Are you missing one or more teeth? At Hardin Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, we offer dental bridges to help restore your smile and confidence. Our experienced team provides personalized care to ensure restorative dental services look natural and feel comfortable.
What are Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge is a fixed dental restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth. Think of it as a “bridge” that closes the gap where teeth are missing. A traditional bridge consists of two or more crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap, with a false tooth or teeth in between. You can also get an implant bridge that replaces the missing teeth at the root.
Dental bridges help to restore your smile, improve your ability to chew and speak, maintain your face shape, prevent other teeth from moving out of place, and distribute your bite forces properly.
When you lose a tooth, it affects more than just your smile. Missing teeth can make it hard to eat certain foods and may change how you speak. Over time, the teeth next to the empty space can shift, causing more dental problems. A dental bridge helps solve these issues.
Benefits of Replacing Missing Teeth
Replacing missing teeth with a dental bridge offers many important benefits beyond just improving your smile:
- Better chewing ability: A dental bridge restores your ability to properly chew your food, which can improve your nutrition and digestion.
- Clearer speech: Missing teeth can affect how you pronounce certain words. Bridges help you speak more clearly and confidently.
- Maintained facial structure: When teeth are missing, your face can begin to sag and look older. Bridges help maintain your natural face shape.
- Protected remaining teeth: When a gap is left unfilled, surrounding teeth can shift out of position. A bridge keeps your teeth properly aligned.
- Renewed confidence: Perhaps most importantly, a complete smile can boost your self-esteem and help you feel better about your appearance.
Types of Dental Bridges
Dr. Hardin offers several types of dental bridges to meet your needs:
- Traditional Bridges: The traditional bridge is the most popular type and is usually made of porcelain fused to metal. This type of bridge consists of two crowns that go over two anchoring teeth (abutment teeth) and are attached to pontics (artificial teeth), filling the gap created by one or more missing teeth. Traditional bridges are strong and can be made of porcelain, ceramic, or zirconia to match your natural teeth.
- Maryland Bridges: These bridges use metal or porcelain wings on one side of the bridge that bond to your existing teeth. Maryland bridges are often used for front teeth and require less preparation of surrounding teeth.
- Cantilever Bridges: When healthy teeth are on only one side of the missing tooth, we may use a cantilever bridge. This type of bridge is anchored by one or more teeth on just one side.
Each type of bridge has its benefits, and Dr. Hardin will help you determine which option is best for your specific situation. The choice depends on the location of the missing tooth, the strength and health of your surrounding teeth, and your personal preferences. Dr. Hardin will often recommend a traditional or implant bridge.
The Dental Bridge Process
Getting a dental bridge at our Indianapolis, IN office typically involves two to three visits. At your first visit, we prepare the teeth on either side of the gap by removing a small amount of enamel. Then we take impressions of your teeth, which we send to our dental lab to create your custom bridge. We’ll place a temporary bridge to protect your teeth and gums while your permanent bridge is being made.
You’ll return for your second visit when your permanent bridge is ready (usually 2-3 weeks later). We’ll remove the temporary bridge and check the fit of your new one. We’ll make any needed adjustments to ensure it fits perfectly and feels comfortable. Once you and Dr. Hardin are satisfied with the fit, we’ll permanently cement the bridge in place.
We may ask you to return for a follow-up visit to check how your gums are responding to the new bridge and to make any final adjustments if needed. Most patients find the process comfortable. We use local anesthesia to numb the area during preparation, and any discomfort after the procedure is usually mild and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Caring for Your Dental Bridge
With proper care, your dental bridge can last 10-15 years or even longer. Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and use floss to clean around and under your bridge. Special floss threaders or water flossers can help clean areas that are hard to reach.
Visit Hardin Cosmetic and Family Dentistry regularly for checkups and professional cleanings. During these visits, we can make sure your bridge is still fitting well and catch any issues early.
Also be mindful of what you eat. Avoid very hard foods that could damage your bridge, and try not to use your bridge to bite down on non-food items. If you notice any changes in how your bridge feels or if it becomes loose, contact our office right away. Addressing problems early can prevent more serious complications.
Why Choose Hardin Cosmetic and Family Dentistry for Your Dental Bridge?
We combine advanced dental techniques with a gentle touch. Dr. Hardin and our team take the time to understand your concerns and create a treatment plan that works for you. We use high-quality materials for our bridges to ensure they look natural and function well.
Our Indianapolis office is equipped with the latest dental technology, making your visits efficient and comfortable. We also offer flexible payment options to help make your dental bridge affordable.
Schedule Your Dental Bridge Consultation Today
Don’t let missing teeth affect your smile or oral health any longer. Contact Hardin Cosmetic and Family Dentistry today at 317-830-0073 or request an appointment online to schedule your consultation. Our friendly team is ready to help you restore your smile with a beautiful, functional dental bridge.