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Fill the Gap with a Natural-Looking Dental Bridge
A missing tooth does more than affect your smile. It can make chewing more difficult, cause nearby teeth to shift out of place, and change the way you speak. At Anderson Dental Group in Payson, AZ, we offer custom dental bridges designed to fill that gap with a durable, natural-looking replacement that restores both function and appearance.
A dental bridge works by anchoring a false tooth, called a pontic, to the natural teeth on either side of the gap. Because it is fixed in place rather than removable, a bridge feels and functions much like your natural teeth, allowing you to eat and speak with confidence again.
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Why Choose a Dental Bridge
Dental bridges remain a trusted option for replacing missing teeth for good reason. Benefits include:
- Restored ability to chew and speak clearly
- Prevention of nearby teeth shifting into the empty space
- Support for the natural shape of your face and jaw
- A fixed, non-removable solution that does not require daily upkeep like a removable partial denture
- A custom shade and shape designed to blend with your surrounding teeth
Is a Dental Bridge Right for You?
Dental bridges work well for patients who are missing one or more teeth in a row and have healthy, strong teeth on either side of the gap to support the bridge. You may be a good candidate for a bridge if your neighboring teeth have enough structure to hold a crown, your gums are healthy, and you are looking for a fixed alternative to a removable partial denture. Patients missing several teeth in a row, or those without strong supporting teeth nearby, may be better suited for a dental implant instead. A consultation with our team can help determine which option fits your specific situation.
Getting Your Dental Bridge, Step by Step
Placing a dental bridge typically takes place over two visits. Here is what you can expect:
Preparing the Supporting Teeth
The teeth on either side of the gap are reshaped to make room for the crowns that will anchor the bridge.
1
Taking Impressions
An impression of your teeth is taken and sent to a dental lab, where your custom bridge is crafted to match the size, shape, and shade of your natural teeth.
2
Placing a Temporary Bridge
While your permanent bridge is being made, a temporary bridge is placed to protect the prepared teeth and maintain your appearance.
3
Fitting the Permanent Bridge
At your second visit, the temporary bridge is removed, and your custom bridge is checked for fit and comfort before any final adjustments are made.
4
Cementing the Bridge in Place
Once everything fits properly, the bridge is permanently cemented to the supporting teeth, completing your restoration.
5
Types of Dental Bridges
Not every dental bridge is built the same way, and the right type depends on the number of missing teeth and the condition of the surrounding teeth. Common types include:
- Traditional bridges: The most common type, using a crown on each supporting tooth to hold the false tooth in place.
- Cantilever bridges: Anchored to a supporting tooth on only one side, typically used when there is only one neighboring tooth available.
- Implant-supported bridges: Anchored to dental implants rather than natural teeth, often recommended when several teeth in a row are missing.
Restore Your Smile and Your Bite
A missing tooth does not have to affect your daily life. Schedule a consultation with Anderson Dental Group to find out if a dental bridge is the right way to restore your smile.
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