Freeport Dental Office Strengthens Smiles with Dental Bridges
At Freeport Family Dental, we know that a missing tooth can affect more than just your smile—it can impact your bite, oral health, and even your confidence. That’s why we proudly offer expertly crafted dental bridges to restore both the appearance and function of your smile.
A dental bridge is a reliable and natural-looking solution used to fill the gap left by a missing tooth or teeth. Gaps in your smile can lead to shifting of adjacent teeth, changes in your bite, jaw pain, and difficulty chewing. Dental bridges eliminate these concerns by anchoring a custom false tooth—called a pontic—between your natural teeth or implants.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge consists of one or more false teeth that are anchored in place by your natural teeth on either side of the gap. Typically, crowns are placed on the adjacent teeth, which serve as supports for the bridge. These restorations are custom-made to blend in seamlessly with your natural teeth, restoring your smile and preventing future complications. At Freeport Family Dental, we tailor each bridge to match the shape, size, and color of your existing teeth for a restoration that looks and feels natural.
Types of Dental Bridges
There are several types of dental bridges our Freeport dental team may recommend based on your unique needs, oral anatomy, and the location of the missing tooth:
1. Traditional Fixed Bridge
This is the most commonly used type. It involves placing crowns on the two teeth adjacent to the missing tooth, with a false tooth (pontic) in between. These bridges are often made from porcelain fused to metal or high-strength ceramics.
2. Cantilever Bridge
A cantilever bridge is used when there is only one tooth next to the gap. While not as common, it can be a great option for areas of the mouth that don’t endure heavy biting pressure, such as front teeth.
3. Resin-Bonded Bridge
Also known as a Maryland bridge, this type uses a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the back of adjacent teeth. It’s a more conservative option, often used for front teeth, and requires minimal alteration to the surrounding teeth.
What to Expect: The Dental Bridge Process
Placing a dental bridge typically involves at least two visits to our Freeport dental office:
First Visit
- Tooth Preparation: The neighboring teeth are gently reshaped to accommodate the crowns.
- Impressions: We take precise digital or physical impressions to ensure a perfect fit.
- Temporary Bridge: A temporary bridge is placed to protect the exposed teeth and gums while your permanent restoration is created in our trusted dental lab.
Second Visit
- Final Placement: The temporary bridge is removed, and the custom-fabricated permanent bridge is carefully fitted, adjusted, and bonded in place.
- Follow-up: In some cases, additional visits may be needed to make minor adjustments for optimal fit and comfort.
Smile Confidently Again with Freeport Family Dental
Missing teeth don’t have to interfere with your everyday life. With a custom dental bridge from Freeport Family Dental, you can enjoy restored function, a healthier bite, and a complete smile you’ll be proud to show off. Our experienced Freeport dental team is here to guide you every step of the way—from consultation to final placement and beyond. Schedule your consultation today to find out if a dental bridge is the right solution for your smile!
