e. braces or clear aligners like Invisalign) is best for patients whose bite and tooth positioning allow for safe and effective tooth movement.
Mesa Dental BridgesFAQs
How Long Will a Dental Bridge Last?
With proper care and regular dental cleanings, a dental bridge can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years or longer. The longevity of your bridge will depend on the materials used, the quality of the placement by your dentist, and how well you care for it. Good oral hygiene is essential for maximizing the lifespan of your bridge, including flossing carefully around the bridge and brushing twice daily. Regular dental visits will allow your dentist to monitor the condition of your bridge and the supporting teeth, catching any problems early before they become serious.
Who Is Not a Candidate for a Bridge?
Dental bridges may not be the right solution for everyone. A dental bridge requires healthy teeth on either side of the gap to provide enough support for the bridge, so patients with weak, decayed, or damaged teeth around the gap may not be able to have a bridge placed safely. Patients with gum disease may also not be good candidates for bridges, as the gums can compromise the stability of supporting teeth. During your consultation, your dentist will evaluate your situation and provide a tailored recommendation for your treatment options.
What Is the Success Rate of a Bridge?
Traditional fixed dental bridges have a high success rate, and, on average, 80 to 90 percent of bridges last at least 10 years with proper care. As discussed, the quality of the placement, the materials used, and your oral hygiene habits will greatly influence the longevity of your bridge. The health of the abutment teeth is also particularly important: bridges supported by strong, healthy teeth tend to last longer than those anchored to compromised teeth. Regular dental checkups allow your dentist to monitor the condition of your bridge and address any issues before they become larger ones.
Are Dental Bridges Painful?
Getting a dental bridge is not painful. During the procedure, your provider will numb the area with local anesthesia and after the procedure there may be some mild discomfort, but in general the process is pain-free.
How Many Teeth Do You Need To Hold a Bridge?
The number of teeth you need to support a bridge depends on the type of dental bridge you are looking for. A traditional bridge typically requires at least two healthy teeth, while a cantilever bridge only requires one healthy tooth and a dental implant-supported bridge does not require any healthy, natural teeth.
Book an AppointmentFor Dental Bridges
in Mesa, Arizona
Missing teeth can hold you back, but with dental bridges they don’t have to. At Dental Brothers, we are ready to help you restore your smile with a natural-looking solution that functions effectively and is built to last for years to come. Our team will guide you through each step of the process, ensuring your dental plan is tailored to your unique needs. Contact Dental Brothers today to get started with a consultation.
