Dental Bridges in Berlin, CT

What are Dental Bridges?

A dental bridge is a custom-made dental prosthetic that fills the gap left by one or more missing teeth. It is anchored to the adjacent teeth or dental implants and consists of a replacement tooth (or teeth) called a pontic, which is supported by crowns placed on the surrounding teeth. At Advanced Dental, we offer durable and natural-looking bridges that restore both function and aesthetics, allowing you to smile, eat, and speak with ease.

Benefits of Dental Bridges

Dental bridges offer several important benefits for patients dealing with missing teeth:

• Restored Functionality: Bridges restore your ability to chew and speak properly by filling in the gaps caused by missing teeth.
• Enhanced Appearance: A well-crafted dental bridge looks natural and can enhance the appearance of your smile.
• Prevention of Teeth Shifting: When a tooth is missing, adjacent teeth can shift out of place, leading to bite issues. Bridges help maintain the alignment of your natural teeth.
• Improved Confidence: Dental bridges restore a full smile, boosting your self-esteem and allowing you to feel more confident in social situations.

Types of Dental Bridges at Advanced Dental

At Advanced Dental, we offer several types of dental bridges, each designed to meet your specific needs:

1. Traditional Dental Bridges: These are the most common type of bridges, using crowns placed on the adjacent teeth to support the pontic.
2. Cantilever Bridges: In cases where there is only one natural tooth available next to the missing tooth, a cantilever bridge can be used.
3. Implant-Supported Bridges: For patients who have several missing teeth, an implant-supported bridge may be the best option. This type of bridge is anchored to dental implants rather than natural teeth, offering increased stability.

The Dental Bridge Procedure

When you visit Advanced Dental for a dental bridge, Dr. Maroon or Dr. Abbott will walk you through every step of the process to ensure your comfort and satisfaction. Here’s what you can expect during the dental bridge procedure:

1. Consultation and Planning: During your initial consultation, we will assess your oral health, discuss your treatment goals, and determine the best type of bridge for your situation. This may include taking digital x-rays to evaluate the health of your teeth and jawbone.
2. Tooth Preparation: For traditional bridges, the adjacent teeth will be prepared by reshaping them to accommodate crowns.
3. Impression: An impression of your teeth is taken to create a custom bridge that fits perfectly in your mouth. We may use digital scanning technology for precise results.
4. Temporary Bridge: While your permanent bridge is being fabricated, a temporary bridge will be placed to protect the prepared teeth.
5. Final Placement: Once your custom bridge is ready, it will be cemented or attached to the supporting teeth or implants, and any necessary adjustments will be made to ensure a comfortable fit.

Caring for Your Dental Bridge

With proper care, dental bridges can last for many years. To maintain the longevity of your dental bridge:

• Brush and Floss Daily: Be sure to clean around the bridge and underneath it to prevent plaque buildup and maintain gum health.
• Schedule Regular Checkups: Visit Advanced Dental regularly for cleanings and exams to monitor the health of your teeth and bridge.
• Avoid Hard Foods: Avoid biting down on hard foods or objects to prevent damaging the bridge.