Dental Bridges Complete Your Smile Beautifully
Dental bridges literally bridge the gap that results from missing teeth. A bridge can be secured with surrounding teeth or with dental implants. Matthew A. Turner D.D.S., P.C. is an experienced dentist who can design and place both traditional and implant-supported dental bridges at our Blue Springs, office to residents of Kansas City, MO. This natural-looking restoration can restore function and aesthetics to your smile, so you can enjoy improved confidence.
What Are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges are restorative prosthetics that typically replace one to three missing teeth in a row. They are available in a variety of different materials, including metals such as gold or silver, as well as porcelain and porcelain-fused-to-metal. The material used for your dental bridge will depend on your personal preferences, as well as the location of the missing teeth. There are advantages and disadvantages to each different material, which Dr. Turner can discuss with you during your consultation.
What are My Dental Bridge Options?
Dr. Turner offers both traditional and implant-supported bridges. Traditional bridges are secured in place by dental crowns that cover the adjacent healthy teeth. This is a cost-effective option for many patients, and with a porcelain bridge, you can enjoy a strong and beautiful smile with fully restored function.
This natural-looking restoration can restore both function and aesthetics to your smile, so you can enjoy improved confidence.
Implant-supported bridges are secured with dental implants. They offer greater benefits for your oral health than a traditional bridge. An implant-supported bridge does not require crowns, so your healthy teeth are unaffected. Additionally, because dental implants simulate tooth roots, they halt the bone loss that begins to occur after teeth are lost by continuing to draw nutrients to the area. This will help ensure that your jawbone remains strong and healthy. If you prefer an implant-supported bridge, Dr. Turner will refer you to a renowned oral surgeon in the area for placement and then he will design and place your bridge.
Which Type of Dental Bridge Is Right for Me?
If you want a traditional dental bridge, the primary requirement is that your adjacent teeth are healthy enough to support the dental crowns. You should also be free from any additional oral health problems, such as gum disease or tooth decay. If you are interested in an implant-supported bridge, there are a few more requirements you must meet.
Implant-supported bridges are a permanent solution. They attach to dental implants surgically placed within the jaw.
To qualify for dental implants, you must have sufficient bone tissue to support the implants. If you have already lost a significant amount of bone, you may require a bone graft to improve bone density. You must also understand that there is a three to six month healing period after dental implant surgery. While we can provide you with a temporary bridge during this time, we cannot design and place your final bridge until you have fully healed. Though implant-supported restorations require a greater time and financial investment initially, they are a permanent solution with important health benefits. Many patients feel they are a worthy investment overall.
What are the Benefits of Dental Bridges?
First and foremost, dental bridges restore function to your smile, allowing you to chew with ease and speak properly. By filling the gap of missing teeth, you also improve your appearance, especially if you choose a porcelain bridge. A bridge will also prevent your surrounding teeth from shifting out of place, which can help prevent the loss of additional teeth. An implant-supported bridge has the added benefit of preventing bone loss, and it will never need to be replaced.
Replace Your Missing Teeth Today
If you are missing one to three teeth in a row, contact our dental office today to schedule an appointment. Dr. Turner will take the time to help you find the type of dental bridge that is right for you.
