Missing a tooth or multiple teeth can affect more than just your smile – it can impact your self-esteem, make it hard to chew and speak, and cause more dental issues. It may be tempting to avoid the hassle and expense of replacing a missing tooth, but that choice could cost you in the future. Dental bridges are a great way to restore your teeth and get a great-looking smile at Golden Dental Solutions in Golden, Colorado.
Our experienced dentists, Dr. Dallas Kenson, Dr. Andrea Leung, and Dr. Evelyn Qi, bring diverse expertise to the practice and give every patient the attention they deserve. Whether you’re looking to replace a single tooth or several, our team is here to help.
Why Should I Replace Missing Teeth?
Having a missing tooth is anything but rare. In fact, 178 million Americans are missing at least a single tooth. Beyond cosmetics, not replacing a tooth can wreak havoc on your oral health.
When a tooth is missing, the teeth on both sides of the missing tooth no longer have pressure on them to stay in place, and they tend to slide over into the space. This can impact your bite and the alignment of your smile. Missing teeth also deteriorate gum tissue and jawbone beneath the empty space.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
Dental bridges, sometimes called a tooth bridge, “bridge” the gap created by one or more missing teeth. A dental bridge consists of two dental crowns that anchor to the healthy teeth ("abutment" teeth) on each side of the gap of the missing tooth or teeth.
In addition to the crowns, the bridge includes one or more false teeth, called pontics, which fill the gap and restore the function and appearance of your smile. We prefer our pontics to be made from porcelain, as porcelain looks the most like a natural tooth and is the most durable. The prosthetic is all one piece, and in most cases, it is permanently fixed in place.
What Are the Different Types of Dental Bridges?
Here at Golden Dental Solutions, our dentists use a variety of bridge options to address your particular needs:
Traditional Bridges
Traditional bridges are the type we’ve described above, with crowns on two abutment teeth and a pontic between them. Traditional bridges are the most common. We like them to be made from porcelain for durability, but other materials, such as ceramic, can be used.
Cantilever Bridges
Cantilever bridges are used when there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing tooth or teeth. Unlike a true bridge, with anchors on both sides, a cantilever bridge is more like a balcony. We anchor these types of bridges with two crowns on one side.
Maryland Bridges
Maryland bridges are also known as resin-bonded bridges. Typically used on the front teeth, a Maryland bridge doesn’t use crowns as anchors. Instead, it attaches to bands that are bonded to the back of the supporting teeth.
Differences Between Dental Bridges, Dental Implants, & Dentures
Dental implants, bridges, and dentures are all options for replacing missing teeth, but they work very differently.
- Dental Implants: Implants are often the preferred solution because they replace the tooth root with a titanium post placed into the jawbone. Over several months, the bone integrates with the implant and becomes a permanent part of your mouth. Once healed, an artificial tooth is attached, functioning just like a natural tooth. Implants are highly durable and can last a lifetime.
- Dental Bridges: Bridges rely on the healthy teeth next to the gap for support. Crowns are placed on these adjacent teeth, and the artificial tooth (or teeth) is positioned between them. Bridges sit on top of the gums and typically need to be replaced after about 15 years, depending on care and wear.
- Dentures: Dentures are removable prosthetics that can replace several missing teeth or a full set of teeth. Unlike bridges and implants, dentures themselves are not fixed in place and must be taken out for cleaning. They are generally a more affordable option but can require adjustments over time due to changes in the jaw or gum tissue. Dentures can be made "permanent" with the use of dental implants.
Each option has its advantages, and the best choice depends on your specific needs, budget, and oral health condition.
Who Is a Candidate for Dental Bridges?
A candidate for dental bridges is typically someone who has one or more missing teeth but still has healthy teeth on either side of the gap to support the bridge. Ideal candidates should also have good overall oral health, meaning their gums are healthy and they don’t have any significant bone loss in the jaw. Bridges are a great option for those looking for a more affordable or faster alternative to dental implants. However, if you have multiple missing teeth or severe gum disease, other solutions like dentures or implants may be recommended.
Benefits of a Dental Bridge
There are several reasons to consider a dental bridge:
- Replace missing teeth
- Prevent the adjacent teeth from moving into the gap
- Restore chewing and/or biting capability
- Maintain the shape of your face
- Distribute the forces in your bite properly across more teeth
- Restore your speaking diction
How Are Dental Bridges Placed?
Placing a dental bridge involves two office visits, which typically go as follows:
First Visit:
- The abutment teeth are prepared by shaving down some of the enamel to make room for the crowns.
- Impressions of your teeth are taken and sent to a dental lab to create the permanent bridge.
