Tooth loss can affect your appearance and your ability to chew, speak, and maintain proper oral health. If you're missing one or more teeth, dental bridges are a proven restorative solution that can help restore your smile's function and beauty. For residents in Silver Spring and Riverdale, MD, seeking a reliable treatment for missing teeth, understanding the benefits of dental bridges done by skilled dentists in Silver Spring and Riverdale, MD, is essential.
A dental bridge is a restorative dental appliance that fills the gap left by one or more missing teeth. It typically consists of one or more artificial teeth, called pontics, held in place by dental crowns or implants attached to the surrounding natural teeth. Bridges restore your smile's aesthetic appearance, improve chewing and speaking, and prevent shifting of remaining teeth.
Bridges can be made from porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys, or a combination of these materials. Porcelain or ceramic bridges are often preferred for their natural-looking appearance, as they can be color-matched to your natural teeth. When you visit a Silver Spring and Riverdale, MD dentist, they will help you choose the best type of bridge based on your specific needs and preferences. So, to get the perfect smile you have always wanted, contact us at Robertson Dental for the best dental bridges.
There are several types of dental bridges in Silver Spring and Riverdale, MD, each tailored to different dental conditions and patient needs:
This is the most common type of dental bridge. Traditional bridges consist of one or more pontics (false teeth) anchored to adjacent teeth with dental crowns. The neighboring teeth — the abutment teeth — are prepared by removing some of the enamel to accommodate the crowns. This method provides strong, stable support for the bridge.
Traditional bridges are a suitable option if you have natural teeth on either side of the gap. Your dentist in Silver Spring and Riverdale, MD, will take impressions of your teeth to custom fabricate a bridge that fits comfortably and blends seamlessly with your existing teeth.
A cantilever bridge is used when only one adjacent tooth supports the bridge. Instead of using two abutment teeth, the bridge is anchored to a single tooth. This option is less common and is generally only recommended for areas of the mouth that don't endure excessive chewing pressure, such as the front teeth.
Also known as resin-bonded bridges, A Maryland bridge is secured by a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the back of the surrounding teeth. Unlike traditional bridges, Maryland bridges do not require significant preparation or removal of enamel from the neighboring teeth. The metal or porcelain wings attached to the pontic are bonded to the adjacent teeth with a special resin.
Maryland bridges are a conservative option, as they preserve more of your natural tooth structure. However, they may not be as durable or strong as traditional bridges and are typically used to replace front teeth.
Instead of natural teeth, dental implants anchor implant-supported bridges. Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to act as artificial tooth roots. Once the implants have been fully integrated with the bone, the bridge is secured onto them.
This type of bridge provides the highest level of stability and does not rely on adjacent teeth for support. Implant-supported bridges are an excellent option for patients with multiple missing teeth, and they provide long-term benefits, such as preventing bone loss in the jaw.
Choosing dental bridges in Silver Spring and Riverdale, MD, can provide numerous benefits beyond filling the gap left by missing teeth. Here are some of the key benefits:
Missing teeth can make it difficult to chew food properly, affecting your diet and overall health. A dental bridge restores your ability to chew and speak clearly, allowing you to enjoy various foods without discomfort.
A missing tooth can make you feel self-conscious about your smile. Dental bridges are a natural-looking solution that blends seamlessly with your existing teeth, giving you back a complete, attractive smile. Artificial teeth are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth with materials like porcelain or ceramic.
When a tooth is lost, the neighboring teeth may shift into the space. This can lead to bite misalignment, gum problems, and tooth loss. Dental bridges prevent this shifting by filling the gap and keeping your remaining teeth in their proper position.
Tooth loss can result in a sunken appearance in the face due to bone loss and tooth shifting. By providing support to the surrounding teeth and jaw, dental bridges help maintain the natural shape of the face and prevent premature aging.
Dental bridges can last many years with proper care, making it a durable and effective solution for missing teeth. Your dentist in Silver Spring and Riverdale, MD, will guide you on how to care for your bridge, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups to ensure its longevity.
Getting a dental bridge typically involves two or more visits to a dentist in Silver Spring and Riverdale, MD. Here's a step-by-step overview of what you can expect:
During your first visit, your dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth, gums, and overall oral health. They may take X-rays and impressions of your teeth to determine the best treatment plan for you. Your dentist may recommend a traditional bridge if you have healthy teeth adjacent to the gap. If not, implant-supported bridges might be considered.
If you're going to have a traditional bridge, the adjacent teeth must be prepared by removing a small amount of enamel to make room for the dental crowns. Your dentist will then take impressions of the prepared teeth and the gap, which will be used to create a custom-fit bridge.
While your permanent bridge is being crafted in a dental lab, your dentist may place a temporary bridge to protect the exposed teeth and gums. This temporary bridge will also help you adjust to having a bridge in your mouth.
Once your permanent bridge is ready, you will return for the final placement. Your dentist in Silver Spring and Riverdale, MD, will carefully fit the bridge, ensuring it is comfortable and properly aligned. The bridge is then cemented into place, and your bite is checked to ensure everything functions smoothly.
To maintain the longevity of your dental bridge, it's important to practice good oral hygiene. Here are some tips for taking care of your new bridge:
Dental bridges offer a reliable, long-lasting solution for missing teeth, allowing you to restore your smile and oral functionality. Whether you want to replace one or several teeth, dental bridges in Silver Spring and Riverdale, MD, are a natural-looking and durable option. With the help of a skilled dentist in Silver Spring and Riverdale, MD, you can regain your confidence, improve your oral health, and enjoy a fully functional smile again.
So schedule an appointment today with us at Robertson Dental, located at 9417 Flower Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20901, and 5711 Sarvis Ave Ste 502, Riverdale, MD 20737. For bookings and consultations, you can give us a call at (301) 588-3310 or (301) 927-1453. Please visit our official website to learn more about the various services we provide.