Dental Bridges – Frisco, TX

What is a
Dental Bridge?

A fixed dental bridge is how we can quickly replace a single missing tooth or a few in a row. It consists of a prosthetic tooth or teeth attached to dental crowns on either side of the space in the smile. In addition to restoring a smile’s appearance, it can also prevent issues associated with missing teeth, such as shifting and crowding teeth.

Who is a Good Candidate for a Dental Bridge?

If you are missing one or more consecutive teeth along your top or bottom arch, you may be an eligible candidate for a dental bridge. It is important, however, that you have enough support from your natural teeth on both sides of the gap. Why? Because these need to be able to hold up the restoration. If our team finds that you have gum disease or tooth decay, it will be necessary for you to undergo appropriate treatment to address these problems before receiving a dental bridge.

The Dental Bridge Placement Process

Receiving a dental bridge usually requires two appointments. During your first visit, our team will examine the problem area of your mouth and file down the two natural teeth on either side of the gap. This will ensure that the finalized restoration appropriately fits when cemented into place.

Once the teeth are “prepped,” impressions will be taken and sent off to a dental lab where technicians will create your custom restoration based on the color, size, and shape specifications you and your dentist agree upon. In the meantime, you will receive a temporary bridge to wear.

After several weeks, you will return to have your temporary bridge removed and your finalized restoration put into place. The outer crowns will fit over your natural teeth while those situated on the inner portion of the restoration will sit on top of your gums to restore the look of your smile.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Bridges?

Along with dental crowns, bridges remain one of the safest and most effective ways to restore an individual’s smile. Not only is it less invasive than dental implants, but it is more cost-effective, too. Some of the benefits that come along with dental bridges include:

• Enhanced smile aesthetics
• Boost in confidence
• Decreased chance for natural teeth to shift and fall out of alignment due to vacant socket
• A bite that is more evenly distributed
• Greater functionality while chewing, speaking, and eating

Dental Bridge FAQs

Are you considering getting a dental bridge in Frisco? It’s likely that you still have some questions about this common restoration. We encourage you to come in for a consultation so we can walk you through the process step-by-step and answer all your questions personally. In the meantime, we’ve gathered some common questions about dental bridges below so you can learn more about them. As always, if you don’t see the information you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to give us a call and we’ll be happy to help.

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Do I Really Need to Replace One Missing Tooth?

If you’re only missing a single tooth, you may feel tempted to forgo replacing it, especially if it’s a tooth you can’t really see when you smile. However, no matter how many teeth you’re missing, we highly recommend replacing them right away. A gap in your smile collects plaque, bacteria, and food debris, which increases your risk of oral health conditions like gum disease and tooth decay. Plus, the neighboring teeth will begin to shift into the empty space, creating a domino effect that results in a mouthful of crooked teeth. Even if you’re only missing one tooth, we encourage you to replace it soon to prevent these complications.

How Do I Take Care of a Dental Bridge?

To ensure your bridges lasts for as long as possible and your smile stays healthy, make sure to follow these tips:

• Brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day
• Floss daily, using specialized tools to floss under the bridge
• Use fluoridated toothpaste and rinse with antiseptic mouthwash
• Avoid biting into hard foods and refrain from chewing on hard objects
• Visit us for regular checkups and cleanings every six months

What’s the Difference Between a Traditional Bridge & an Implant Bridge?

There are two types of bridges: traditional and implant. Both look very similar, but their differences lie in how they’re placed. Traditional bridges are supported by the healthy teeth on either side of where the missing tooth or teeth once were. On the other hand, implant bridges rest on dental implants. While this means they require no altering of healthy teeth, they do cost more time, money, and effort. We’ll review all your tooth replacement options carefully during your consultation.

Are Dental Bridges Covered By Dental Insurance?

Dental bridges are typically considered a major restorative treatment that’s necessary for ongoing oral health. As such, they are usually covered by dental insurance by at least 50%. However, deductibles, waiting periods, and annual maximums often apply, plus every dental insurance policy is slightly different. Our talented team has years of experience navigating dental insurance and we we’ll be happy to review the details of your plan with you to ensure your benefits are being maximized.

How Long Do Bridges Last?

The average lifespan of a dental bridge is 5-15 years. The reason that this is such a large range is because how long your dental bridge will last truly depends on how well you take care of it. For example, bad habits like biting on hard objects or using your teeth to open packages can loosen or weaken your bridge, which means it will need to be replaced sooner. However, if you are careful with your teeth and practice good oral hygiene, you will likely be able to count on your dental bridge for 15 years or longer.