Dental Bridges – Lakewood, CO
Fill the Empty Space in Your Smile
If you’ve lost multiple teeth in a row, you already know how inconvenient it can be to just complete everyday tasks like talking and chewing food. Most people will end up with missing teeth at some point in their lives, but that doesn’t mean that you have to live with the consequences forever. At Lakewood Complete Dentistry, we offer dental bridges as a way to fill the empty space in your smile. These custom-made, high-quality replacement teeth allow you to speak, eat, and smile with confidence once again. Contact us today to learn more about whether this treatment is right for you!
Why Choose Lakewood Complete Dentistry for Dental Bridges?
- Natural-Looking Restorations That Are Built to Last
- Each Treatment Personalized to Meet Your Specific Needs
- Replace Several Consecutive Missing Teeth at Once
What Are Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge in Lakewood connects one or more prosthetic teeth to dental crowns on either side. These crowns are attached to the remaining teeth on the ends of the gap in your grin. If those teeth aren’t healthy enough to support this restoration, you can choose to receive an implant-retained bridge instead. A bridge secured by dental implants that are surgically placed in your jaw is often much sturdier and longer-lasting than the traditional kind.
The best way to find out which of these solutions would be better for you is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Vinnie. He can examine your mouth and determine which type of dental bridge would give you more reasons to smile!
Benefits of Dental Bridges
To maintain excellent quality of life, it’s essential that you replace your missing teeth in Lakewood. Some benefits of rebuilding your smile with a dental bridge include:
- Improving your smile and confidence
- Restoring your ability to easily talk and chew
- Maintaining the shape of your face
- Evenly distributing your bite force
- Preventing your remaining teeth from drifting out of position
No matter what type of dental bridge you receive, you’ll be able to enjoy the multiple aesthetic and structural advantages it offers. Plus, it will be made from high-quality materials that mimic your natural pearly whites. No one should be able to tell the difference!
The Dental Bridge Process
Getting a dental bridge requires different procedures depending on which kind you’re receiving. Traditional bridges generally take two visits to place. First, Dr. Vinnie prepares the teeth that will support the bridge by slightly reshaping them. We capture impressions of that section of your mouth and send the data to a dental lab. While they craft your bridge, we can place a temporary to protect your teeth and gums. You’ll return a few weeks later to receive your permanent, lifelike bridge.
The implant-retained bridge process takes a bit longer. You’ll have to undergo oral surgery to have the implants placed in your jaw. Fortunately, Dr. Vinnie can place them here in our office, saving you the time, money, and inconvenience of being referred to an outside specialist. After the surgery, you’ll spend a few months healing as the implants fuse to your jawbone. Once this process is complete, we can attach the bridge, giving you a beautiful, healthier smile.
Dental Bridges FAQs
Is a Partial Denture the Same as a Bridge?
A partial denture and a bridge are different types of dental prosthetics. A partial denture is a removable appliance that replaces several missing teeth and is supported by your gums and any remaining teeth. It's usually made of acrylic or metal and can be taken out for cleaning.
A bridge, on the other hand, is a fixed solution. It fills the gap of one or more missing teeth by anchoring to the adjacent natural teeth or dental implants. Unlike partial dentures, bridges are not removable.
In short, while both serve to replace missing teeth, the main difference lies in how they are anchored and whether they are removable or fixed.
How Many Teeth Can a Dental Bridge Replace?
A dental bridge can typically replace one to four adjacent missing teeth, depending on the situation. The number of teeth a bridge can replace depends on the health and strength of the supporting teeth or implants that anchor it. For longer spans (more than two or three teeth), we generally recommend dental implants for additional support, as bridges relying on natural teeth may become unstable or place too much stress on the anchors.
The most common type of bridge replaces one or two teeth, but with proper planning and strong abutment teeth, more can be replaced. However, each case is unique, so consulting with us is ideal in order to determine the best approach for your specific needs.
How Do I Clean Under My Dental Bridge?
Cleaning under a dental bridge is crucial for maintaining oral health. Since a bridge is a fixed prosthetic, food particles and plaque can accumulate under the false tooth (pontic). Here’s how to clean it properly:
- Floss threader: Use a floss threader to guide floss underneath the bridge. This helps remove debris and plaque from the gumline.
- Superfloss: This specialized floss has a stiffened end for easier threading under the bridge and spongy floss to clean around the bridge.
- Interdental brush: A small brush can help clean under the bridge where regular floss can't reach.
- Water flosser: This device uses water pressure to dislodge particles from hard-to-reach areas under the bridge.
We recommend regular check-ups to ensure the area stays clean and healthy.
What Can You Not Eat with a Dental Bridge?
With a dental bridge, you should avoid certain foods that can damage or dislodge it. Here's what we generally recommend steering clear of:
- Sticky foods: Caramel, chewing gum, and toffee can pull on your bridge, potentially loosening it.
- Hard foods: Nuts, hard candies, and ice can crack or break the bridge, or damage the abutment teeth that support it.
- Chewy foods: Bagels or tough meats can place undue stress on the bridge, making it harder to maintain.
- Excessively crunchy vegetables or fruits: Biting into raw carrots or apples may put pressure on the bridge.
Soft, balanced foods are the best choice. Regular care and avoiding these foods will help your bridge last longer and stay functional.