DENTAL BRIDGES in Richardson, TX
If you have lost one or more of your teeth, it is not just a cosmetic issue — gaps in your teeth may cause your remaining teeth to shift out of place. This may lead to more tension when biting, pain when you chew, or even the impairment of speech. A bridge improves the health and appearance of your smile by filling in gaps using a false tooth that is supported by either your natural teeth, dental implants, or both. Smile Blvd Dental in Richardson, TX offers dental bridges using high-quality materials and state-of-the-art technologies to help give you back your smile. If you have gaps in your smile, schedule a consultation with our board-certified dentists to learn more about your treatment options with dental bridges.
BEST CANDIDATES FOR DENTAL BRIDGES
Missing teeth are more than just a cosmetic problem — spaces in your smile may heavily impact the health of your mouth. Your bite should be carefully balanced and a missing tooth may affect comfort and how efficiently you chew. Over time, gaps may lead to the shifting of teeth, causing problems with your bite (underbite, overbite, crossbite) as well as gum or jawbone atrophy. To support a bridge, the surrounding teeth must be healthy enough to hold the restoration, with good bone density and gum health. We will examine your mouth at your consultation to help you decide the best type of bridge (cantilever, traditional, resin bonded, or Maryland bonded) and material (ceramic, porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, and metal).
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM DENTAL BRIDGES
Once your supporting teeth are prepped, Our staff will take the necessary images and impressions so your bridge can be created. A temporary bridge may be used while your custom bridge is crafted. After your new bridge is fabricated, your temporary bridge will be replaced with the new permanent bridge. Nitrous oxide is available for patients with dental anxieties to help them relax during the placement. Your bridge will be bonded into position or connected to an implant, depending on the method you and our dentist chose at your consultation. We will fine-tune the bite of your bridge so it is comfortable and stable.
FOLLOW-UP FOR DENTAL BRIDGES
You should have a noticeable improvement in the appearance and function of your teeth the same day you receive your new bridge. You may schedule a follow-up appointment at Smile Blvd Dental to adjust your bridge’s fit if it feels uncomfortable after it is placed. Our dentist or an assistant will teach you how to care for your bridge, including the ways to keep it clean and any foods to avoid. It’s important to keep your bridge and mouth clean to prevent recurrent decay under the bridge. If you properly care for it, your bridge may stay in place for many years. You should continue to schedule appointments at Smile Blvd Dental to get periodic dental examinations and bi-annual dental cleanings. During your exams, we can check the health and wear of your bridge to decide if it should be replaced or repaired.
DENTAL BRIDGE RESTORATIONS
Even if you don’t mind the way your smile looks with a missing tooth, it may turn into long-term problems if you don’t seek treatment. Make an appointment with board-certified dentist Dr. Porter to get more information about dental bridge restorations and the different options to fit your unique needs. Smile Blvd Dental is pleased to offer custom dental bridges that can improve the health and appearance of your smile. Contact our office in Richardson, TX to make your consultation.
INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR DENTAL BRIDGES
Dental restorations like bridges are typically covered, at least in part, by dental insurance. One of our team members will work with your insurance company to calculate your coverage. Smile Blvd Dental accepts several forms of payment, including dental financing options, which will be discussed during your consultation.