A complete, healthy smile is a cornerstone of confidence and overall well-being. When a tooth is missing, it can affect everything from your ability to chew comfortably to how you feel in social situations. At Smiles for Life Dental Care in Bridgewater, VA, Dr. Dan Whiting and Dr. Geovanny Balderas understand these challenges. They offer a reliable and aesthetically pleasing solution to restore your smile: the dental bridge.
What You Should Know About Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge is a custom-made restoration designed to fill the space left by one or more missing teeth. Think of it as literally “bridging the gap.” The restoration consists of two main parts: the pontic, which is the artificial tooth that replaces the missing one, and the abutments, which are the supports on either side of the gap.
These restorations are meticulously crafted to blend seamlessly with your natural smile. The size, shape, and color of the pontic are matched to your existing teeth, ensuring the result is both functional and virtually indistinguishable from your own teeth.
Why Might You Need a Dental Bridge?
Losing a tooth can happen for many reasons, including decay, gum disease, or injury. Regardless of the cause, failing to replace it can lead to several oral health complications. Neighboring teeth may begin to drift into the empty space, causing a crooked bite and alignment issues. This shift can also put undue stress on your teeth and jaw, leading to discomfort and other problems.
A dental bridge addresses these concerns by:
- Restoring your ability to chew and speak properly.
- Maintaining the shape of your face.
- Distributing the forces in your bite correctly by replacing missing teeth.
- Preventing remaining teeth from shifting out of position.
Types of Dental Bridges
The team at Smiles for Life Dental Care will help determine the best type of bridge for your specific needs. The most common type is a traditional bridge, where the pontic is held in place by dental crowns placed on the healthy teeth on either side of the gap.
For patients seeking a more permanent solution or those who don’t have strong adjacent teeth, an implant-supported bridge is an excellent option. In this case, the bridge is anchored to dental implants that are surgically placed into the jawbone, providing exceptional stability and support without altering neighboring teeth.
Are You a Candidate for a Dental Bridge?
Determining if a dental bridge is right for you begins with a comprehensive consultation. Dr. Whiting or Dr. Balderas will conduct a thorough examination of your oral health. Good candidates for a dental bridge typically have healthy teeth and strong bone structure surrounding the gap. Your overall oral hygiene habits are also a crucial factor, as the success of the bridge depends on the health of the supporting teeth and gums.
If you have a gap in your smile, don’t let it impact your health and self-esteem. Contact Smiles for Life Dental Care in Bridgewater, VA, to schedule a consultation and learn how a custom dental bridge can restore your smile’s function and beauty.
Contact Smiles For Life Dental Care:
540-828-2312
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
115 Oakwood Dr.
Bridgewater, Virginia
22812