A dental bridge is a great way to replace one or more missing teeth. Beautiful, durable dental bridgework is an area of specialty for Sheldon Kupferman, DDS, of Riverdale Dental Arts in Riverdale, New York, in the New York City borough of the Bronx. To explore this option in greater detail, schedule an appointment online or over the phone at your earliest convenience.
A dental bridge is made up of one or more false teeth called pontics, suspended by dental crowns on each side of a gap in your smile. There are also less commonly used dental bridge types that are only anchored on one side.
Dental bridges are restorative treatments that serve to replace one or more missing teeth. They are a great option for patients who are not good candidates for dental implants or those who are looking for a more affordable treatment option.
“Filling the gap” in your smile is important. Not only do missing teeth make it hard to feel confident about your smile, they also complicate your ability to eat and speak properly. You can even experience changes in your bite that can cause additional tooth loss or damage.
Once in place, today’s dental bridges are incredibly natural-looking. The false tooth or teeth used to replace missing teeth are shaped and colored to match the rest of your teeth, and the crowns placed to secure the bridge are also very lifelike.
Some bridges use metal wires for structural support, but there is no visible metal once the bridge is in place. Many people choose to have professional teeth whitening prior to getting their bridge to create a brighter smile.
Unlike dentures, dental bridges are not removable. Once in place, you simply brush and floss normally to preserve overall dental health. If you notice any rough spots or areas of discomfort, let Dr. Kupferman know and he will work to correct the issue.
The first step is preparing the teeth on either side of the dental bridge for their new crowns. This involves removing a portion of tooth tissue to make room for the crown.
Next, a set of digital impressions are made using PlanmecaⓇ technology. The resulting information is sent to the dental lab to guide the crafting of your crowns and pontic. Temporary crowns are placed to protect your prepared teeth until the new crowns arrive.
Once your crowns and bridge are ready you’ll return to allow Dr. Kupferman to cement them into place. He’ll check the bridge and crowns for fit and comfort and advise you on how to best care for your custom bridgework.
Don’t accept missing teeth as inevitable when there are treatments that can help. Schedule a visit at Riverdale Dental Arts online or by phone to learn more.
