Are you missing one or more teeth and looking for a reliable solution to restore your smile? Look no further than dental bridge treatment at Flax Dental in Sandy Springs, GA. Our restorative dentistry services help you regain the confidence to show off your smile again. We are dedicated to providing top-quality services to help you get a healthy and beautiful smile. Don’t let missing teeth prevent you from smiling confidently.
Dental Bridges in Sandy Springs, GA
Dental bridges are a great way to replace missing teeth and restore your smile. A dental bridge is a custom-made device that fills the gap left by one or more missing teeth. The bridge is made up of artificial teeth, called pontics, which look and function like real teeth. The natural teeth next to the gap hold these artificial teeth in place, or by dental implants if necessary.
Dental bridges “bridge” the empty space, helping you chew, speak, and smile with confidence again. Not only do they make your smile look complete, but they also restore the normal function of your teeth, so you can eat and talk without trouble.
What Can Dental Bridges Fix?
Dental bridges can provide a natural-looking and durable solution, whether you’re missing one tooth or several. First, dental bridges can replace missing teeth. Whether you’re missing just one tooth or a few, a dental bridge fills the gap with a custom-made replacement. This helps complete your smile and makes it look natural again.
Restoring lost teeth also restores your ability to speak and chew. Missing teeth can make it hard to chew your food or pronounce certain words clearly. A dental bridge restores your ability to eat comfortably and speak properly, allowing you to enjoy meals and communicate with ease.
Missing teeth can cause your face to look sunken or uneven over time. A dental bridge helps keep the natural shape of your face and smile by providing structure and support to your jaw and facial muscles. When there’s a gap in your smile, the surrounding teeth may start to move into that empty space. It can cause alignment problems. A dental bridge holds the surrounding teeth in place to prevent them from shifting out of position.
Who Is a Candidate for Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges are an excellent option for many patients who are missing teeth. Ideal candidates:
- Have one or more missing teeth
- Have healthy adjacent teeth or dental implants for support
- Want a long-lasting and natural-looking solution
- Are committed to maintaining good oral hygiene
During your consultation with Dr. Flax, we will evaluate your oral health and discuss whether dental bridges are the right choice for you. We provide services for our patients from North Atlanta, including surrounding communities.
The Dental Bridge Process in Atlanta, GA
You can get a bridge in several visits to Flax Dental. The steps of the bridge process include:
Consultation and Examination
Your journey to a healthier smile starts with a thorough exam. Dr. Flax will check your teeth and gums to make sure they are healthy enough for a dental bridge. He will also talk to you about your options and help you decide if a dental bridge is the best solution for you.
Preparation
Once you decide to get a dental bridge, Dr. Flax will prepare the teeth next to the gap where the bridge will go. These teeth, called abutment teeth, need to be shaped so that the bridge can fit properly. Digital scans of your teeth will also be taken to create a custom bridge that fits your mouth perfectly.
Creation of the Bridge
Your dental bridge will be custom-made in a dental lab based on the scans taken during your preparation. The lab will carefully craft the bridge to match your natural teeth in shape, size, and color.
Placement and Adjustment
When your bridge is ready, Dr. Flax will place it in your mouth and ensure it fits comfortably and looks natural. He will make any necessary adjustments so it functions properly and feels comfortable when you bite or chew. With your new dental bridge in place, you can get back to enjoying a full and confident smile.
Dental Bridge FAQs
Get your questions about dental bridge treatment in Atlanta, GA, and Sandy Springs, GA, answered with these FAQs:
How long do dental bridges last?
Dental bridges can last over ten years with the right care. Brush and floss daily and visit us for checkups so your bridge lasts. Dental implants will also ensure bridges last longer because they provide more support.
Will dental bridges affect my ability to eat or speak?
No, dental bridges won’t affect your ability to eat or speak—in fact, they can improve both! A dental bridge is designed to work just like your natural teeth. Once you’ve adjusted to your new bridge, you’ll be able to chew your food and speak clearly, just like before.
If you’ve been missing teeth, you may have had trouble eating certain foods or pronouncing certain words. A dental bridge fills in the gap and helps restore normal function, making it easier to enjoy your meals and speak without any problems. After a short adjustment period, your bridge will feel natural and comfortable!
What are the different types of bridges?
The four main types of bridges include:
- Traditional: This bridge uses two dental crowns on the healthy teeth surrounding the empty space, with a false tooth in between. This creates a sturdy replacement that looks and functions like natural teeth. Traditional bridges work well when you have strong teeth on both sides of the gap.
- Cantilever: We recommend this bridge for areas where teeth are only on one side of the missing tooth. This type attaches the false tooth to just one crowned tooth next to it. While not as strong as traditional bridges, they can be helpful for certain back teeth where there isn’t support on both sides.
- Maryland: A Maryland bridge could be an option if you need to replace front teeth. Instead of crowns, this bridge uses thin metal or porcelain wings that bond to the backs of adjacent teeth. Maryland bridges are less invasive since they don’t require grinding down healthy teeth, but they aren’t as strong for chewing.
- Implants: The most advanced option is an implant-supported bridge, which doesn’t rely on natural teeth at all. Dental implants are surgically placed in the jawbone to support the bridge. This type is excellent for multiple missing teeth in a row and helps prevent bone loss.
Are dental bridges difficult to care for?
Not at all. You can brush and floss your dental bridge like your natural teeth. Remember to visit us for routine dental check-ups so we can check your bridge and surrounding teeth.
Can I get a dental bridge if I have gum disease?
Sometimes, you can still get a dental bridge if you have gum disease, but it depends on your gums and overall oral health. Dr. Flax will carefully examine your gums to see if they are healthy enough to support a bridge.
The bridge relies on the surrounding teeth and gums for support. Treating gum disease will help create a strong, stable foundation for the bridge, which will last longer and function properly.
How can a bridge improve my bite?
A dental bridge can improve your bite by filling in the gaps left by missing teeth. When you lose teeth, the remaining teeth can shift out of place. Shifting teeth can make it harder to chew and cause your bite to feel uneven. A dental bridge helps keep your teeth in the right position so you can chew and bite properly again.
Are dental bridges the same as partial dentures?
No, bridges and fixed partial dentures are not the same. Dental bridges can replace one or more consecutive missing teeth. Partial dentures can replace missing teeth in different areas of the mouth. Partials can also be removable. Bridges use the support of crowns or implants to stay in place.
Do I need a bridge or implants for a missing tooth?
We may recommend a bridge over a single implant if:
- You want a faster fix (takes 2-3 visits)
- Your nearby teeth already need crowns
- You can’t get implants because of health issues
But a single dental implant is a great option if:
- You want the most natural, long-lasting option
- You’re healthy enough for minor surgery
- You want to protect your jawbone
Dental implants do not require tooth preparation. Implants can work for you if you have a lost tooth but healthy teeth around the tooth gap. We can also recommend treatments like bone grafting if you have jaw bone loss.
Restore Your Lost Teeth
Are you tired of dealing with missing teeth? Restore your smile with dental bridge treatment in Sandy Springs, GA.
Call Flax Dental at 470-635-3604. You can also request an appointment online with Dr. Flax. We serve patients from all over North Fulton County.