Restore Your Smile With Dental Bridges
Losing a tooth can be a challenging experience, impacting both your smile’s appearance and functionality. Fortunately, dental bridges provide an effective solution for replacing missing teeth, helping you regain confidence and oral health. At Petrie Advanced Dental, we’re here to help you explore your options for a natural-looking solution that meets your needs.
Contact our Tacoma, WA, dental office today at (253) 761-5422 to schedule your consultation and start your journey toward a healthier, more complete smile with our porcelain dental bridges.
What Are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges are prosthetic devices designed to replace one or more missing teeth. They are custom-made to fit seamlessly with your natural teeth, offering a fixed bridge solution for improved chewing and aesthetics. These restorations can be made from durable materials such as porcelain fused to metal, ceramic, or resin-bonded options.
Different Types of Dental Bridges
Understanding the different types of dental bridges can help you decide which option is right for your needs:
- Traditional Dental Bridge: Anchored to adjacent teeth using dental crowns, this is the most common type of dental bridge. It’s ideal for filling gaps created by one or more missing teeth.
- Cantilever Dental Bridge: Used when there’s only one abutment tooth to support the bridge, this option works well in specific cases but requires strong, healthy teeth.
- Maryland Dental Bridge: This resin-bonded bridge uses a metal or porcelain framework attached to the backs of neighboring teeth and is commonly recommended for front teeth.
- Implant-Supported Bridge: Offering superior durability, this type is supported by dental implants instead of natural teeth. While it requires more steps and an oral surgeon for placement, it’s a long-lasting and stable solution.
Dental Bridge Benefits
Replacing missing teeth with a dental bridge provides several advantages. Here are some benefits of dental bridges:
- Restores your ability to properly chew and speak.
- Prevents the shifting of remaining teeth into gaps.
- Preserves your facial structure by supporting underlying bone.
- Provides a natural-looking solution to enhance your smile.
- Offers an affordable solution compared to other dental procedures like implants.
- Minimally invasive and often completed in just a few dental visits.
To schedule your consultation, contact Dr. Arvind Petrie at Petrie Advanced Dental by calling (253) 761-5422 today.
Dental Bridge Procedure at Petrie Advanced Dental
The dental bridge process typically involves two or more appointments:
- Preparation of Adjacent Teeth: Your abutment teeth are reshaped to support the bridge. Dental impressions are taken to create a custom bridge that fits your mouth perfectly.
- Temporary Bridge Placement: A temporary bridge may be placed to protect your teeth while the permanent one is crafted in a dental laboratory.
- Final Placement: Once ready, your permanent bridge is cemented into place using dental cement, restoring your ability to chew and smile confidently.
After your procedure, Dr. Petrie will provide tips on maintaining your dental bridge to ensure its longevity and keep your smile looking its best.
The Costs of a Dental Bridge
The cost of a dental bridge in Tacoma, WA, varies depending on:
- Type of bridge (e.g., traditional bridge, Maryland bridge, or implant-supported bridge).
- Materials used, such as porcelain fused to metal or all-ceramic.
- Number of teeth replaced.
- Dentist’s expertise.
- Insurance coverage.
On average, dental bridges cost between $2,000 and $5,000, but we’ll work with your dental insurance to maximize benefits and minimize out-of-pocket expenses.
Are You a Candidate for a Dental Bridge?
Good candidates for a dental bridge typically meet the following criteria:
- Have healthy teeth or implants to support the bridge.
- Maintain good oral hygiene practices.
- Do not have untreated gum disease or tooth decay.
- Want to restore their chewing function and smile aesthetics.
If a dental bridge isn’t suitable, our Tacoma dentist may recommend alternatives like partial dentures or dental implants.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do dental bridges last?
With proper care, dental bridges can last anywhere from five to 15 years or longer. Regular check-ups, good oral hygiene, and avoiding hard foods can extend their lifespan.
Can a dental bridge be whitened if it becomes stained?
Unlike natural teeth, dental bridges can’t be whitened using traditional teeth-whitening methods. This is why it’s essential to select a shade that matches your desired tooth color when first getting the bridge. If your bridge does become stained, it may require professional cleaning or, in extreme cases, replacement to restore its original appearance.
Schedule Your Dental Bridge Consultation With Dr. Petrie Today
At Petrie Advanced Dental, we’re proud to serve patients in Tacoma, WA, and nearby areas like Lakewood, Federal Way, Puyallup, Gig Harbor, and University Place. With personalized care and cutting-edge techniques, we create a dental experience that’s comfortable and effective.
Call (253) 761-5422 to schedule your consultation today. Let us help you regain the confidence of a complete, radiant smile with porcelain dental bridges!
