The Benefits of Dental Bridges for Missing Teeth near Legacy West
Missing teeth can be a real downer, affecting not just your smile but also your confidence and even your ability to chew properly.
If you’re near Legacy West and looking for a solution, you might be wondering about dental bridges.
Let’s explore the benefits of choosing a dental bridge to restore your smile and oral function.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed prosthetic used to replace one or more missing teeth.
It literally “bridges” the gap created by the missing teeth, using adjacent teeth as anchors.
Why Consider a Dental Bridge?
Here’s why many of our patients at Icon Smiles Dental, conveniently located at 309 W Spring Creek Pkwy, Suite 100A, Plano, TX 75023, choose dental bridges:
- Restores Your Smile: Fills in the gaps and improves your appearance.
- Improves Chewing: Allows you to eat a wider variety of foods comfortably.
- Maintains Facial Shape: Prevents your face from sagging due to tooth loss.
- Prevents Teeth Shifting: Keeps your remaining teeth from drifting out of position, which can lead to bite problems.
- Improves Speech: Missing teeth can sometimes affect your ability to speak clearly.
Types of Dental Bridges
Traditional Bridges
These are the most common type, involving a crown for the teeth on either side of the gap (abutment teeth), with a pontic (artificial tooth) in between.
Cantilever Bridges
Used when there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing tooth.
Maryland Bridges
Made of a pontic attached to metal or porcelain wings that are bonded to the adjacent teeth.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Each Type
| Type of Bridge | Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Bridge | Strong, durable, aesthetically pleasing. | Requires altering adjacent teeth. |
| Cantilever Bridge | Suitable when teeth are only on one side. | May not be as strong as traditional bridges. |
| Maryland Bridge | Less invasive, preserves more of the adjacent teeth. | Not as strong, may not be suitable for back teeth. |
The Dental Bridge Procedure at Icon Smiles Dental
Here’s what to expect when getting a dental bridge at our Plano office:
- Consultation: We’ll assess your oral health and determine if a dental bridge is right for you.
- Preparation: The abutment teeth are prepared for crowns.
- Impressions: We’ll take impressions of your teeth to create a custom-fit bridge.
- Temporary Bridge: A temporary bridge is placed while your permanent bridge is being made.
- Placement: The permanent bridge is fitted and cemented into place.
Maintaining Your Dental Bridge
Proper care is essential to extend the life of your dental bridge:
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily, using floss threaders to clean under the bridge.
- Visit Icon Smiles Dental for regular checkups and cleanings.
- Avoid chewing hard or sticky foods that could damage the bridge.
Considering your options? We can help! Call us at 469-312-1118 or book a consultation to get started.
Alternatives to Dental Bridges
While dental bridges are a great option, you might also want to consider dental implants.
We can discuss the pros and cons of each option to help you make the best decision for your smile.
How long does a dental bridge last?
With proper care, a dental bridge can last for 5 to 15 years, or even longer.
Regular dental checkups and good oral hygiene are key to its longevity.
Is getting a dental bridge painful?
The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, so you shouldn’t feel any pain during the process.
Some sensitivity or soreness after the procedure is normal, but it can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. We also have options for emergency same day service.
How much does a dental bridge cost?
The cost of a dental bridge varies depending on the type of bridge and the materials used.
We offer insurance and financing options to make treatment more affordable. Contact us for a personalized estimate. Also check our offers and promotions.
Icon Smiles Dental: Your Partner for a Healthy Smile
At Icon Smiles Dental, we’re dedicated to providing high-quality dental care to our community near Legacy West.
We offer a full range of services, from routine dental exams to cosmetic dentistry, to help you achieve and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. Consider checking out our before and after gallery to see our transformative results.
If you’re considering your options for replacing missing teeth, a dental bridge might be the right choice for you.
Contact Icon Smiles Dental today to learn more about the benefits of dental bridges for missing teeth near Legacy West and how we can help you restore your smile and confidence.