Dental Bridges – Long Island, NY

What Is a Dental Bridge?

The dental bridge system works by creating an actual bridge over the gap left by missing teeth. Using the teeth on either side of the gap, beautiful porcelain or ceramic crowns are attached to act as anchors for the prosthetic teeth, called pontics, that fill in the gap. It is a sturdy, natural-looking solution that restores your ability to eat, speak, and smile in just a short amount of time.

Types of Dental Bridges

There are a couple of different types of dental bridges. During your consultation, Dr. Makadia and our team will carefully evaluate your situation and make treatment recommendations. Depending on your circumstances, how many teeth you have lost, your bone condition, and your personal preferences, we may recommend you to get either a traditional fixed bridge or an implant bridge. In either case you can confidently look forward to a more attractive smile and improved dental function.

Traditional Dental Bridges

A traditional fixed bridge can replace 1 or more missing teeth in a row. It uses your existing natural teeth as support. It looks natural and provides sturdy, long-lasting function. The treatment process is fast as there is no surgery involved. In some cases, we can create bridges in a single appointment using advanced CEREC technology. Traditional dental bridge treatment is relatively cost-effective.

Implant Bridges

Instead of using natural teeth for support, an implant bridge is secured to prosthetic tooth roots (dental implants). This treatment takes longer than a traditional bridge but offers different benefits. For example, it does not require having existing teeth on either side of the gap to support the bridge.  It does not require your existing teeth to be modified. 

The Benefits of Getting a Dental Bridge

Dental bridges provide many benefits and prevents many of the problems that may occur due to missing teeth: 

• Prevents shifting of the remaining teeth into the empty space. This issue, known as dental drift, can contribute to misalignment of the teeth and jaw.
• Prevents damage to and loss of adjacent or opposing teeth.
• Increased confidence. If you are missing your front teeth, a bridge can fill the gap and give a natural-looking smile.
• Enjoy food and eating. Chewing and eating food with missing teeth is difficult. Once the gap, is filled you can eat most foods in the same way that you would with natural teeth.
• Clear speech. A gap in one of dental arches leaves the gums open to irritation and makes it difficult to speak clearly. Once the gap is filled, irritation is eliminated and speech may become clearer.

Do you have one or more missing teeth and believe you will benefit by a dental bridge? Get in touch with our team today. We look forward to speaking with you!