Family and General Dentistry, Prosthodontics, Periodontics, Oral Surgery
Family and General Dentistry, Prosthodontics, Periodontics, Oral Surgery
Dental bridges represent one of the most effective solutions for replacing missing teeth and restoring both function and aesthetics to your smile. When you have one or more missing teeth, the gap not only affects your appearance but can also lead to serious oral health complications. Our dental bridge procedure creates a literal bridge across the space where your tooth is missing, using your natural teeth or dental implants as anchors to support the restoration.
At Dental Associates of Jersey City, we understand the significant impact that missing teeth can have on your confidence and daily life. Our experienced team provides comprehensive restorative solutions, including traditional dental bridges, implant supported options, and resin bonded bridges, all designed to give you back a complete, functional smile. With our board-certified prosthodontist with implant training and years of combined experience, we deliver precision dentistry that stands the test of time.
Dental bridges serve as fixed prosthetic devices that replace one or more missing teeth by connecting artificial teeth to adjacent teeth or dental implants. The process begins by creating abutment teeth from your existing natural teeth where the bridge will be attached. These surrounding teeth are carefully recontoured to provide a stable base for the bridge, ensuring optimal fit and function.
Types of dental bridges vary based on your specific needs and the condition of your remaining teeth. A traditional dental bridge consists of dental crowns placed on the abutment teeth on either side of the gap, with a false tooth (called a pontic) suspended between them. This design provides excellent stability and durability for most patients with healthy adjacent teeth.
Implant supported bridge options offer another excellent solution, particularly for patients with multiple missing teeth or when preserving healthy natural teeth is a priority. These bridges use dental implants as anchors rather than relying on surrounding teeth for support, making them an ideal choice for missing multiple teeth situations.
Traditional bridges require the modification of healthy adjacent teeth to serve as abutment teeth, which involves removing some tooth structure to accommodate the dental crowns. While this approach has been successful for decades, it does permanently alter your natural teeth. The entire process typically requires two to three visits, including time for your temporary bridge while the permanent restoration is being crafted.
Implant supported bridges, on the other hand, preserve your existing natural teeth by using surgically placed titanium posts as anchors. This approach is particularly beneficial when dealing with multiple missing teeth, as it provides superior stability without compromising healthy tooth structure. Implant supported bridge treatment may take longer to complete due to healing time, but offers exceptional longevity and function.
Resin bonded bridges, sometimes called Maryland bridges, offer a more conservative option for certain situations. These bridges use a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the back of adjacent teeth with minimal tooth preparation required. While not suitable for all cases, they provide an excellent solution for replacing front teeth or when preserving maximum tooth structure is essential.
Our dental bridge procedure begins with a comprehensive evaluation to determine the best treatment approach for your specific needs. During your initial consultation, we assess the health of your remaining teeth, examine your gums, and discuss whether traditional bridges or implant supported options would best serve your long-term oral health goals.
The first treatment appointment involves preparing your abutment teeth by carefully reshaping them to accommodate the dental crowns that will support your bridge. We take precise impressions of the prepared teeth and surrounding structures, which serve as the blueprint for your custom bridge. Porcelain fused to metal constructions offer excellent strength and natural appearance, while all-ceramic options provide superior aesthetics for front teeth.
While your permanent bridge is being crafted in our dental laboratory, we provide you with a temporary dental bridge to protect the prepared abutment teeth and maintain your appearance and function. This temporary bridge allows you to eat soft foods comfortably and speak normally while awaiting your final restoration.
During your final appointment, we remove the temporary bridge and carefully position your new permanent restoration. After ensuring proper fit and bite alignment, we cement the bridge in place using strong dental adhesive. The entire dental bridge procedure typically requires two to three weeks from start to finish, depending on the complexity of your case.
Dental bridges offer numerous advantages beyond simply filling the gap left by missing teeth. They help maintain the proper alignment of your remaining teeth, prevent tooth decay in adjacent areas by eliminating food traps, and restore your ability to chew and speak properly. Porcelain fused restorations provide excellent durability and can last 10-15 years or longer with proper care.
