Complete Your Smile with a Dental Bridge

Dental bridges are one of the most common prosthetics in restorative dentistry. Crafted from high-grade dental materials, dental bridges can successfully replace missing teeth. Gaps in your smile affect your appearance as well as your chewing function. Dental bridges can complete your smile while improving your overall oral health. At Walnut Pond Dental in Annandale, NJ, Drs. Carson Ferris-Zeolla and Victoria Uryniak offer both traditional and implant-supported dental bridges.

Types of Dental Bridges

The type of dental bridge necessary will largely depend on the individual needs of each patient. Listed below are the most commonly used types of bridges, and the differences between them:

• Traditional Dental Bridge: Sometimes referred to as a crown-supported bridge, a traditional bridge is connected to your natural adjacent teeth for support. To ensure proper fit, the teeth on either side of the gap must be slightly reduced in order to serve as anchors for your new restoration.
• Implant-Supported Bridge: Similar to their traditional counterparts, implant-supported bridges are connected to dental implants rather than your natural teeth. Dental implants are small posts that are inserted into the jawbone during an oral surgery procedure. Implant-supported bridges offer numerous benefits. For example, your adjacent teeth can be left intact, preserving your oral health. Additionally, because dental implants replace your natural teeth roots, they actively preserve the jawbone and prevent bone degradation that commonly occurs following tooth loss.

Types of Materials

Bridges can be crafted from an array of materials, depending on the patient’s individual needs and preferences. The most common materials include:

• All-Porcelain: Bridges crafted from porcelain provide an incredibly lifelike appearance. Because there is no metal, there will be no dark color appearing around the gum margin. Porcelain restorations can be precisely color-matched to your natural teeth for a seamless smile.
• Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal: If added strength is desired, a porcelain-fused-to-metal restoration can be placed. The base is crafted from a metal alloy, and then coated with tooth-colored porcelain.
• Zirconia: This type of bridge combines strength and beauty by using an advanced type of ceramic. Zirconia is also slightly translucent by nature, and reflects light similarly to your natural tooth enamel.
• Metal: Due to their metallic color, gold, silver, and metal alloy bridges are not used as often anymore. However, they still offer one of the most durable and resilient solutions. Metal bridges are typically only recommended for back teeth that do not show when you smile.

Traditional Dental Bridge Treatment Process

To determine if a dental bridge is right for you, one of our doctors can perform a complete assessment. If you are a candidate for a traditional dental bridge, here is what you can expect the day of your procedure:

• Prepping the Teeth: To prepare the teeth for your restoration, the teeth on either side of the gap will be slightly reduced. Any decay or damaged portions of the teeth will be removed during this step, as well.
• Impressions: Before your bridge can be fabricated, we must take impressions of your teeth.
• Fabrication: We will send the impressions to our trusted dental lab, where a skilled ceramist will carefully craft your new bridge. This process takes approximately one to two weeks. While you are waiting, our doctors can provide a temporary bridge for you to wear in the meantime.
• Placement: Once we receive your final bridge from the lab, we will schedule you for an appointment in our office. The bridge will be tried in and assessed for proper fit. Once the doctor is satisfied, the restoration will be bonded into place with a special dental cement.
• Final Adjustments: Carefully checking your bite, the doctor will make any final adjustments.

Contact Us to Find Out More

To learn more about dental bridges or other teeth replacement options, schedule a consultation with one of our doctors. You can contact our Annandale dental office online or call (908) 200-7007.