Which of Our Dental Bridges Is Right for You?
Missing teeth are a serious concern for your appearance, oral function, and long-term dental health. Fortunately, dental bridges can fill in those gaps in your smile with custom-designed replacement teeth. At Ridgewood Dental Associates, we offer traditional crown-supported bridges and implant-supported restorations. Both types will be custom-crafted from advanced ceramic, so they complement your smile and surrounding teeth. Though each bridge option can be a great choice, one may be more suited to your needs than the other. We will conduct a thorough exam, considering your nearby teeth, jawbone health, esthetic goals, and financial needs. Based on these factors, we can help you select the right type of bridge for your smile. To find out if you are a good dental bridge candidate, contact our Ridgewood practice today.
What Is a Traditional Dental Bridge?
If you choose a traditional bridge, your nearby teeth will support the entire restoration. Your prosthodontist will reshape these teeth, creating a strong base for the bridge. This process will also create more room for the restoration so that it will lie flat and maintain the natural force of your bite. Then we will take impressions, so that our partner lab can design a bridge that is a near-perfect fit. The technicians will also choose the color of ceramic that most closely matches your surrounding teeth. Several weeks later, your bridge will arrive at our office. At this time, your prosthodontist will remove your temporary bridge and attach the permanent restoration.
Are You a Candidate for a Traditional Bridge?
A traditional bridge will not only restore your bite and smile. It can also prevent your other teeth from shifting out of place. Thanks to this type of restoration, you can enjoy a beautiful smile and healthy bite alignment for years to come. A traditional bridge may be right for you if:
- You are missing one or more adjacent missing teeth
- The nearby teeth are strong enough to support your restoration
- You are seeking an affordable option
- You have suffered jawbone recession due to gum disease or tooth loss
What Is an Implant-supported Bridge?
Implant-supported bridges, like traditional restorations, are made from several crowns fused together. However, instead of resting on your healthy teeth, the bridge will fit on top of implant posts, which will be surgically set in your jawbone. Your dentist will examine your jaw, using our CT scans to find the strongest places for the implants. After he positions them in your jaw, the nearby bone tissue will fuse with the posts, fixing them firmly in your mouth. When your recovery is complete, your prosthodontist will attach your custom-made restoration to the tops of the posts.
Is an Implant-supported Bridge Right for You?
Implant-supported bridges offer the same benefits as traditional crown-supported bridges. However, they are more stable and durable. They can also prevent jawbone recession, since the implant posts will give off the same regenerative signals as natural tooth roots. You may be a candidate for an implant-supported bridge if:
- You are missing two or more adjacent teeth (You can replace a single tooth with an implant-supported crown.)
- You have enough jawbone volume to uphold the implant posts
- You have overall good oral and periodontal health
- You are not suffering from an autoimmune disease that could compromise healing
- You do not want to compromise your nearby healthy teeth
- You are ready to invest in a lifelong dental restoration
Schedule a Consultation to Learn More about Your Options
No matter what type of bridge you choose, you will enjoy renewed oral function and a stunning smile. Contact Ridgewood Dental Associates to learn which type of bridge is most appropriate for you.