Missing teeth can put a real damper on life. Not only does it affect the way you eat and talk, but it can also get in between you and your confidence. Don’t settle for closed-mouth smiles anymore with the help of dental bridges. This restorative prosthesis can fill in those burdensome gaps, giving you back peace of mind and a beautiful grin. If missing teeth are getting you down, schedule a consultation with us right away. Dr. Marshall and the rest of the River Vista Dentistry team can get you back on track to a healthy, complete smile that you can be proud to show off.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are an extremely versatile tool in our arsenal that we can use to get your smile back up and running. Bridges—quite literally—bridge the gap in your smile, the tooth replacement prosthesis seamlessly blending in with your natural teeth. These restorations can be attached in a number of ways, but no matter which option we decide on, the replacement tooth (also known as the pontic) will:
- Complete your smile
- Return functionality
- Prevent that sunken look caused by missing teeth
- Keep natural teeth from shifting out of alignment
- Reduce bone density loss
Which Type of Bridge Is Right For You?
It all depends on your unique smile, needs, budget, and lifestyle. At your consultation, we’ll decide together which option best suits your needs as an individual.
- Traditional Bridges — The tried-and-true dental bridge utilizes crowns that hold the restoration in place on both sides of the gap.
- Maryland Dental Bridges — This type of bridge is similar to traditional bridges but, instead, uses metal clasps that connect to the surrounding teeth (as opposed to crowns).
- Implant-Supported Bridges — Dental implants are another way you can complete your smile. This method also uses crowns except these crowns are supported by implants instead of your natural teeth. The implants are firmly attached to the crowns on either side of the gap to keep the bridge secure and in place.
Affordable Dental Bridges in Charlotte, NC
Are you worried that bridging the gap in your grin might break the bank? Not to worry; at River Vista Dentistry, we offer several budget-friendly financial options. We accept most insurance, CareCredit® third-party financing, and Quality Dental Plan. Also, be sure to ask about our in-house Dental Membership Plan. We’ll share with you how you and your family can save big on your dental care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question about dental bridges? You can always reach out to our team and we will be happy to address any questions or concerns you may have. Below are a few questions that we commonly receive about dental bridge procedures and their respective answers.
What is the difference between a dental bridge and an implant?
When you look at a dental bridge and a dental implant after they have been placed, there is not much difference between the two appearance-wise as they both mimic the look of natural teeth. Installing a dental bridge is faster than surgically implanting dental implants and they require little to no healing time after the fact. The main advantage of dental implants is that they are durable and can often last a lifetime. There are pros and cons to both services and the best solution usually depends on the patient’s unique situation, preferences, and needs.
Is a dental bridge permanent?
Bridges are permanent dental restorations that cannot be removed from the mouth without the help of a dentist. Dental bridges can last anywhere from ten to fifteen years on average, and it is not uncommon for them to last even longer if they are treated with care. The best thing to do to help ensure that your bridge lasts for as long as possible is to maintain a thorough oral care routine at home, visit your dentist regularly for routine exams and cleanings, and avoid putting unnecessary stress on your bridge whenever possible.
What can I eat with a dental bridge?
Fortunately, there are no food restrictions after you receive your new dental bridge. A good rule of thumb is to simply not eat or chew on anything that you wouldn’t eat or chew with natural teeth. We recommend patients stay away from foods that are particularly hard or sticky for a few days after getting a bridge placed or at the very least, chew these foods using the other side of the mouth. Once the bridge has had time to settle, you are free to resume your normal eating habits.