A Convenient Tooth Loss Solution
Missing teeth can cause inconveniences in your life, such as affecting your eating and speaking abilities along with damaging your confidence. If you have adjacent missing teeth, replacing each one individually can be time-consuming and costly. Fortunately, Dr. Landers features dental bridges as your convenient restorative solution.
Learn how dental bridges can give you a natural-looking smile and improve your oral health by reading our patient-friendly guide below.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a specially designed restoration that’s meant to bridge the gap between one or more missing teeth. These customizable restorations are made up of prosthetic teeth, called pontics, that replace the missing teeth. The pontics rely on your adjacent teeth on each side to support the restoration.
Bridges can be constructed from gold alloys, non-precious alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. Porcelain is often bonded to either precious or non-precious metal.
Why a Dental Bridge?
There are many reasons why patients opt for a dental bridge as their choice restoration, including:
- Filling the space left by missing teeth
- Maintaining facial shape
- Preventing remaining teeth from shifting out of proper alignment
- Restoring chewing and speaking ability
- Upgrading from a removable partial denture to a permanent dental appliance
The Dental Bridge Procedure
If you decide to receive a dental bridge, the entire treatment process can be completed in as little as two appointments to our Boynton Beach dental office.
During your initial visit, Dr. Landers will prepare your anchoring teeth by removing a small portion of the enamel and capping them with porcelain crowns for increased strength. He’ll also take detailed impressions of your teeth so we can craft your customized bridge. While your bridge is being designed, we’ll provide you with a temporary restoration.
Once your customized bridge is ready, you’ll return to our Boynton Beach office to finish the rest of the treatment. Dr. Landers will carefully check that your permanent restoration looks and fits perfectly before cementing it into place with a special dental resin. Once it’s been secured, you’re ready to enjoy all the benefits of your new, beautiful smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, dental bridges aren’t permanent but typically last between 10 and 15 years, sometimes longer. Following an excellent oral hygiene routine and visiting Dr. Landers once every six months can increase the longevity of your restoration.
To help increase the lifespan of your dental bridge, follow these tips:
- Avoid hard or chewy foods that may place stress on the restoration
- Use a fluoride toothpaste and rinse
- Refrain from consuming starchy or sugary foods that can cause decay
- Remember to floss between your teeth and gums
The cost of your dental bridge restoration will vary depending on your specific treatment plan. Insurance typically covers a portion of the expenses. We suggest checking with your provider for more specific details about your dental coverage.
For an accurate estimate, we recommend scheduling a consultation with Dr. Landers by calling our Boynton Beach office at (561)-736-2122. During this consultation, he’ll examine your oral health, determine the best course of treatment, and provide you with an exact estimate.
Complete Your Smile With Dr. Landers
Dr. Landers and our Boynton Beach team are committed to giving patients their dream smiles. Curious if dental bridges are the ideal restoration of your unique smile? Find out by scheduling an appointment at the Boynton Beach office by calling (561)-736-2122. You can also get in touch by filling out our online contact form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.