Restore Your Smile and Confidence with Dental Bridges at Lakewood Dental Studio

May 5, 2024

Dealing with the loss of one or more teeth can significantly impact your quality of life, affecting your ability to chew, speak, and smile with confidence. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers various solutions to address missing teeth and restore the full functionality and appearance of your smile. Among these options, dental bridges stand out as a reliable, long-lasting, and effective treatment to fill gaps and rejuvenate your smile. At Lakewood Dental Studio, our skilled dental team is dedicated to providing exceptional dental bridge services tailored to your individual needs, empowering you to reclaim your daily life and express yourself with confidence.


Dental bridges comprise artificial teeth, known as pontics, that are anchored to adjacent natural teeth or dental implants to replace missing teeth. The bridge is securely held in place by dental crowns cemented onto the supporting teeth, ensuring stability, and optimal functionality. Dental bridges not only restore your smile and bite but also help maintain proper alignment and facial structure, preventing complications that can arise from the shifting of adjacent teeth into the empty space left by a lost tooth.


In this article, we will explore the advantages of dental bridges, discuss the types and materials commonly used, and outline the process of obtaining a dental bridge at Lakewood Dental Studio. Furthermore, we will provide guidance on caring for your dental bridge, enabling you to maintain a flawless smile for years to come. With an expertly crafted dental bridge from our team at Lakewood Dental Studio, you can enjoy the benefits of a restored smile that seamlessly blends with your natural teeth, empowering you to live confidently and comfortably in your everyday life.


Advantages of Dental Bridges


Opting for a dental bridge to replace missing teeth offers numerous benefits that can significantly enhance your daily life:


  • Restored Functionality: Dental bridges restore your ability to chew and speak properly, allowing you to return to your normal eating habits and improving overall oral health.
  • Enhanced Smile Aesthetics: A well-crafted dental bridge will seamlessly blend into your natural smile, providing an attractive and cohesive appearance.
  • Maintained Facial Structure: Dental bridges help prevent the shifting of neighboring teeth into the gap left by a lost tooth, preserving your facial structure and proper tooth alignment.
  • Long-lasting and Durable: With proper care, dental bridges can last for many years, providing a reliable and sturdy solution to replace missing teeth.


Types of Dental Bridges


Lakewood Dental Studio offers various types of dental bridges to suit your specific needs, depending on the location of your missing tooth and the surrounding teeth's condition:


  • Traditional Dental Bridges: These bridges involve the use of dental crowns on adjacent teeth to support the pontic. They are the most common type of dental bridge and ideal for situations where you have healthy teeth on both sides of the gap.
  • Cantilever Bridges: Cantilever bridges are used when there is only one healthy tooth adjacent to the gap. Instead of anchoring to teeth on both sides, they are supported by a single dental crown on one side.
  • Maryland Bridges: Rather than using dental crowns, Maryland bridges use a metal or porcelain framework bonded onto the backs of the adjacent teeth, making them a more conservative option suitable for patients who have healthy abutment teeth.
  • Implant-Supported Bridges: Implant-supported bridges rely on dental implants for support instead of relying on natural teeth. They are recommended for patients missing more than one tooth in a row or those with insufficient healthy teeth to support a traditional bridge.


The Dental Bridge Process at Lakewood Dental Studio


Receiving a dental bridge at Lakewood Dental Studio typically involves several steps to ensure the highest quality, custom fit:


  • Initial Consultation: During your consultation, our dental team will assess your overall oral health and determine the optimal type of dental bridge for your specific needs.
  • Tooth Preparation: For traditional, cantilever, and Maryland bridges, the abutment teeth will be reshaped to accommodate the supporting crowns. For implant-supported bridges, dental implants will be placed and given time to heal and fuse with your jawbone.
  • Dental Bridge Fabrication: Mold impressions of your prepared teeth will be taken and sent to a dental lab, where a custom bridge will be crafted using the material of your choice, such as porcelain or zirconia.
  • Bridge Placement and Adjustment: Once your dental bridge is ready, it will be placed and adjusted as necessary to ensure a comfortable and precise fit.
  • Cementation and Follow-up: If the fit and alignment of the bridge are satisfactory, the bridge will be permanently cemented in place, and subsequent follow-up appointments will be scheduled to ensure the bridge remains in excellent condition.


Caring for Your Dental Bridge


To maximize the lifespan of your dental bridge, it is crucial to practice proper oral hygiene and bridge care measures:


  • Regular Brushing and Flossing: Maintain a routine of daily brushing and flossing, including the use of specialized floss threaders or interdental brushes to clean beneath the bridge.
  • Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods: Protect the longevity of your bridge by avoiding excessive pressure from chewing on hard or sticky foods.
  • Monitor for Dental Issues: Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings with your dentist at Lakewood Dental Studio to address any potential concerns or adjustments needed for your bridge.
  • Dental Bridge Maintenance: Replace your dental bridge as recommended by your dentist to ensure optimal function and appearance.


Conclusion


Dental bridges are an excellent solution to regain a functional and attractive smile when dealing with missing teeth. At Lakewood Dental Studio, our dedicated team of dental professionals is committed to helping you achieve the best possible results.


Take the first step towards a captivating, fully restored smile by contacting Lakewood Dental Studio and scheduling a consultation to discuss
dental bridges and other available treatments. Let us guide you toward a happier, healthier smile tailored uniquely to you.

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