If you have one or more missing teeth, dental bridges offer a reliable and aesthetically pleasing method of restoring your smile's function and appearance. At the office of Ronald C. Fuhrmann DDS, we provide both traditional and implant-supported dental bridges as effective solutions to bridge the gap left by missing teeth.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a custom-made restoration designed to replace one or more missing teeth. It literally "bridges" the space where teeth are absent and prevents the remaining teeth from shifting out of alignment, which can lead to bite problems and other oral health issues. By filling the gap, a bridge restores your ability to chew and speak properly and enhances the overall appearance of your smile.
We offer a variety of dental bridge solutions at the office of Ronald C. Fuhrmann, including:
Traditional Dental Bridges
A traditional dental bridge is the most common type of bridge, and is an excellent solution when you have healthy natural teeth on either side of the gap. This type of bridge typically consists of pontics, the artificial teeth that fill the space left by missing teeth.
Pontics are held in place by dental crowns that are cemented onto the adjacent natural teeth. The pontics are custom-shaded to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth in terms of shape, size, and color. Traditional bridges are a time-tested solution for maintaining proper tooth alignment and restoring your complete smile.
Implant-Supported Dental Bridges
For a more stable, durable, and long-lasting solution, we also offer implant-supported dental bridges. This advanced option is particularly beneficial when there aren't strong enough natural teeth to support a traditional bridge, or when multiple teeth are missing.
Unlike traditional bridges, implant-supported bridges do not rely on adjacent natural teeth for support. This means that your healthy natural teeth remain untouched and do not need to be altered. Instead, the bridges are securely anchored by dental implants that are surgically placed into the jawbone. The implants function as artificial tooth roots, providing an incredibly strong and stable foundation for the bridge.
An implant-supported bridge also helps to stimulate the jawbone, preventing the bone loss that can occur after tooth loss. Implant-supported bridges offer exceptional stability, comfort, and longevity, closely mimicking the feel and function of natural teeth.
The Dental Bridge Process
The process of receiving a new dental bridge involves careful planning and precise fabrication to ensure a perfect fit and natural appearance. Dr. Fuhrmann will conduct a thorough examination, including digital impressions using our iTero scanner or traditional methods, to design your custom bridge.
Is a Dental Bridge Right for You?
Both traditional and implant-supported bridges can effectively restore your smile and improve your oral health. Dr. Fuhrmann will assess your individual needs, including the number and location of missing teeth, the condition of your remaining teeth, and your overall oral health, to discuss which type of dental bridge would be the best option for you.
To explore how a dental bridge can improve your smile and restore your ability to chew, speak, and smile with ease, contact us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ronald C. Fuhrmann today!
