Dental Bridges – Indianapolis Family Dentistry, ST
Regain a Complete & Confident Smile!
Are you one of the estimated 140 million Americans missing at least one permanent tooth? If you’re tired of living with missing teeth, come visit Indianapolis Family Dentistry! We can help you quickly regain a complete and confident smile with a custom-made dental bridge. These durable and reliable restorations will help make chewing and speaking easier and seamlessly blend in with the rest of your pearly whites. To learn more about dental bridges and discover if you’re a good candidate for one, give us a call today to schedule a consultation!
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge made out of several custom-made dental crowns that have been bonded together to make a single unit. The crowns on each end are carefully placed over the abutment teeth, which are the teeth on either side of where the missing tooth or teeth once were. The bridge securely fits in the open space, effectively bridging the gap in your smile seamlessly.
Types of Dental Bridges
Depending on your unique needs and preferences, there are two different types of dental bridges you may be interested in:
Traditional Dental Bridges
Traditional bridges fit over the remaining teeth on either side of the gap in your smile. Getting a traditional dental bridge will likely take only two quick appointments over the course of a few weeks. However, it is important to note that the abutment teeth will need to be slightly altered to make room for the dental bridge.
Implant Bridges
Alternatively, you could have your dental bridge anchored in place with dental implants. Instead of relying on your natural teeth for support, an implant bridge sits on top of one or two small titanium posts that are set into the jawbone like the roots of a natural tooth. This tooth replacement option is the sturdiest and longest lasting, but it requires more time and a strong jawbone.
The Benefits of Getting a Dental Bridge
Traditional dental bridges are a classic and efficient method for replacing multiple missing teeth. They offer benefits like:
- Beautiful, seamlessly natural-looking results
- Durability that you can count on for many years to come
- Restored ability to eat comfortably and speak clearly
- Prevent dental drift and a misaligned bite after tooth loss
- Ability to replace missing teeth in just a few appointments
Dental Bridge FAQs
Are you looking to fill the gaps in your smile? A dental bridge is an excellent option, but replacing your missing teeth is a big decision! It pays to be well-informed, so we’re here to help. Here are the answers to some of the most common questions we receive about dental bridges in Indianapolis. If you don’t see the information you’re looking for below, give us a call. We’d be happy to tell you more about the restoration and get you started with a consultation.
Is Getting a Dental Bridge Painful?
Before preparing your teeth to support a dental bridge, your mouth will be numbed with a local anesthetic, so you shouldn’t feel any discomfort. However, your underlying teeth are likely to feel sensitive for a few days after the preparation and placement of your dental bridge. Because bridges keep your surrounding teeth from shifting around, they can prevent discomfort later on. If you are getting an implant bridge, there will be some soreness after your dental implant placement surgery, but you will be given specific instructions to manage this discomfort.
How Long Should a Dental Bridge Last?
On average, you can expect your dental bridge to last somewhere between 5 and 15 years, but this may vary depending on the material the bridge is made from. The longevity of your bridge also depends on individual factors, like your diet, oral hygiene, and whether or not you have any bad oral habits, like smoking, nail-biting, and teeth grinding. Bridges that replace the front teeth may last slightly longer than the ones in the back of the mouth, as they are not subjected to as much wear and tear from chewing. If your bridge is supported by dental implants, it will most likely last longer than a traditional bridge. The implants themselves should remain in place for several decades with proper maintenance.
How Many Teeth Can a Dental Bridge Replace?
Depending on the patient’s needs, a dental bridge can replace anywhere from one to four missing teeth in a row. However, in most cases, bridges are used to replace one or two teeth. The longer a bridge extends, the less stable it may become, so it may become risky to have a bridge replace three or more teeth. Implant bridges can lower this risk, as implants are just as strong and secure as natural teeth.
Do Dental Bridges Look Natural?
Metal-free bridges are made from materials that can be color-matched to your other teeth. These materials look remarkably like tooth enamel, even the way that light bounces off of them. Once it is placed, your bridge should blend in with the rest of your smile. With bridges, you don’t need to worry about your restoration shifting around as you might with an ill-fitting denture.