Caring for your new bridge involves maintaining excellent oral hygiene around the abutment teeth and pontic areas. Special floss threaders or water flossers help clean beneath the false tooth portion of your bridge, preventing bacteria buildup that could compromise your oral health. Regular dental checkups allow us to monitor your bridge and surrounding teeth for any signs of wear or decay.
Dental bridge cost varies depending on the type of bridge selected, the number of teeth being replaced, and the materials used in construction. Traditional dental bridge options typically cost less initially than implant supported alternatives, though the long-term value of each option should be considered when making your decision. We provide detailed cost breakdowns and financing options to help make your treatment affordable.
Replacing missing teeth with dental bridges can dramatically improve your quality of life, confidence, and long-term oral health. Whether you need a single tooth replacement or are dealing with multiple missing teeth, our experienced team has the knowledge and technology to provide you with excellent results. We offer comprehensive consultations to discuss all your options, from traditional bridges to implant supported solutions.
Don’t let missing teeth continue to impact your smile and oral function. Our board-certified prosthodontist with implant training and skilled general dentists work together to provide personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs and goals. Contact Dental Associates of Jersey City at (201) 433-0773 or schedule your consultation online to discover how dental bridges can restore your smile and confidence.
Several types of dental bridges can restore your smile, each designed for specific situations. Traditional bridges involve crowns placed on existing teeth adjacent to the gap, creating stable supporting teeth for the replacement. Implant supported crowns offer another solution where titanium posts are surgically placed to support the bridge without affecting your natural teeth. Two implant supported crowns can anchor a bridge spanning multiple missing teeth, providing exceptional stability. Fixed bridges remain permanently attached and cannot be removed, unlike removable options. Your dentist will recommend the best type based on your oral health, the number of teeth being replaced, and your individual needs.
Maintaining excellent dental hygiene becomes even more critical when you have a bridge. The areas around supporting teeth and under the bridge require special attention to prevent bacteria buildup and potential complications. Good oral hygiene includes daily flossing using special threaders or water flossers to clean beneath the bridge where food particles can accumulate. Regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste helps protect the abutment teeth from decay. Poor dental hygiene around bridges can lead to gum disease, which may compromise the stability of your restoration. Your dental team will provide specific instructions for cleaning your bridge and maintaining optimal oral health.
Gum disease poses a serious threat to the longevity and stability of your dental bridge. When plaque and bacteria accumulate around the supporting teeth and bridge margins, they can cause inflammation and infection of the surrounding gum tissue. Advanced gum disease can lead to bone loss around the abutment teeth, potentially causing the bridge to become loose or fail. The areas where the bridge meets your existing teeth are particularly vulnerable to bacterial buildup if proper oral hygiene is not maintained. Regular dental checkups allow early detection and treatment of gum disease before it compromises your bridge. Preventing gum disease through consistent home care and professional cleanings protects your investment in restorative dentistry.
Modern dental bridges typically do not use plastic teeth due to durability and aesthetic concerns. Traditional bridges are usually made from porcelain fused to metal or all-ceramic materials that provide superior strength and natural appearance. While some temporary bridges may use acrylic resin materials during the healing process, permanent restorations require more robust materials. High-quality porcelain and ceramic materials closely mimic the translucency and color of natural teeth while providing the strength needed for chewing function. The choice of materials depends on the location of one or more teeth being replaced and your specific functional requirements. Your dentist will discuss the best material options for your individual situation.
Dental insurance coverage for bridges varies significantly depending on your specific policy and the type of restoration needed. Most insurance plans classify bridges as major restorative procedures, typically covering 50% of the treatment cost after deductibles are met. Coverage may differ between traditional bridges and implant supported crowns, with some plans having limitations on implant-related procedures. The replacement of one or more teeth through bridge work often requires pre-authorization from your insurance company. Annual maximums and waiting periods may also apply to major restorative treatments. Our office works closely with insurance providers to maximize your benefits and provides detailed cost estimates before beginning treatment to help you understand your financial responsibility.
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Dental Associates of Jersey City
Dr. Andriy Yuzvyak, DDS
