Dental Bridges in Waterbury: Closing the Gaps in Your Smile
Your teeth are designed to last for a lifetime with the right care. However, even with the best preventive measures in place, tooth loss can still occur. When even one is missing, it causes your quality of life to decrease as you can no longer chew or speak as easily as before. Not to mention, your oral health can start to decline as your remaining natural teeth lose the support that they need. To regain a complete smile, your dentist in Waterbury can offer dental bridges to restore several missing teeth in a row—along with your confidence. Keep reading to learn more about this option or call our office to schedule a consultation!
Why Choose Waterbury Smiles for Dental Bridges?
- Natural-Looking & Durable Materials Used
- Custom Treatment Plans for Every Patient
- Accepts Flexible Financing for Affordable Care
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge involves fabricating custom-made prosthetic teeth which will fill the space between the remaining teeth to give them the support that they need while completing your smile. To hold the bridge in place, dental crowns will be placed atop the adjacent teeth on either side of the gap, which will be connected via pontics, or artificial teeth that will be made to look exactly like your normal teeth. The bridge will rest atop the gum line so that you can enjoy a complete and comfortable smile again.
Types of Dental Bridge
Our team can offer two kinds of dental bridges to help restore your complete bite. Here’s what you can expect from each of our options:
Traditional Dental Bridge
These prosthetics are designed to bridge the gap in your smile by placing two dental crowns atop healthy natural teeth on either side of the space. These caps will also be connected by pontics. This treatment does involve reshaping your tooth enamel to make space for your restoration.
Implant Bridge
Instead of using natural pearly whites to support your bridge, our team can place dental implants into your jawbone to directly attach your restorations. Not only will this offer optimal stability and longevity for your new teeth, but the metal posts can also prevent deterioration of the bone tissue, as they’ll promote proper circulation in the jaw. With proper care, implant bridges can last decades to even a lifetime.
The Benefits of Getting a Dental Bridge
With a dental bridge, you can restore your confidence with a complete smile. With the right care, it can also last for an average of five to fifteen years before needing to be replaced. To promote its longevity, it is best to maintain your oral hygiene and regular care with your dentist. Additionally, you should avoid foods that place unnecessary stress and pressure on the bridge. Instead, eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as fiber.
Dental Bridges FAQs
How Many Teeth Can a Dental Bridge Replace?
A dental bridge can typically replace one to four missing teeth, depending on the location and condition of your surrounding teeth. The most common type, a traditional bridge, usually replaces one to three teeth, anchored by crowns on either side. Larger gaps (three to four teeth) can sometimes be bridged, but this requires healthy, strong teeth as anchors to ensure stability and function.
For larger spaces, however, we often recommend alternatives like partial dentures or implant-supported bridges, which provide added support without overloading natural teeth. The choice depends on your unique needs, oral health, and the structural demands of the area.
Can Dental Bridges Be Whitened?
Dental bridges, like other dental restorations, cannot be whitened with traditional whitening treatments. The materials used—typically porcelain or ceramic—are color-stable, meaning they don’t respond to whitening agents the way natural teeth do. If the bridge becomes stained over time or if surrounding teeth whiten, it may create a color mismatch.
To address this, we suggest whitening natural teeth before getting a bridge, so we can match the bridge to your desired shade. If a bridge already exists, maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding stain-causing foods or drinks can help preserve its color. If discoloration becomes noticeable, replacing the bridge may be the best solution to restore uniformity.
Do Dental Bridges Feel Natural?
Yes, dental bridges are designed to feel as natural as possible, and many patients find they adapt quickly to the sensation. Since the bridge is securely anchored to surrounding teeth or implants, it offers stability similar to natural teeth, allowing for comfortable chewing and speaking.
Initially, you might notice a slight difference in feeling, especially if you’ve been without a tooth for a while, but this typically fades as you adjust. We carefully shape and color-match bridges to fit seamlessly into your bite and smile, enhancing comfort and aesthetics. Maintaining good oral hygiene around the bridge is essential to keep the gums and supporting teeth healthy, which also contributes to a natural feel.
How Do I Clean Under My Dental Bridge?
Cleaning underneath a dental bridge is crucial for maintaining gum health and preventing plaque buildup. Since standard brushing doesn’t reach beneath the bridge, we recommend a few specific tools and techniques:
- Floss Threaders: These help guide floss underneath the bridge to remove debris and plaque.
- Interdental Brushes: A small, soft brush can reach under the bridge and around supporting teeth.
- Water Flossers: A water flosser can effectively flush out food particles and bacteria, especially useful in tight spaces.
- Antibacterial Mouthwash: Rinsing daily can help reduce bacteria around the bridge area.
Regular cleaning, along with professional check-ups, helps ensure the long-term health of your bridge and surrounding teeth.