Dental Bridges – Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
Fast, Reliable Tooth Replacement
If you have lost one or more teeth, you are all too familiar with the inconveniences of an incomplete smile. You may lack confidence in social situations, or it might be difficult for you to enjoy your favorite foods like you used to. Even worse, you are at-risk for future oral health problems. Fortunately, the team at Ponte Vedra Complete Dentistry has the tools and knowledge to help you fill in the spaces in your mouth. One popular tooth replacement option is a fixed dental bridge.
What Is a Fixed Bridge?
A fixed bridge is a multi-unit dental prosthetic. It has a crown on each end, which get placed over the teeth adjacent to an empty space (the abutment teeth). The crowns support 1 – 3 artificial teeth (called pontics) between them. Thus, this type of restoration literally “bridges” a gap between the remaining natural teeth.
A fixed dental bridge can be made out of various materials, including metals, porcelain fused to metal, and 100% porcelain. Porcelain is the most aesthetically pleasing choice. Your dentist will recommend the type of bridge that best fits your circumstances.
Am I a Candidate for a Fixed Bridge?
You may be a candidate for a fixed bridge if:
- You are missing 1 – 3 teeth in a row.
- Your abutment teeth are healthy enough to support crowns.
- You want a relatively fast and affordable way to replace your lost teeth.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Bridges?
Fixed bridges offer a number of remarkable benefits:
- They prevent dental drift. When you lose a tooth, the ones around it may begin to drift into the empty space, leading to a misaligned bite and the risk of future tooth loss. A bridge serves as a placeholder that prevents dental drift.
- They are highly functional. A bridge is very strong and can enable you to enjoy a robust diet.
- They are aesthetically pleasing. If you opt for a porcelain bridge, it is highly unlikely that onlookers will be able to tell that it is not part of your natural smile.
- They are durable. Fixed bridges may last for 10 – 15 years or longer before replacement becomes necessary.
- The process is fast. The process of designing and placing a fixed bridge usually takes just two appointments.
How Do I Care for a Fixed Bridge?
Caring for a fixed bridge is easy. You must stick to a thorough oral hygiene routine that includes twice-daily brushing and once-daily flossing. When you floss, you should use a floss threader or other special tool to clean the space between the pontic and your gums. You should also avoid any habits that might damage the bridge, such as playing sports without a mouthguard and biting down on hard objects. When you visit our team for routine checkups, we will make sure that your bridge is still in good shape. If we notice any damage, we will repair or replace your restoration as soon as possible.
Do you believe you could benefit from a fixed bridge? Contact our team today to schedule a consultation.