Dental Bridges – The Woodlands, TX
Make the Gaps in Your Smile Disappear
Have you been having trouble smiling lately because of the gaps created by missing teeth? Has the empty space made it hard to chew certain foods? If so, you might be looking for a tooth replacement. Our dentists at Solomon Dental Group can use dental bridges to bring back one or even several consecutive missing teeth. Each of these lifelike restorations is fully personalized to make the gaps in your smile disappear. Interested in learning more? Call our team today to find out if a dental bridge in The Woodlands, TX is right for you!
Why Choose Solomon Dental Group for Dental Bridges?
- Customized Treatment Plans to Meet Your Needs
- High-Quality, Durable Materials Used
- Compassionate, Experienced Dentists
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is the quickest, easiest way to treat small cases of tooth loss. It literally “bridges” the gap between missing teeth with a prosthesis made from natural-looking ceramic material. It is secured onto either your natural teeth or dental implants. To ensure your dental bridge looks lifelike, we take an impression of your remaining teeth. This way, the bridge will mimic the exact size, shape, and color of the pearly whites you’ve lost. Not only does ceramic look incredibly realistic, but it’s also durable enough to last for a decade or longer with the right aftercare.
Types of Dental Bridges
When you come to see us for your initial consultation, we’ll go over your specific circumstances and goals to determine which type of dental bridge is right for you. Your dentist in The Woodlands, TX may then recommend one of the following:
Traditional Bridge
A traditional bridge is held in place with dental crowns placed over the remaining teeth at either end of the gap in your grin. For the crowns to fit over these teeth, some of their enamel will have to be removed. However, once the bridge is in place, you’ll be able to smile confidently and chew virtually all of your favorite foods with ease.
Implant Bridge
Instead of anchoring a bridge onto two healthy teeth and permanently altering their structure, a bridge can be secured onto dental implants. One or two of these titanium posts are surgically inserted into your jawbone to replicate the roots of your missing teeth. Because the root structure is restored, you can enjoy several benefits that traditional bridges do not provide, such as jawbone stimulation and increased chewing power. Although implant bridges tend to cost more initially than traditional bridges, they can potentially last for much longer, making them a smart long-term investment.
The Benefits of Getting a Dental Bridge
Every single tooth is essential in having a healthy, functional smile. Losing even one tooth can lead to serious oral health consequences, both in the short term and down the road. By replacing your lost tooth or teeth with a dental bridge, you can look forward to the following benefits:
- The confidence of having a complete smile
- The ability to maintain a balanced diet
- Improved oral health
- Prevention of remaining teeth drifting out of place
- Support for your facial features, ensuring a younger appearance
- Clear speech
Dental Bridges FAQs
If you’re missing one or multiple consecutively missing teeth, then you might consider getting dental bridges in The Woodlands. With their support, you’ll be able to enjoy the full function and appearance of your smile again! Although you may be aware of the various benefits of this restoration, it’s normal to want to know more about the treatment before committing to it. That’s why our team at Solomon Dental Croup has collected some of the most common questions we get about dental bridges. Read along or give us a call if you wish to learn more today!
Does It Hurt to Get a Dental Bridge?
We’ll make sure to numb the area of your mouth that we’ll be working on before starting your procedure. This is because the adjacent teeth on either side of the gap in your smile will have to be altered to support your dental bridge. To help you stay relaxed, we can even offer you several options of sedation therapy if you’re feeling a bit anxious about the treatment. Once we’ve finished the procedure and the local anesthetic has worn off, you may experience some mild sensitivity while your teeth get accustomed to your restorations. This should go away within a few days, and you can easily manage it with over-the-counter pain relievers.
How Long Do Dental Bridges Last?
The length of time your dental bridge lasts will depend on how you take care of it. With proper maintenance, you can expect your restoration to last anywhere from 5 to 15 years. The location of your bridge can also influence its lifespan, as those in the front of your mouth won’t have to withstand as much pressure while chewing as those in the back. Certain oral habits can also reduce the longevity of a dental bridge, such as smoking, nail-biting, poor dental hygiene, and using teeth as tools. If you have an implant bridge, then you can expect it to last much longer than a traditional one!
Can a Dental Bridge Be Taken Out?
You should not be able to remove your dental bridge once it’s been placed. This restoration is designed to remain firmly in your mouth for many years so that you can make the most of your full smile again. Only a professional dentist should be able to take it out when it’s time to replace it. You might hear some healthcare providers refer to partial dentures as “removable bridges,” but these aren’t to be confused with each other. While partials can be removed at any time, your dental bridge cannot. However, if you do notice that your restoration is feeling loose, then be sure to give us a call right away to fix it.
Do I Need to Replace a Missing Tooth If You Can’t See It?
Whether you can see a gap in your smile or not, your jawbone will be lacking the stimulation necessary to promote strong bone tissue. This can affect the rest of your smile by increasing the risk of further tooth loss. For this reason, it’s best to replace any missing pearly whites early on to prevent them from shifting out of place as well as facial changes. With dental bridges, you can help restore your full smile and preserve your bite alignment simultaneously!