Are you missing one or more consecutive teeth? Do you wish for an affordable tooth replacement option? If so, a dental bridge could be the perfect restorative dentistry solution for you and your smile. TotallySmiles Dental Group can provide you with a custom dental bridge in Gaithersburg, MD, literally to bridge the gap in your smile created by one or more missing teeth.
Our team of dentists use custom-made bridge hardware attached to your surrounding teeth to hold prosthetic teeth in place of your missing teeth. You can also choose to secure your bridge with dental implants. Dental bridges allow patients to quickly and effectively replace their missing teeth. The process to get a dental usually only takes two office visits. However, if you choose an implant-supported dental bridge, the process will require several months of treatment.
Replacing Missing Teeth is Important for Your Health and Well-Being
Dr. Steven Anolik and Dr. Corey Anolik are experienced restorative dentists in Gaithersburg, MD. Together, they have helped hundreds of patients in our surrounding area restore their smiles following tooth loss. Missing teeth will impact the appearance of your smile, creating a devastating impact on your self-confidence.
Additionally, missing teeth will negatively impact your health. Gaps along the arches make it easier for food residue and debris to hide. When food and debris buildup, so does bacteria, making you more prone to concerns like dental decay or gum disease. Gaps from missing teeth also creates a situation where remaining teeth can shift out of place. Shifting teeth creates misalignment, leading to jaw pain or a TMJ disorder. Lastly, missing teeth can make it more difficult to speak properly and chew efficiently.
We recommend patients visit us as soon as possible following experiencing tooth loss. The longer you wait to replace a missing tooth, the more problems your bite imbalance may cause on your overall dental health.
Types of Dental Bridges in Gaithersburg, MD
Dr. Steven Anolik and Dr. Corey Anolik offer several types of dental bridges to accommodate different patient situation and their needs. Factors such as location of the missing teeth, the condition of the adjacent teeth, and budget will help determine the type of bridge they will use.
The primary function of a dental bridge is to help restore the function of teeth. Additionally, we will create a custom dental bridge that will blend in with your surrounding teeth, creating a balanced and complete smile.
Traditional Dental Bridge
The most common type of bridge is a traditional fixed dental bridge. It involves creating a bridgework comprising crowns on either side, with a pontic (the false tooth) in between them. A typical dental bridge is made up of porcelain false teeth fused to metal or ceramics. Your dentist must prepare the two teeth neighboring the gap with a traditional bridge to create room. By removing a portion of the tooth enamel, these adjacent teeth are permanently altered and more likely to develop tooth decay.
Cantilever Bridge
A cantilever bridge is less common, and your dentist will only utilize it when there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing tooth or teeth. Cantilever bridges are similar to traditional bridges, but the pontic is supported by a crown on only one side rather than both. It is notably less stable due to only having support on one end of the dental bridge.
Maryland Bridge
A Maryland bridge is significantly different from traditional and cantilever bridges. Our dentists only use this solution to replace a single tooth, typically in the front of the mouth. A Maryland bridge’s framework comprises the false with metal or porcelain wings. Your dentist will bond the wings to the back of the neighboring teeth. These adjacent teeth will require little preparation and remain fully intact, making this bridge less invasive.
Implant-Supported Bridge
You can also choose to have your dental bridge supported by dental implants instead of adjacent teeth. An implant-supported bridge is an advanced tooth replacement solution that requires the use of at least two dental implants. The dentist will surgically insert these titanium posts into the jawbone at both ends of the gap. The implant posts will fuse to the bone, creating a stable foundation for the bridge. They will then secure the custom bridge to the implant posts. An implant-supported bridge offers many benefits, including bone preservation and a more durable result.
Dental Bridges vs. Dental Implants
In addition to traditional dental bridges, our office also offers dental implants. Dental implants are considered the premier approach to tooth replacement. While dental bridges hold prosthetic teeth in place of your missing teeth, they do not replace the missing tooth roots. Dental implants, on the other hand, require a surgical procedure in which a titanium post is implanted beneath your soft tissues and allowed to fuse together with your jawbone.
Dental bridges are an affordable, and effective way to replace missing teeth. However, they will require some lifestyle adjustments to maintain the bridge hardware. Because the hardware is external, excessively chewy or crunchy foods will need to be avoided to prevent damage to your tooth restoration. Additionally, food residue will often get caught in the bridge hardware, requiring you to take extra care when your brush and floss and get beneath the bridge hardware.
If you are unsure which tooth replacement option is best for you and your needs, talk to our dentists during your upcoming consultation. They will help you determine which restorative dentistry solution will best meet your needs and long-term dental health goals.
How Many Teeth Can a Dental Bridge Replace?
A dental bridge is a versatile dental restoration that can replace one or more missing teeth. In most cases, we will not replace more than three or four teeth in a row using a dental bridge. However, it is possible to replace more depending on the location in the mouth and the availability of healthy and strong adjacent teeth.
The more teeth a bridge replaces, the more stress the adjacent teeth will endure. If there are issues with the adjacent teeth, more complex solutions to replace teeth will be considered such as cantilever bridges or implant-supported bridges.
Schedule a Consultation for a Dental Bridge in Gaithersburg, MD
If you are need to replace missing teeth, you may benefit from a dental bridge. TotallySmiles Dental Group can provide you with a custom dental bridge in Gaithersburg, MD. If you are ready to start your tooth replacement journey, request an appointment with our Gaithersburg, MD dentists. We look forward to helping you restore your smile.