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What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is an excellent way to close gaps between teeth, rebuild your smile, and improve your oral health. When a tooth is removed, it leaves an empty space in your mouth that shouldn’t be ignored. Learn about what it means when your dentist recommends a dental bridge, the reasons it’s beneficial to your health, and why it’s an affordable long-term solution that won’t break the bank. Dental bridges are viable tooth replacement options for full-smile makeovers, cosmetic dentistry, and alternatives for implants and dentures. Bridges are typically used to restore small areas of missing teeth. One or two missing teeth can easily be restored with a bridge if the adjacent teeth are strong. A bridge is almost as durable and long-lasting as an implant, but without the hefty price tag. In addition, bridges are much more functional than a removable partial denture or flipper tooth.
Benefits of Bridge for Tooth Replacement
- Maintain the natural alignment of teeth
- Prevent jawbone deterioration
- Preserve the facial structure
- Bridges are made to match the color, shape, and size of your surrounding teeth
- Bridges are long-lasting and affordable
What is the process of getting a bridge?
During the procedure, Dr. Hale removes a small amount of tooth structure to create a support for the artificial tooth that makes up the middle of the bridge. The supporting teeth are made of two crowns on either side. We then take an impression of your teeth to send to our laboratory to create a custom-fit dental bridge. Our office will create a temporary bridge that will be worn for a few weeks while your custom one is being fabricated. This temporary bridge helps protect the teeth and temporarily fills the gap of your missing tooth. The final, custom bridge is cemented into place permanently about two weeks later. All bridges and crowns are carefully matched to neighboring teeth to ensure a natural smile.
What is the dental bridge install time?
In most cases, dental bridges require two appointments with the dentist. The first appointment is dedicated to removing decay and preparing the tooth for the custom crowns that are placed on the teeth on either side of the missing tooth. Then, impressions are taken so that our dental laboratory can custom make the bridge. This takes about two hours. After about two weeks, after our laboratory has completed the custom bridge, the installation of the final bridge takes roughly 30 minutes.
Dental Bridge Treatment at Hale Family Dentistry
Our office is dedicated to making your visit enjoyable. We offer many amenities to help ease anxiety and make you feel comfortable while you are here. Having a dental bridge installed is not an easy choice, but it is one of the top choices for teeth replacement. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this procedure, please call our office.
