Dental Bridges: Bridging the Gap for a Complete Smile

A missing tooth can significantly impact your smile, oral health, and self-confidence. Fortunately, dental bridges offer an effective solution to restore missing teeth and create a seamless smile. At Oak Tree Dental Care, dental bridges are custom-made prosthetic devices that span the gap left by missing teeth. Dental bridges are fixed prosthetic devices that bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth. They consist of artificial teeth, known as pontics, held in place by dental crowns or abutments attached to adjacent natural teeth or dental implants.

Types of Dental Bridges

Traditional Dental Bridges

Traditional bridges consist of artificial teeth held in place by dental crowns, cemented onto adjacent natural teeth. This type of bridge is suitable when healthy natural teeth are on both sides of the gap.

Cantilever Bridges

Cantilever bridges are used when only one healthy natural tooth is adjacent to the gap. The artificial tooth is supported by a dental crown attached to the adjacent tooth.

Maryland Bridges

Maryland bridges, also known as resin-bonded bridges, utilize a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the backs of adjacent teeth. They are a conservative option suitable for certain cases, particularly when the adjacent teeth are healthy and strong.

Implant-Supported Bridges

Implant-supported bridges are secured to dental implants surgically placed in the jawbone. They offer a stable and long-lasting solution for individuals with multiple missing teeth without needing support from adjacent natural teeth.

The Benefits of Dental Bridges

Restored Dental Functionality

A dental bridge fills the gap left by missing teeth, allowing proper biting, chewing, and speaking. It restores dental functionality, enabling you to enjoy various foods and confidently communicate.

Improved Aesthetics

Dental bridges are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, enhancing your smile's appearance. The artificial teeth are customized to match your existing teeth' shape, size, and color, ensuring a natural and aesthetically pleasing result.

Preservation of Facial Structure

When teeth are missing, the surrounding teeth can shift, causing facial structure and appearance changes. Dental bridges help maintain proper tooth alignment and prevent the shifting of adjacent teeth, preserving facial harmony and preventing potential oral health issues.

Enhanced Speech

Missing teeth can impact speech clarity and pronunciation. By filling the gap with a dental bridge, you can improve speech and articulation, allowing for more confident and effective communication.

Dental bridges are a reliable and aesthetically pleasing solution for restoring missing teeth. By bridging the gap, dental bridges improve dental functionality, enhance smile aesthetics, and prevent potential oral health issues. If you have missing teeth, visit Oak Tree Dental Care at 10004 Aurora Ave N Suite 14, Seattle, WA 98133, or call (206) 363-4300 to explore the possibilities of dental bridges and regain the complete smile and confidence you deserve.