Dental Bridges in Allen

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge is a fixed prosthesis that replaces missing teeth in the mouth. When you lose a tooth, the teeth on both sides of the gap will receive dental crowns and a pontic tooth that is connected to the crowns is suspended in the gums to fill the gap.

This restores your smile, tooth structure, and functionality. A dental bridge can replace a few missing teeth, but not an entire arch.  Bridges can be fabricated from a range of materials including metal, porcelain, zirconia, or porcelain-fused-to-metal.

Since the artificial teeth are fixed in place, you never have to worry about embarrassing shifting teeth when you speak or eat and you don’t need to take them out at night. Schedule an appointment today at West Allen Dental.

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Did you know…

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A dental bridge lasts for an average of 5 to 7 years but can last for up to 15 years.

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How it works: The dental bridge treatment process

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consultation

Dr. Natchi will perform an oral exam to assess the extent of your tooth loss and will take x-rays to ensure you’re in good oral health.

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Enameloplasty

Two of your teeth on either side of the gap in your smile will need to receive dental crowns which will serve as the anchors for the bridge. To prepare the teeth for crowns, we will remove a small amount of tooth enamel to create room for crowns to be placed on top.

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Impressions

After filing down your teeth, we will take impressions of your mouth and send them to the dental lab that will fabricate your custom-made bridge. 

Temporary Bridge

Since we’ve filed down your teeth, you will need to wear an immediate temporary bridge to protect these teeth and they will help you eat until your official bridge is created.

Official Bridge Placement

After a few weeks, we will receive your official dental bridge and will call you back for a fitting. If everything feels and looks right, we will cement it in place.

Types of dental bridges in allen, tx

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Traditional Bridge

A traditional fixed bridge involves filing down the two abutment teeth that are each located next to the missing tooth (gap) in your smile. These teeth are filed down under local anesthetic with a dental drill to prepare them to receive dental crowns. These crowns are the anchors of the bridge and a pontic tooth will be connected to them. The pontic tooth replaces the missing tooth and fills the gap.

Cantilever Bridges

As opposed to two abutment teeth receiving dental crowns, only one abutment tooth is needed to support a cantilever bridge. One tooth next to the gap will be filed down and receive a dental crown that is attached to a pontic tooth. A cantilever bridge can be used when there isn’t another tooth to support the bridge or the other tooth isn’t sufficiently healthy.

Maryland Bonded Bridges

This is also known as a resin-bonded bridge. They are similar to the traditional dental bridge in that they involve the support of two teeth. However, instead of filing down these teeth and placing dental crowns over them, Maryland bridges don’t require any enamel removal at all. 

Instead, wings that are placed behind the teeth which are connected to a metal wire framework hold the pontic tooth in place and they are bonded to the back of your teeth.

Implant-Supported Bridge

Implant-supported bridges are just like traditional fixed bridges except for instead of placing dental crowns over the two abutment teeth, these teeth are replaced with dental implants. The implants act as the anchors for the pontic tooth and this offers superior stability, strength, and durability.

Did you know…

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An implant-supported bridge prevents bone resorption that would occur after losing a tooth.

INTERESTED IN DENTAL BRIDGES?

Call now (469) 242-9500

Have questions about dental bridges? Find answers here.

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How do dental bridges work?

While every type of bridge is different, dental bridges all share similar characteristics, and work in the same way. A bridge is used to attach one or more false teeth to your existing teeth – locking them into place by using dental crowns (fixed and cantilever bridges) or metal “wings” that attach to the rear of your teeth (Maryland bridges). 

Because they won’t move or shift, they’re a great alternative to partial dentures. And since they do not require invasive surgery, some patients prefer dental bridges as an alternative to dental implants. 


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Are dental bridges permanent or removable?

Dental bridges are considered to be a permanent treatment, since they can only be removed by a dental professional and they typically last 10-15 years or longer. 

In addition, the tooth preparation procedure for your abutment teeth is not reversible. It requires the permanent removal of enamel from one or more of your teeth, so you may want to keep this in mind when deciding whether or not a bridge is right for you. 

Can dental bridges be repaired or replaced?

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Yes. Dental bridges, just like all dental prostheses, can become damaged over time, or simply worn down from daily use when chewing, biting, smiling, and speaking. Typically, bridges last between 10-20 years, but the expected lifespan of your bridge may be different depending on the type of bridge, how well you care for your teeth, and a few other factors.


What are dental bridges made of?

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This varies, depending on the type of dental bridge you choose. However, most dental bridges are made from a combination of a metal framework, which supports the teeth and ensures they’re in the proper place, and one or more porcelain crowns and false teeth. Acrylic teeth are sometimes used for dental bridges, but usually they are only used for temporary bridges, since acrylic is much less durable than porcelain and ceramic materials.


How much do dental bridges cost?

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The cost of dental bridges is different for each patient. Factors that may affect the cost of your bridge include your overall oral health, the type of bridge you choose, pre-treatment surgeries (like tooth extraction) and more. The best way to find out how much you’ll pay for a dental bridge is to schedule a consultation with your dentist.

However, dental bridges are usually covered, at least in part, by dental insurance when they’re used to restore missing teeth. Contact your insurance provider to learn more about your coverage.

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