Dental Bridges
Missing teeth can significantly impact your confidence, oral health, and daily functioning, leaving gaps that affect both your smile’s appearance and your ability to chew and speak properly. When tooth loss occurs, the remaining natural teeth may shift into empty spaces, potentially causing bite problems and additional complications over time.
At Imagine Dentistry in Charlotte, North Carolina, we provide comprehensive dental bridge solutions to restore your smile and oral function. Dr. Ann Blaine Coambs, who has received Charlotte Magazine Top Dentists Awards from 2016 to 2024, works alongside her colleague Dr. Shelli Boucher, who brings over 15 years of experience and extensive continuing education from The Dawson Academy to address complex bite-related dental issues. Together, they create personalized treatment plans that help patients achieve confident, beautiful smiles.
Understanding Dental Bridges and Their Benefits
Dental bridges help close spaces created by one or more missing teeth by literally bridging the gap with a connected row of crowns. This restorative treatment consists of two implant supported crowns or dental crowns placed on adjacent teeth on either side of the gap, known as abutment teeth, with an artificial tooth (called a pontic) connected between them. Natural teeth or dental implants can support these bridges, providing versatile options for different oral health situations.
The benefits of restoring teeth and spaces with a dental bridge extend far beyond aesthetics. Crowns can strengthen teeth with large cavities when there isn’t enough healthy tooth structure to hold a filling, according to the American Dental Association. A bridge may restore your smile, aid in proper form and function, help maintain facial structure, and prevent the remaining teeth from shifting into the empty space.
Types of Dental Bridges Available
Several types of dental bridges are available depending on your existing dentition and oral health needs. Traditional dental bridges are the most popular option when you have natural teeth on both sides of your missing teeth. These traditional bridges use the adjacent teeth as abutment teeth to support the replacement tooth.
Implant supported bridges offer an excellent alternative when you need to replace multiple teeth without affecting surrounding healthy teeth. These bridges are anchored by dental implants rather than natural teeth, providing exceptional stability and preserving the integrity of your existing teeth. Implant supported bridges are particularly beneficial for replacing several consecutive missing teeth.
Resin bonded bridges, also known as Maryland bridges, replace front teeth with minimal tooth preparation. These bridges use a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the back of adjacent teeth, making them a conservative option for certain situations.
Cantilever bridges are used when you have a natural tooth on only one side of the gap, though this option is less commonly recommended due to the increased stress on the supporting tooth.
The Dental Bridge Process
The process of getting bridges is straightforward and typically completed over two appointments. During your first visit, we will prepare your abutment teeth by removing a small amount of enamel to accommodate the crowns. Using our state-of-the-art iTero Lumina scanner, we capture precise digital impressions without the need for traditional impression materials, ensuring optimal comfort and accuracy.
You’ll receive a temporary bridge to protect your prepared teeth and maintain your smile’s appearance while your permanent bridge is crafted. Our dental laboratory creates your customized permanent bridge using high-quality materials selected specifically for your needs.
At your second appointment, we’ll remove the temporary bridge and carefully fit your permanent restoration. Only a dentist should place and adjust your final bridge to ensure proper fit, bite alignment, and optimal function. We’ll make any necessary adjustments and cement your bridge securely in place.
Caring for Your Dental Bridge
With proper oral hygiene and regular visits to your dentist, dental bridges can provide years of reliable service. Your bridge requires daily cleaning around and underneath the pontic using special floss threaders or interdental brushes. Regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings help maintain the health of your abutment teeth and surrounding gums.
We’ll review proper care techniques for maintaining your bridge upon final placement, ensuring you have the knowledge and tools needed to protect your investment in your oral health.
Restore Your Smile with Expert Bridge Treatment
If you have missing teeth and want to explore whether you’re a candidate for a dental bridge, our experienced team at Imagine Dentistry can help you make an informed decision. Dr. Coambs and Dr. Boucher combine decades of experience with advanced technology to provide personalized restorative treatments that meet your unique needs.
Our highly equipped dental practice in Charlotte offers comprehensive solutions for patients seeking to restore their smiles and oral function. Whether you’re considering traditional dental bridges, implant supported bridges, or other restorative options, we’ll work with you to develop a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle and goals. Schedule your consultation today by calling us at (704) 540-7600 or requesting an appointment through our convenient online form.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Bridges in Charlotte, NC
Dental bridges offer a fixed solution for missing teeth by permanently attaching to surrounding teeth or implants, while partial dentures are removable prosthetics. Bridges provide superior stability and function, feeling more like natural teeth during eating and speaking. However, partial dentures may be more suitable when multiple non-adjacent teeth are missing or when preserving neighboring teeth is a priority in restorative dentistry.
Most dental bridges today are made from porcelain fused to metal or all-ceramic materials, which are crafted in a specialized dental lab. Porcelain fused to metal bridges offer excellent durability and strength, while all-ceramic options provide superior aesthetics. The false tooth portion, called a pontic, is designed to match your natural teeth in color and shape, ensuring a seamless appearance when replacing missing teeth.
Dental bridges can typically replace one to four consecutive missing teeth, though how many teeth can be successfully replaced depends on the strength of the surrounding teeth and overall oral health. Traditional bridges work best for replacing one to three teeth, while longer spans may require additional support from dental implants. Your dentist will evaluate the condition of neighboring teeth to determine the optimal bridge length for your situation.
Tooth decay in the supporting teeth can compromise the success of dental bridges and may require treatment before bridge placement. The neighboring teeth that serve as anchors must be healthy and strong to support the false tooth effectively. Regular dental checkups and proper oral hygiene help prevent tooth decay around bridge abutments, ensuring the longevity of your restorative dentistry investment and maintaining optimal oral health.
Digital dental impressions offer significant advantages over traditional impression materials when creating dental bridges. Modern scanners provide more accurate measurements, eliminating the discomfort of impression trays and reducing the risk of distortion. The digital data is sent directly to the dental lab, improving communication and precision in crafting your bridge. This technology ensures better fit and function while enhancing patient comfort during the restorative dentistry process.
Imagine Dentistry at the Arboretum
Dental Insurance
We accept most dental insurances, and we will always work to get the most out of your benefits. If it would help to break up the cost of your care into smaller monthly payments, we are prepared to discuss payment plan options with you. We offer an excellent Membership Plan with our office, as well as financing with Care Credit. If you are looking for a dentist in Charlotte, NC, our team will be delighted to assist you in scheduling an appointment today.
