A dental bridge in Pembroke Pines is a reliable option for patients looking to replace a few missing teeth. Known for its durability and natural-looking appearance, this unique prosthetic remains a popular choice within dental offices throughout the country. At Friedland Family Dentistry of Pembroke Pines, our team is pleased to offer individuals the chance to improve their smiles without complex, invasive procedures. With a dental bridge, the opportunity for a full, complete smile can be completed with minimal discomfort and ease in a safe and comfortable environment. Call us today if you would like to learn more about how a dental bridge can help you take back the life of your smile.
A dental bridge is a customized prosthetic that is made to fill in the gaps in your smile. When missing multiple teeth along an arch, this unique device can attach to healthy abutment teeth and allow you to enjoy all your favorite foods while also allowing you to speak more confidently.
Made from various dental materials, such as porcelain or ceramic, it is matched to your natural tooth color so that it will blend in once put into place. Two dental crowns rest on top of healthy abutment teeth while the remaining bridge, consisting of pontics or artificial teeth, rest on top of your gums.
When meeting with your dentist in Pembroke Pines for a consultation, not only will you undergo a full oral examination, but you’ll also learn about the two different types of dental bridges, which include:
A traditional bridge is used to replace two, three, or even four missing teeth along the top or bottom arch. The missing teeth must be consecutive for this type of prosthetic to work. Healthy teeth on either side of the gap are filed down to serve as anchors for the bridge, which is attached so that the gap is filled in and allows for complete functionality.
Unlike a traditional bridge, an implant prosthetic is held into place by titanium dental implant posts. Mimicking the natural tooth roots, these prosthetics support a dental bridge that rests on top of the implants to create a solid, complete smile that is fully functional. These unique bridges can last 30+ years or longer with proper care and eventually fuse with the bone to ensure a firm foundation. Opting for this type of prosthetic allows you to avoid altering any other healthy teeth inside your mouth.
The decision to replace multiple missing teeth with a dental bridge will have you seeing numerous benefits, such as:
Some patients have heard of partial dentures being referred to as “removable bridges”, leaving them with questions about whether their restoration is intended to be frequently removed and reinserted. However, this phrasing is misleading and refers to two different treatments.
Dental bridges are made to replace one or several consecutively missing teeth by anchoring over healthy pearly whites or dental implants in your mouth, whereas partial dentures clip into place with metallic clasps. Once your bridge is cemented in place, it’s not intended to be taken out except by a professional, like Dr. Friedland.
Historically, replacement teeth in were made from amalgam mixtures of metal that were durable enough to withstand the daily force of biting and chewing. Unfortunately, these repairs can leave your smile looking dark or dirty because they cannot be color-matched and tend to draw unwanted attention.
Thanks to more recent advancements in dental technology and materials, today Dr. Friedland can provide more lifelike restorations in Pembroke Pines made from resilient ceramic or porcelain. These options can be customized to match the shade of your natural teeth to rebuild your smile’s functionality and appearance simultaneously.
It’s natural to feel anxious around major dental procedures, like being fitted with a new restoration, if you’re scared it could hurt. Fortunately, Dr. Friedland understands that many patients become nervous about dental appointments and will do everything possible to help you feel comfortable throughout the entire process.
For instance, our team will apply a local anesthetic before beginning your procedure to prevent nerves in your mouth from sending pain signals to your brain. We also offer two options, nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oral conscious sedation, to help you remain relaxed for your entire visit in Pembroke Pines.
These teeth can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years or more, although their lifespan depends significantly on how well you care for them. For instance, although they cannot get cavities or gum disease, the underlying teeth and connective tissues are still at risk. That means you must continue brushing and flossing twice daily to remove plaque and bacteria that could put them at risk.
Additionally, bridges covering molars may require repairs or replacement sooner than those in the front of your mouth, as they sustain added pressure from biting and chewing that can wear down the ceramic more quickly.