Tooth-Colored Fillings
A Complete Smile Is a Beautiful and Healthy Smile
Missing teeth could have a negative impact on how you look and feel, as well as affect the functionality of your mouth. While you may be slightly self-conscious because of missing teeth, an equally important concern is the additional oral health problems that can arise as a result. At Cosmetic Dentistry of New Mexico, our team may recommend a dental bridge as a replacement for one or more missing teeth. Our highly skilled professionals pay an extremely close attention to detail when fitting patients with aesthetically pleasing, natural-looking dental bridges at our Albuquerque practice.
A dental bridge consists of an artificial tooth, or teeth, attached to dental crowns on either side. The artificial tooth is inserted into the open space, and the crowns are affixed to the adjacent natural teeth. If you are missing one or more of your original teeth, please contact our Albuquerque dental practice today to learn more about dental bridges, and whether they are right for you.
Dental Bridge Placement Procedure
Dental bridges are generally placed within two visits to our Albuquerque office. Your first appointment will be devoted to preparing the teeth on either side of the gap to be fitted with the crowns that bookend the bridge. An impression will be taken and sent to a lab, where your customized dental bridge will be created. A temporary dental bridge will then be put into place to protect the natural teeth and gums.
During your second appointment, Dr. Wall will put the dental bridge into position, making adjustments as necessary, and then bond it into place. Before you leave our office, we will make sure your bridge looks the way you want, and that you have a correct, comfortable bite.
Types of Dental Bridges
There are three types of dental bridges available to suit various dental cases, the traditional bridge being the most common.
Traditional dental bridges consist of the artificial tooth, or teeth, attached to two dental crowns, one on either side. The crowns will cover the natural teeth, or dental implants, adjacent to the open space.
Cantilever dental bridges are comprised of the artificial tooth, or teeth, with two crowns on just one side of the gap. This type of bridge is ideal for a patient with teeth on only one side of a space where teeth are missing.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Our goal is for each and every patient to achieve optimum oral health and a gorgeous smile. We want you to walk out of our office proud to show off your new, sparkling smile. Replacing missing teeth is necessary to obtaining a clean bill of dental health. You will find a number of advantages to dental bridges, including:
- Durable, long-lasting solution - generally up to 10 years
- Achieve the look and feel of natural teeth
- Prevent additional tooth loss or shifting
- Prevent gum disease, tooth decay, or loss of bone structure
- Prevent bite complications or TMJ disorder
- Restore the beauty and completeness of your smile
- Help to improve speech problems and ability to chew
Learn More about Dental Bridges
If you are ready to replace missing teeth and think you may be a candidate for a dental bridge, we are ready to help. Contact our Albuquerque dental practice today to learn more about dental bridges.