A beautiful smile is essential for both your confidence and overall health. At Holmes Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Fort Wayne, IN, Dr. Ryan Holmes provides high-quality dental bridges to restore your smile’s appearance and function. Whether you’re missing one tooth or several teeth in a row, dental bridges offer a reliable solution that blends seamlessly with your natural teeth.
What Are Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge is a custom-made dental restoration designed to “bridge” the gap created by one or more missing teeth. The bridge consists of artificial teeth (called pontics) that replace your missing teeth, supported by dental crowns placed on the natural teeth adjacent to the gap or by dental implants surgically placed in your jawbone.
Dental bridges not only enhance the appearance of your smile but also provide crucial support for proper chewing, speaking, and maintaining facial structure. By filling in gaps, bridges prevent remaining teeth from shifting out of position, which can lead to bite problems, jaw pain, and even further tooth loss.
When Is a Dental Bridge Necessary?
There are several situations where Dr. Holmes might recommend a dental bridge. If you’re missing one or more teeth in a row, you might notice changes in your ability to chew properly or speak clearly. Missing teeth can also cause your remaining teeth to shift into the empty space, affecting your bite and jaw alignment.
Many patients choose bridges to improve their smile’s appearance and prevent bone loss in the jaw. Without tooth replacement, the bone in your jaw begins to deteriorate where teeth are missing. This can lead to changes in facial structure, making you appear older. Additionally, gaps in your smile can make eating difficult and affect how clearly you speak.
By choosing to replace missing teeth with a dental bridge, you’re making a valuable investment in both your oral health and your overall quality of life.
Types of Dental Bridges at Holmes Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
Dr. Holmes offers several types of dental bridges to meet your specific needs:
Traditional Fixed Bridges
The most common type of dental bridge, a traditional bridge consists of one or more artificial teeth anchored by dental crowns on the natural teeth on either side of the gap. These adjacent teeth (called abutment teeth) provide support and stability for the bridge. Dr. Holmes prepares these teeth by removing a small amount of enamel to make room for the crowns.
Traditional bridges are highly durable and can last 10-15 years or longer with proper care. They’re an excellent choice for replacing missing teeth in most areas of the mouth.
Implant-Supported Bridges
For the ultimate in stability and longevity, Dr. Holmes may recommend an implant-supported bridge. Rather than using natural teeth for support, this type of bridge anchors to dental implants surgically placed in your jawbone.
Dental implants function like artificial tooth roots, preserving jawbone density and preventing bone loss. They eliminate the need to alter healthy adjacent teeth while providing exceptional stability and chewing power. Many patients appreciate that implant-supported bridges offer the longest-lasting tooth replacement solution and create the most natural-feeling replacement option.
Implant-supported bridges are ideal for replacing multiple missing teeth in a row, especially when the adjacent natural teeth aren’t strong enough to support a traditional bridge or when you want to avoid altering healthy teeth.
Maryland Bridges
Also known as resin-bonded bridges, Maryland bridges are a more conservative option for replacing front teeth. Rather than using full crowns on adjacent teeth, this bridge uses metal or porcelain “wings” that bond to the backs of the supporting teeth.
This approach requires minimal preparation of the adjacent teeth, making it a less invasive option. However, Maryland bridges aren’t as strong as traditional bridges and are primarily used for front teeth where biting forces are lighter.
Cantilever Bridges
In situations where there are healthy teeth on only one side of the gap, Dr. Holmes may recommend a cantilever bridge. This type of bridge is supported by a crown on just one side rather than both sides of the missing tooth.
While less common today, cantilever bridges can be useful in specific situations, particularly in areas that don’t receive heavy biting pressure.
Caring for Your Dental Bridge
With proper care, your dental bridge can last many years. Dr. Holmes recommends maintaining excellent oral hygiene by brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily, including under and around the bridge using floss threaders or a water flosser. Using antimicrobial mouthwash can also help reduce bacteria in your mouth.
It’s important to protect your dental bridge by avoiding hard foods that could cause damage. If you grind your teeth, wearing a nightguard can help protect both your natural teeth and your dental restoration.
Perhaps most importantly, scheduling regular dental checkups and cleanings allows Dr. Holmes to monitor the condition of your bridge and the health of your supporting teeth or implants. These routine visits help ensure that your dental work remains in excellent condition for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Bridges
How much does a dental bridge cost?
The cost varies depending on several factors, including the type of bridge, number of teeth being replaced, and whether dental implants are involved. We’ll provide a detailed estimate during your consultation, and our team will work with you to maximize any insurance benefits and explore financing options.
Does getting a dental bridge hurt?
We use local anesthesia during bridge preparation, so you shouldn’t feel pain during the procedure. Some mild discomfort or sensitivity is normal afterward but typically resolves within a few days.
How long will my dental bridge last?
With proper care, traditional bridges typically last 10-15 years, while implant-supported bridges can last much longer—potentially a lifetime.
Can I eat normally with a dental bridge?
Yes, once you adjust to your new bridge, you should be able to eat most foods comfortably. We recommend avoiding extremely hard or sticky foods that might damage the bridge.
Will my dental bridge look natural?
Absolutely! Dr. Holmes takes great care to match the color, shape, and size of your bridge to your natural teeth, creating a seamless, natural-looking smile.
Is it difficult to clean around a dental bridge?
It requires some special techniques, but we’ll show you how to clean effectively around and under your bridge to maintain excellent oral health.
Request Your Appointment Today
Ready to restore your smile with a dental bridge? Contact Holmes Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Fort Wayne, IN today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Ryan Holmes. Our friendly team is ready to help you achieve a beautiful, functional smile once again.
Call us today at 260-530-5489, or fill out our online appointment request form.
Don’t let missing teeth affect your confidence or oral health any longer. Experience the difference a custom dental bridge from Holmes Family & Cosmetic Dentistry can make in your smile and your life!