- We’ll place a temporary bridge while your permanent one is being made (typically two weeks).
Second Visit:
- The permanent bridge is tested for fit and color match with your adjacent teeth.
- We’ll make adjustments to ensure proper bite and comfort.
- The bridge may be placed with temporary cement for a trial period before being permanently cemented.
Hear What Our Patients Have to Say!
"Professional and friendly. Most importantly the doctors and staff all do great work. If you need high-quality dental work at a reasonable price this is your place. Highly recommend."
"Very prepared, very efficient, very cordial and very informative. Makes dental work less scary!! Hard to say I enjoyed any Dental visit, but they made me comfortable and I felt safe and under practiced and skilled hands. I will be back"
Why Choose Golden Dental?
Our dentists at Golden Dental Solutions have advanced training and years of experience to care for all your dental needs. Dr. Dallas Kenson, Dr. Andrea Leung, and Dr. Evelyn Qi will personalize your treatment to your individual situation.
During your first visit, we conduct a thorough examination, which includes reviewing your medical and dental history, taking necessary X-rays, and assessing your overall oral health. Our focus on early prevention helps preserve your natural teeth, but we also offer restorative treatments if needed. No matter what kind of dental services you need, we’ll take care of you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does the Dental Bridge Procedure Take?
The procedure for getting a dental bridge at our offices on Arapahoe Street in Golden will take two visits, each lasting about an hour to an hour and a half.
During your first visit, we prepare your anchor teeth to take the crowns and make the impressions. During your second visit, we will attach the bridge. The second appointment usually is shorter than the first.
Will a Bridge Affect My Eating or Speaking?
Dental bridges don’t affect your ability to eat or speak in any way. You shouldn’t feel them or need to adjust how you chew. With a Maryland bridge on your front teeth, you will feel the bands that anchor the bridge on the inside of your teeth, but this won’t change your eating.
That said, you will want to exercise some discipline with what you eat with a bridge. Hard foods can break a bridge if you bite down on the food directly with the bridge. Bridges can also come loose if you eat sticky, chewy foods.
How Do I Care for My Dental Bridge?
Cleaning the two crowns and the artificial teeth in between doesn’t require any special care outside your normal dental hygiene routine. Just normal brushing and flossing on the outside of the two crowns (and, of course, the rest of your teeth).
To clean under the dental bridge, you can use:
- A floss threader, which can be threaded under the bridge
- An interdental brush, which can slide under the bridge to remove food particles and plaque
- An oral irrigator, such as the Waterpik
The goal is to remove any food debris, plaque, and bacteria on the gums under your bridge.
How Long Dental Bridges Last?
Dental bridges generally last from five to 15 years but can last even longer. What’s important is the care of the abutment teeth, along with your other natural teeth. If you take good care of your bridge, it can last a long time.
Are Tooth Bridges Painful?
You shouldn’t have much pain when getting a dental bridge. The only part of the procedure that even requires local anesthetic is preparing the abutment teeth for their crowns. There may be some very minor soreness afterward, but this is minimal.
Can I Combine Having a Bridge Placed With Other Treatments?
It will take a couple of appointments to prepare your teeth for your bridge and then to have your bridge cemented onto your teeth. During these appointments, it’s easy for us to extend your appointment to include other services or treatments.
For instance, if you also wanted to replace a silver amalgam filling with a composite resin “tooth-colored” filling, we could do that in the same appointment. If you’d like to have your teeth whitened, that would be an easy extension. If you’re due for your twice-yearly cleaning and exam, we could also add that to your appointment.
What Are the Disadvantages of a Dental Bridge?
Dental bridges are a quicker, less expensive option than implants, but they do have some downsides.
A bridge typically lasts around 15 years, depending on your diet and care. If you don't maintain good oral hygiene, the teeth supporting the bridge can develop decay. Bridges can also break if you bite down on hard foods, or come loose if you eat sticky foods like caramel. In some cases, the bridge can be reattached if it's not damaged.
With proper care and regular dental visits, a bridge can provide a reliable and cost-effective solution for many years.
How Do I Pay for My Dental Bridge?
Dental insurance usually covers some of the cost of dental bridges, especially if the procedure is deemed medically necessary. We accept several dental insurance plans to help cover the cost of your dental bridge. Our team is happy to assist you in understanding and maximizing your insurance benefits. Co-payments are expected at the time of service. Feel free to contact us for more information.
Find Out If a Dental Bridge Is Right for You
If you are interested in dental bridges and would like to see if you are a good candidate, contact our office at (303) 277-9600. Our practice serves Denver, Golden, and surrounding areas in Colorado.
