Alberto J. LambertiDMD
Steven H. FeitDMD Restorative | Cosmetic | Implant Dentistry
Dental Bridges – Boca Raton, FL
Long-Lasting, Reliable Tooth Replacement
Have you suffered the loss of one or more teeth? We offer a number of different treatments that can help you to regain a complete, functional smile. One such treatment is a dental bridge. This page explains what dental bridges in Boca Raton are, what benefits they offer, and what you can expect when you are paying for a dental bridge. When you are interested in learning more about dental bridges in Boca Raton, FL, use our online form to request an appointment, or contact us to ask any questions you may have.
Why Choose Us for Dental Bridges?
- Experienced, highly trained restorative dentist
- Natural-looking, highly functional results
- Restorations carefully designed for aesthetics and long-term viability
What Is a Dental Bridge?
There are a few different types of dental bridges. The most common type of bridge, a traditional bridge, includes two dental crowns, which get placed on the teeth on either side of a gap (the abutment teeth). The dental crowns support 1 – 3 artificial teeth (called pontics) between them. Other types of bridges include:
- A cantilever bridge, which has a crown on only one abutment tooth.
- A bonded bridge, which has wings, rather than crowns, that are bonded to the abutment teeth.
- An implant-retained bridge, which gains all of its strength from dental implants rather than from abutment teeth.
Bridges can be constructed out of various materials. Metal bridges are quite strong, but many patients dislike them because they clash with the color of the teeth around them. Porcelain bridges are extremely popular because they are both durable and natural-looking. Porcelain is also highly resistant to stains.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Traditional dental bridges offer numerous benefits:
- They are easy to care for
- They prevent the remaining natural teeth from drifting out of place
- They are quite sturdy and can allow you to eat practically anything
- They have the potential to last for 10 years or longer
Implant-retained bridges offer even more advantages. For example, they do not require that the abutment teeth be modified because they are completely self-supporting. They also typically last longer than traditional bridges.
Am I a Candidate for a Dental Bridge?
You may be a candidate for a dental bridge if you have just a few missing teeth, and all of those missing teeth are adjacent to one another. In order to qualify for a traditional bridge, your abutment teeth must be healthy enough to support crowns and a pontic. On the other hand, even if your abutment teeth are healthy, we might recommend that you receive an implant bridge if your jawbone is strong enough to accommodate the implants.
How Much Do Dental Bridges Cost?
The cost of your bridge will depend on the type of bridge, the material used to create it, and how many teeth need to be replaced. After your consultation with us, our team will give you a candid estimate for the cost of your restoration. We will also help you file insurance claims and apply for financing if necessary.
Dental Bridges FAQs
Want to know more about dental bridges in Boca Raton? Our team has collected common questions about this popular restoration and answered them below. You can learn about bridge materials, longevity, color, and more in this FAQ section. If you have even more questions, don’t hesitate to give our office a call!
Is Getting a Dental Bridge Painful?
Your comfort is our top priority. Before preparing your teeth to support a bridge, your dentist will numb the teeth they’ll be working on. Although we usually use topical anesthetic for this step, dental sedation is also available for extremely anxious patients. After your dental bridge is placed, your underlying teeth will likely feel sensitive for a few days. This mild discomfort can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medication but give our office a call if your discomfort lingers or worsens. Finally, if you are getting an implant bridge, you should expect to experience some soreness after the implant placement surgery. Dr. Lamberti or Dr. Feit will provide you will aftercare instructions to minimize pain.
What Are Dental Bridges Made Of?
In general, bridges can be made from the same materials as dental crowns, including gold, metal alloy, and porcelain. Metal bridges are typically the most durable option. For this reason, they are more often used to replace molars in the back of the mouth, which are subjected to greater chewing forces. Metal-free materials like ceramic and porcelain, on the other hand, are popular due to their natural appearance. Tooth-colored bridges are preferred for front teeth, as they can easily blend in with the rest of the smile. The right dental bridge material for you will depend on your specific needs.
How Long Should a Dental Bridge Last?
On average, dental bridges in Boca Raton last somewhere between five and 15 years. The lifespan of your restoration will depend in part on the materials used to craft it. Dental bridges made from metal generally have a longer lifespan than metal-free ones, but not necessarily. Also, the difference is often negligible. Lifestyle behaviors and habits can also impact the longevity of your bridge. Smoking, nail-biting, teeth grinding, and poor oral hygiene habits can all shorten the life of your restoration. Location also matters. Bridges that replace front teeth may last slightly longer than those toward the back of the mouth, as they’re not subjected to as much wear and tear from chewing. Lastly, implant bridges typically last longer than traditional bridges. While the restoration itself will need to be replaced eventually, the implant posts should remain in place for several decades with the right care.
Can Dental Bridges Be Whitened?
No. Regardless of the material used, dental bridges cannot be whitened like natural teeth can. Tooth enamel has tiny pores that allow bleaching gels to enter and break apart stains, but dental restorations like bridges do not. Therefore, your bridge should always remain the same color. Before your restoration is made, your dentist will carefully match the color of your teeth to a color scale. This ensures your restoration will blend in with your remaining teeth as closely as possible. To minimize the risk of your natural teeth becoming stained and making your bridge stand out in your smile, ask your dentist in Boca Raton about professional teeth whitening. Brightening your smile beforehand ensures your bridge will match the ideal shade of your teeth.
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