Tired of looking in the mirror only to be met with a glaring gap in your smile? Whether you’re missing one, two, or three teeth, it can be difficult to not only feel confident in your appearance but also perform many simple tasks like eating and speaking. Fortunately, at Mind Your Mouth, our team is here to provide a simple solution – a dental bridge in South Portland. This reliable and go-to solution has helped numerous patients achieve full, complete smiles once again, so if you’re ready to take the next step, contact us to schedule an appointment today with Dr. Parét.
A dental bridge is a customized restoration that fuses two or more dental crowns to create what is known as a “bridge.” This unique tooth replacement is anchored to healthy teeth on either side of the gap while resting on top of the gums to create a complete smile. Individuals who are missing at least one tooth are eligible for this type of treatment, but it is necessary that no other signs of tooth decay or gum disease be present, as these will need to be addressed before moving forward with additional restorative treatment.
Meeting with your dentist in South Portland is essential when determining how you want to replace your missing teeth. There are many options available, especially if you consider traditional dentures. However, if the idea of a partial denture isn’t what you’re envisioning, you have the option to choose from two types of bridges based on your dentist’s findings: a traditional or implant bridge.
Traditional dental bridges rely on healthy adjacent teeth to remain secure and in place. The teeth on either side of the gap must be strong and without decay, as they will be prepared and filed down so the restoration can properly sit over the top. While it is not necessary that you have significant jawbone density, your facial structure should still be strong enough that you don’t need to worry about these teeth becoming loose.
An implant bridge is an alternative solution that uses two dental implants that are placed in the vacated sockets. Once the titanium posts fuse with the jawbone, which must be dense enough to support, a customized bridge is created and secured to the tops of your implants. By choosing this type of prosthetic, we will not need to alter your existing, healthy teeth. This allows for a more stable and permanent tooth replacement that can remain in place for 30 years or more.
Avoiding tooth replacement will only cause more problems to develop over time. There is evidence that links tooth loss to systemic issues such as osteoporosis, diabetes, and heart disease. The longer you wait to seek treatment, the greater your risk for bone loss and additional tooth loss. By choosing to move forward with a dental bridge, you can expect there to be many great benefits, such as:
If you’re ready to take charge of your oral health, call our office today to schedule an appointment! Our team is ready to help you on your path to a happier, healthier, and more complete smile.
Tooth loss can affect more than just your appearance – it can impact your quality of life as well. Fortunately, you no longer have to live with gaps in your smile. At Mind Your Mouth, we offer dental bridges to replace your missing teeth. Even though they are a trusted tooth-replacement solution, it’s understandable to have some questions before committing. Below, we’ve answered some frequently asked questions from patients about dental bridges in South Portland. If you don’t see your question, be sure to contact our team.
No, since dental bridges are designed to stay in your mouth for years after they’ve been placed. You shouldn’t be able to take the restoration out by yourself – only a dental professional can do that. While you may have heard partial dentures referred to as “removable bridges,” that’s not accurate. One of the most notable differences between partials and bridges is that partials can be removed at any time.
Dental bridges can replace a single missing tooth or several in a row. As a result, they are ideal for patients who are missing 1-4 teeth. If you are unsure whether dental bridges are right for addressing your specific dental needs, then don’t hesitate to schedule a personal consultation with our dentist in South Portland. She will help you decide.
Dental bridges typically last 5-15 years. The longevity of yours depends on a few factors like the materials used, the location of the dental bridge in your mouth, and how well you care for your smile. To elaborate, high-quality materials (we use zirconia) will naturally last longer than cheaper alternatives that are a short-term solution at best. The location matters, as well, since dental bridges toward the back of your mouth withstand a lot more pressure from chewing. And, of course, your oral hygiene routine will impact the condition of your teeth, gums, and dental bridge.
Before your procedure, we’ll numb your teeth with a topical anesthetic to ensure you’re completely comfortable. After your teeth are prepared to support a dental bridge, they may feel slightly sensitive for the next few days. The good news is you can easily manage your discomfort by taking over-the-counter pain medication as needed. If you’re receiving an implant bridge, you may experience mild soreness after your oral surgery. However, diligently following your aftercare instructions will help keep your pain to a minimum.
