Dental Bridges – Jupiter, FL
Confidently Bridge the Gap in Your Smile
No one wants to be missing a tooth, but thanks to modern restorative dentistry you always have several smile solutions. When you are missing one or a few consecutive teeth but your teeth on either side of the gap are healthy, a dental bridge definitely merits consideration. At Jupiter Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry, count on Dr. Vaughn to confidently bridge the gap in your smile to restore its appearance and balance, plus this restoration will prevent dental drift and reduce your risk of gum disease. Contact your dentist in Jupiter to schedule a consultation!
Why Choose Jupiter Implant And Cosmetic Dentistry For Dental Bridges?
- Very Experienced Restorative Dentist
- High-Quality, Strong Restorations
- Partnered With Top Local Dental Labs
What Is a Dental Bridge?
Dental bridges are designed to help patients who are missing one tooth or several teeth in a consecutive row. An alternative to partial dentures, this tried-and-true tooth-replacement solution uses dental crowns or dental implants to secure the pontics (free-standing replacement teeth) in place. Since the materials used are available in a wide range of lifelike shades, modern dental bridges fill the gap in your smile seamlessly. Plus, they are incredibly durable, ensuring your bite doesn’t suffer either!
Types of Dental Bridges
The first step to regaining your primetime grin is a consultation with our restorative dentists. They’ll conduct an oral examination, ask about your goals, and review your medical history. Based on their findings, one of the following treatment options will be recommended:
Traditional Dental Bridge
A traditional dental bridge can replace a single missing tooth or several teeth in a row. This restorative treatment requires you to have a natural, stable adjacent tooth in front of and behind the space that you’re wanting to fill in. Essentially, we’re “bridging in the gap” by making a single unit of three or more teeth.
Implant Bridge
As the name implies, an implant bridge uses dental implants as opposed to crowns. The implants are placed on either side of the gap in your smile, and after they’ve fused with the jawbone, we’ll be able to attach the dental bridge to the implants to replace two or more missing teeth. Considered the strongest and most stable system, an implant-supported bridge requires surgery to embed the implants into the jawbone. Your time invested in this option will pay off in the quality of the result!
The Benefits of a Dental Bridge
When you replace your missing teeth with a dental bridge in Jupiter, you can expect to enjoy an array of benefits including:
- Maintained alignment of your existing teeth
- Improved oral health
- Easy cleaning and maintenance
- Jawbone preservation with implant bridges
- Long-lasting results (15 years with traditional & 35+ with implant-supported)
- Natural-looking smile
Dental Bridges FAQs
Tooth loss can affect more than just your appearance – it can impact your quality of life as well. Fortunately, you no longer have to live with gaps in your smile. At Jupiter Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer dental bridges to replace your missing teeth. Even though they are a trusted tooth-replacement solution, it’s understandable to have some questions before committing. Below, we’ve answered some frequently asked questions from patients about dental bridges in Jupiter. If you don’t see your question, be sure to contact our team.
How Long Should a Dental Bridge Last?
Dental bridges typically last 5-15 years. The longevity of yours depends on a few factors like the materials used, the location of the dental bridge in your mouth, and how well you care for your smile. To elaborate, high-quality materials (we use porcelain) will naturally last longer than cheaper alternatives that are a short-term solution at best. The location matters as well since dental bridges toward the back of your mouth withstand a lot more pressure from chewing. And, of course, your oral hygiene routine will impact the condition of your teeth, gums, and dental bridge.
Is Getting a Dental Bridge Painful?
Before your procedure, we’ll numb your teeth with a topical anesthetic to ensure you’re completely comfortable. After your teeth are prepared to support a dental bridge, they may feel slightly sensitive for the next few days. The good news is you can easily manage your discomfort by taking over-the-counter pain medication as needed. If you’re receiving an implant bridge, you may experience mild soreness after your oral surgery. However, diligently following your aftercare instructions will help keep your pain to a minimum.
Can You Take a Dental Bridge Out?
No, since dental bridges are designed to stay in your mouth for years after they’ve been placed. You shouldn’t be able to take the restoration out by yourself – only Dr. Vaughn or another dental professional can do that. While you may have heard partial dentures referred to as “removable bridges,” that’s not accurate. One of the most notable differences between partials and bridges is that partials can be removed at any time.
How Many Teeth Can a Dental Bridge Replace?
Dental bridges can replace a single missing tooth or several in a row. As a result, they are ideal for patients who are missing 1-4 teeth. If you are unsure whether dental bridges are right for addressing your specific dental needs, then don’t hesitate to schedule a personal consultation with our dentist in Jupiter – they will help you decide.
What Are Dental Bridges Made Of?
Dental bridges are made from strong, durable materials designed to look natural and function like real teeth. Common materials include porcelain, ceramic, zirconia, or PFM (porcelain fused to metal). Each one has its strengths, offering many options for patients who need to replace missing teeth.
At Jupiter Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry, we’ll help you choose the best material for your restoration at your consultation. Our recommendations are based on your needs, budget, and where the bridge will be placed in your mouth.
Is a Partial Denture the Same as a Bridge?
While both appliances replace missing teeth, partial dentures and dental bridges are not the same. Here’s a quick comparison to give you an idea of their differences:
- Dental Bridge: This prosthetic is fixed in place and uses crowns placed over adjacent healthy teeth or implants for support. It also doesn’t have a base and instead uses your natural gum tissue as a foundation.
- Partial Denture: Dentures are removable and are often used when multiple teeth are missing in different areas. It typically uses metal bars or clasps that wrap around nearby teeth for support.
At our Jupiter dental office, we’ll be sure to explain your options at your consultation and help you decide which restoration best fits your lifestyle and oral health needs.
Can Dental Bridges Be Whitened?
Unfortunately, dental bridges can’t be whitened like natural teeth. The ceramic and metal materials used in their construction are smooth and non-porous, meaning that there’s nowhere for the whitening agents to go to lift away stains.
On the bright side, this also makes the restorations stain-resistant! Still, if you plan to brighten your smile in the near future, it’s best to choose a shade you’re happy with from the start.
Otherwise, if your surrounding teeth change color over time, you may need professional whitening and possibly a replacement bridge for a perfect match. At our practice, we’ll help you maintain a bright, even smile and offer solutions if your bridge begins to stand out from your natural teeth.