Restore Your Smile With Dental Bridges
Losing a tooth can be a difficult experience, affecting your smile’s appearance and functionality. Fortunately, dental bridges are a popular and effective treatment option for replacing missing teeth. Don’t let your dental health get worse — replace your missing tooth or teeth at North East Dental Arts.
Contact our dentist in North East, PA, today by calling our dental office at (814) 725-4700. We’ll schedule your consultation as soon as possible so you can get your oral health back on track.
What are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges are prosthetic devices that are used to replace missing teeth. They consist of one or more artificial teeth supported by the surrounding teeth or dental implants. Dental bridges can be made from various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, or metal.
Different Types of Dental Bridges
There are several types of dental bridges, including:
- Traditional Dental Bridge: This is the most common type of dental bridge. It consists of one or more artificial teeth anchored to adjacent teeth using dental crowns.
- Cantilever Dental Bridge: This type of bridge is used when only one adjacent tooth is available to support the artificial tooth.
- Maryland Dental Bridge: This type of bridge is made of a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the back of supporting teeth. Maryland bridges are typically used to replace front teeth.
Why Choose North East Dental Arts for Your Dental Bridges?
At North East Dental Arts, we understand that choosing the right dental practice for your restorative needs is crucial. Here’s why patients trust us for their dental bridges:
- Experience: Our team is led by skilled dentists with years of experience in restorative dentistry. We have successfully placed countless dental bridges, restoring the smiles and confidence of our patients.
- Personalized Care: Every smile is unique, and so are your dental needs. We provide customized treatment plans tailored to your situation, ensuring the best possible outcome for your dental bridge.
- Advanced Technology: We utilize the latest dental technology to design and fabricate precise and durable dental bridges. Our state-of-the-art equipment allows us to deliver high-quality results with minimal discomfort and reduced treatment time.
- Comfortable Environment: We prioritize patient comfort at every step of the process. From the moment you walk into our office, our friendly staff will ensure you feel at ease. We also offer sedation options to help you relax during your procedure.
- Long-Lasting Results: We use only the highest-quality materials for our dental bridges, ensuring your restoration will last for many years. Our attention to detail and commitment to excellence means your dental bridge will look natural and fit perfectly.
- Comprehensive Dental Care: At North East Dental Arts, we offer a full range of dental services, so you can receive all of your care in one convenient location. Whether you need preventive care, restorative treatments, or cosmetic enhancements, we have you covered.
The Benefits of Dental Bridges
When replacing a missing tooth or teeth with a dental bridge, patients may experience the following benefits:
- Restored smile
- Improved functionality
- Maintains facial structure
- Prevents further dental complications
- Long-lasting restoration
- Affordable solution
- Boost confidence
- Minimally-invasive procedure
To schedule your consultation, contact Dr. Dina Nuhfer at North East Dental Arts by calling (814) 725-4700 today.
Dental Bridge Procedure
The dental bridge procedure involves preparing the adjacent teeth, called abutments, by reshaping them to support the bridge. A custom-made bridge, consisting of the replacement tooth or teeth (called pontics) and crowns for the abutment teeth, is placed over the prepared teeth with dental cement, restoring function and aesthetics.
The bridge is cemented in place, providing a fixed solution for missing teeth. After getting a dental bridge, proper care ensures its longevity, so schedule regular dental check-ups and keep a consistent oral hygiene routine at home.
The Costs of a Dental Bridge
While the costs of your dental bridge will vary based on several factors, you can expect to spend between $2,000 and $5,000. Factors that will influence the total cost include:
- Geographical location
- Materials used
- The type of dental bridge (cantilever bridge, implant-supported bridge, traditional fixed bridge, Maryland dental bridge) needed
- Number of teeth that need to be replaced
- Dentist’s expertise and experience
- Dental insurance plan
- Additional procedures
Can You Get a Dental Bridge?
Being a candidate for a dental bridge depends on several factors. Our dentist will consider the following before recommending a dental bridge procedure:
- Location of Missing Teeth: A dental bridge requires healthy, existing teeth on either side of the gap to serve as abutments (support). If there aren’t stable teeth on either side, a bridge may not be an option.
- The health of Adjacent Teeth: The supporting teeth need to be strong enough to support the bridge. This means they should be free of decay and gum disease and have good bone support. If the adjacent teeth are compromised, they might not be suitable as abutments or require treatment first.
- Number of Missing Teeth: Traditional bridges are generally suitable for replacing one to three adjacent missing teeth. If more teeth are missing or spread out, other options like partial dentures might be more appropriate.
- Oral Hygiene: Patients should have good oral hygiene habits or be willing to improve them. A bridge requires meticulous cleaning around and under the false tooth/teeth.
- Gum Health: Patients with untreated gum disease might not be good candidates for a dental bridge until the gum issues are addressed.
- Occlusion (Bite) Considerations: How the upper and lower teeth come together (the bite) can influence the success of a bridge. If there are significant bite issues, they need to be addressed either before or in conjunction with a bridge placement.
- Bone Loss: If a tooth has been missing for a long time, there can be significant bone loss in that area. While this doesn’t necessarily preclude someone from getting a bridge, it might make other options, like implants, more challenging without additional procedures like bone grafting.
If a dental bridge isn’t right for you, our North East, PA, dentist may recommend other alternatives, such as dentures.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do dental bridges last?
On average, traditional dental bridges can last between five to 15 years, and even longer with proper care and maintenance. The lifespan of a bridge varies based on the type of bridge, materials used, oral hygiene practices, and regular dental check-ups. Implant-supported bridges tend to last longer than traditional bridges or cantilever bridges.
Can a dental bridge be whitened if it becomes stained?
Unlike natural teeth, dental bridges can’t be whitened using traditional teeth-whitening methods. Select a shade that matches your desired tooth color when first getting the bridge. If your bridge does become stained, it may require professional cleaning or, in extreme cases, replacement to restore its original appearance.
Schedule Your Dental Bridge Consultation With Dr. Nuhfer Today
Are you ready to replace your lost teeth? Don’t wait any longer! Contact our dentist in North East today by calling (814) 725-4700 to schedule your consultation for a dental bridge. Dental bridges can restore your smile and help you find the confidence you once had.
We can’t wait to meet you and help you achieve exceptional oral health! We welcome patients from Erie, Ripley, and Findley Lake, PA.