Missing teeth can significantly impact your oral health and overall well-being. At Herndon Dental Design, we understand the importance of restoring a complete smile and are committed to providing our patients with the most advanced and effective solutions for replacing missing teeth.
Losing one or more teeth can have serious consequences beyond just affecting your appearance. The absence of teeth can lead to:
At Herndon Dental Design, we offer a range of tooth replacement options tailored to meet the unique needs and goals of each patient. Our skilled team will assess your oral health, discuss your expectations, and recommend the most suitable solution for rebuilding your smile.
Some of the tooth replacement methods we provide include partial or full dentures, fixed dental bridges, and dental implants. Each option has its own advantages, and our team will help you make an informed decision based on your individual circumstances.
A dental bridge is a highly effective, stable, and fixed solution for replacing one or more missing teeth. Unlike removable partial dentures that rely on clasps to attach to remaining teeth, dental bridges use crowns attached to adjacent teeth or strategically placed dental implants for support.
Dental bridges not only restore the appearance of your smile but also prevent adjacent teeth from shifting and maintain the alignment of your bite. They have been used for thousands of years, with ancient civilizations utilizing various materials like animal and human teeth, bones, gold, and ivory to fill gaps in a person's smile.
Today, dental bridges are fabricated using advanced dental materials such as porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, and engineered ceramic products like zirconia. These modern materials ensure that dental bridges are stronger, more durable, and aesthetically pleasing than ever before.
Dental bridges can be used to replace a single missing tooth or multiple teeth, depending on the patient's specific needs. The most commonly recommended types of dental bridges are traditional fixed bridges and implant-supported bridges.
Traditional Fixed Bridge
A traditional fixed bridge typically requires the preparation and crowning of teeth on either side of the edentulous space. These crowned teeth, known as abutments, support the artificial teeth (pontics) that span the gap. In a similar way that a bridge over water relies on strong pillars at each end for support, a dental bridge gains strength and stability from the terminal crowned teeth fused to one or more pontics.
Related to traditional fixed bridges, cantilever bridges differ in that only one side of the pontic is attached to a crown for support. However, this type of bridge is less commonly recommended due to the increased stress placed on the supporting tooth.
Implant-Supported Bridges
Dental implants are considered the most advanced method for replacing missing teeth, as they closely replicate the look, feel, and function of natural teeth. An implant-supported bridge offers a self-supporting solution for tooth replacement, eliminating the need to prepare or involve adjacent natural teeth.
With an implant-supported bridge, dental implants are strategically placed in the jawbone to provide support for the replacement teeth. This approach not only restores a complete smile but also helps maintain normal facial contours by preventing bone loss that occurs when teeth are missing.
At Herndon Dental Design, our experienced team is dedicated to providing the most advanced dental implant-based solutions to transform incomplete smiles into ones that look great, function well, and inspire confidence. We prioritize patient care and comfort, ensuring a positive experience throughout your treatment journey.
Before fabricating and placing a dental bridge, our team at Herndon Dental Design will carefully assess your oral health, overall well-being, smile goals, lifestyle, and budget. This comprehensive evaluation helps determine the most suitable treatment option for your individual needs.
It's essential that your mouth is free from gum disease before proceeding with a dental bridge procedure. If you have gum disease, our team will work with you to treat it prior to fabricating your bridge. Additionally, if you're considering an implant-supported bridge or a traditional fixed bridge, the supporting teeth must be strong and have sufficient bone surrounding them for optimal support.
In some cases, a bone-grafting procedure may be required to boost bone volume and provide a solid foundation before fabricating an implant-supported or traditional bridge. Our team will discuss any additional procedures with you and ensure that you're well-informed throughout the process.
Fixed dental bridges are typically fabricated over multiple visits, involving several steps:
After your new dental bridge is placed, you may experience some sensitivity or gum soreness. This discomfort should subside within a few days. However, if it persists or you notice any issues with your bite, please don't hesitate to contact our office for an adjustment.
If you're considering an implant-supported bridge, the procedure involves several stages:
At Herndon Dental Design, we prioritize patient comfort and communication throughout every stage of your dental bridge procedure. Our team will keep you well-informed and ensure that you feel confident in your treatment decisions.
Your new bridge is customized to the exact specifications of your smile. Before cementing to the underlying teeth or affixing it to the supporting implants, the shade, occlusion, and all aspects of its fit get carefully checked. In addition to being designed to blend seamlessly with your smile, it's also made to suit your bite and withstand all manner of oral function. We take great care to make sure your new restoration looks great, fits well, and that your bite feels comfortable.
Replacing missing teeth with a dental bridge is a worthwhile investment in the look, health, and function of your smile. While many dental insurances offer coverage for a dental bridge, and some toward the cost of implants, the benefits and amounts can vary significantly from plan to plan. At the office of Herndon Dental Design, we understand the financial considerations involved in care and do all we can to help patients begin treatment without any additional stress or delay. In addition to doing our best to optimize your dental benefits, we also offer several payment and financing options. Feel free to contact our office if you have any questions on the cost of care, dental insurances, financing plans, or acceptable forms of payment.
Now that your new permanent crown or bridge is in place, it's essential to maintain good oral hygiene. With proper care, your new restorations will last for years to come. Make sure to brush and floss as instructed. We'll show you how to floss under your dental bridge to keep your new smile clean and bright. Remember to make appointments for your routine checkups and professional cleanings.
The standard answer is that with routine dental visits and good home care, a bridge can last ten to fifteen years, and in many cases, much longer.
At the office of Herndon Dental Design, we fabricate your bridge from the highest quality dental materials to achieve the most cosmetically pleasing and lifelike results of care. It's also customized to the exact specifications of your smile and designed for optimal aesthetics, strength, and stability. Once fabricated and cemented into place, you'll feel confident sharing your smile, speaking, and eating your favorite foods.
As your trusted partner in care, we analyze every aspect of your smile to develop a treatment plan that provides aesthetically pleasing, healthy, and long-lasting results of care.
For more information on dental bridges, or any services we provide, give us a call today.
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