Dental Bridge
Muscle Shoals, AL
If you have a missing tooth or teeth, don't settle for a less than stellar smile.
At Singing River Dentistry in Muscle Shoals, AL we can get you set up with bridge work that will fill in those gaps and let you feel comfortable and confident about your smile again.
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How Does a Dental Bridge Work?
When you come in to meet with one of our dentists about getting a bridge, several types of dental bridges will be considered based on your personal preferences and the extent of the gap in your teeth.
If you have natural teeth on either side of the gap, you may be a candidate to get a traditional bridge. With a traditional bridge, the false tooth in the middle is anchored in place to the neighboring teeth through the use of dental crowns.
If you only have one natural tooth available next to the gap, the dentist may use a cantilever bridge. It works the same way as a traditional bridge, but the false tooth is only held in place by one natural tooth through the crown.
If you have natural teeth on either side of the gap, but cannot make use of a crown, the dentist may use what is called a Maryland bridge. While this bridge attaches the false tooth in place using the neighboring teeth, it attaches to the back of those teeth instead of the crown. It is often used when the missing tooth is an incisor.
If natural teeth cannot be used to anchor the false tooth, an implant-supported dental bridge will be used. While this is considered the most stable way to anchor a bridge, it also requires the most dental work. As the name implies, it requires the dentist to place dental implants in your mouth first and then attach the bridge to them.
What Are the Benefits of Getting a Dental Bridge?
The most obvious benefit of getting a bridge is a better smile and the increased confidence that comes along with it.
There are more medical benefits as well.
You will be able to chew your food better, and with less stress on your jaw as your bite will be more evenly distributed.
Your remaining natural teeth will also benefit as they will be less likely to drift out of position when there isn't an empty space next to them.
They are also one of the most cost-effective ways of replacing missing teeth, and depending on the type of bridge used, they can also provide one the quickest forms of relief.
How Long Does it Take for a Dental Bridge to Settle?
When you first get a dental bridge, you may experience some adjustment issues.
Most dentists say that dental bridges take at least two weeks for you to adjust fully to your new dental appliance.
If you are still feeling uncomfortable or you are experiencing pain, you need to visit the dentist because your bridge may need to be adjusted.
How Do You Maintain a Dental Bridge?
You need to care for your dental bridge much as you would care for your natural teeth.
Be sure to brush and floss your denture at least twice a day. You need to either remove your dental bridge to brush and floss or be sure you floss underneath your fixed bridge.
Also, be sure that you visit us at Singing River Dentistry twice a year to have your teeth and your bridge checked.
That way, you'll be aware if there are any problems with your natural teeth, as well as any problems that might occur with your dental bridge.
What Are All of My Options for Replacing Missing Teeth?
If you have recently lost teeth, you need to think about your options when it comes to having your teeth replaced.
Over 80% of adults who lose their teeth lose them because of disease.
No matter how you have lost your teeth, you'e going to want to find a way to get your teeth back.
If you have lost teeth, and you want to restore your smile, bridges may be the answer.
In addition to the several types of bridges, there are other options available that you can get here at Singing River Dentistry.
Fixed Bridge
 A fixed bridge is a type of dental bridge that you don' remove. Instead, a fixed bridge is cemented to adjacent teeth.
The fixed bridge uses your healthy teeth to keep your dental bridge secure.
Fixed bridges are great for people who have lost several teeth on the same side or directly across from each other.
Implant-Supported Bridge
An implant-supported bridge works exactly the same way as a fixed bridge, with one difference. Instead of your bridge attaching to your permanent teeth, an implant-supported bridge is the same fixed bridge, but it is attached to dental implants instead.
Dental Implants
Dental implants have been called the closest thing to natural teeth.
That's because dental implants consist of a titanium screw that is implanted into your gums and attached to your jawbone.
A prosthetic tooth is then placed over the titanium screw, and no one will have to know you have implants except you.
Dental implants can be used to replace one tooth, just a few teeth, or all of your teeth, to restore functionality.
Dentures
If you have lost a lot of teeth in one area of your mouth - for example, all of your teeth on one side or all of the teeth in either your top or bottom jaw, you may benefit from a partial denture.
Partial dentures, like some bridges, are removable.
Dental Crowns
If you have a tooth that is broken or cracked, but the tooth roots are still attached, you may be able to have the tooth capped with a dental crown.
Dental crowns are usually made of a metal cap that is topped with porcelain to look just like your natural tooth.
If you have a cracked, chipped, or broken tooth, a dental crown may be the perfect choice for you.
Schedule Your Dental Bridge with Your Muscle Shoals Dentist Today!
Deciding on how you will replace a missing tooth or teeth is a serious decision. At Singing River Dentistry, we have a lot of experience working closely with our patients to make sure the right treatment methods are being used that get the best results. Don't put off taking action on your missing teeth any longer and call us at 256-712-3186 today to schedule your consultation to speak with the team about how we can best restore your smile and confidence.
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