Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is a missing tooth replacement option that literally bridges the gap between two teeth. It is a fixed restorative appliance that replaces a missing tooth or missing teeth and can improve function and aesthetics for a patient to restore one’s smile. It is made from several pieces that are fused together to fill the open space where your tooth or teeth once were. A dental bridge is a false tooth called a pontic held in place by the abutment teeth on either side of the gap, that is bonded into place so you do not have to worry about taking in and out of your mouth. Although pontics can be made from a variety of materials, usually they are made from porcelain to aesthetically match your natural teeth.
The entire team at Dr. Crystal Dental radiates compassion and enthusiasm. Every member embraces your individual comfort and dental needs. We seek balance in our practice, our procedures, and your health. You will find your entire dental experience with us comforting from start to finish. We balance exceptional, personalized dental care with state-of-the-art equipment and technology. Call us today at 440-974-4449 to schedule your appointment for an evaluation regarding the benefits of a dental bridge for you. You can conveniently find us at 7223 Center Street, Mentor, Ohio, 44060.
Replacing one or more missing teeth can be easily accomplished with a dental bridge. If you are missing teeth, you might feel self-conscious about your appearance, but the impact of missing a tooth goes beyond what you see when you smile. Issues that can arise from a missing tooth including changes in your bite, decreased confidence, additional tooth loss, decay, and more. Your neighboring teeth will immediately drift into the open space affecting your bite alignment, and your gums and surrounding tissue will become more susceptible to decay and disease.
Dr. Crystal
Dr. Crystal is a graduate of Case Western Reserve University, School of Dental Medicine and went on to receive training at one of the most prestigious dental residencies in the nation, The Audie L. Murphy VA Hospital Advanced Education in General Dentistry in San Antonio, TX.
Inform & Educate
We empower you to make wise, well-informed decisions for your oral health through patient education and individual consultation. We do this through the modern technology we offer. Our digital x-rays are equipped with special cavity-detecting software, and we also utilize an intraoral camera to show you what we see in your mouth. We also make sure to stay up-to-date on your medical history, current medications and any other factors that might affect your dental health and treatment.
Insurance & Billing
We are an insurance-friendly office, so please call us about your plan. We will do our best to assist you in maximizing your benefits. At your first visit to our Mentor dental practice, we will ask you for your current insurance information. We may ask you to confirm this information at subsequent visits so we can stay up-to-date and fully informed to serve you. As a courtesy to you, we file all claim forms electronically, provide postage for special claims, and we track claims for you.
Are You a Candidate for a Dental Bridge?
Some factors that can make you a good candidate for a dental bridge include:
- You are missing one or more of your natural teeth.
- You enjoy good overall health, no severe health conditions, infections, or other health problems.
- You have the necessary healthy teeth and strong bone structure to support the bridge.
- You have low cavity risk.
- You have good oral health as well.
- You agree to perform good oral hygiene to maintain the condition of the dental bridge.
Dr. Crystal Dental will discuss these contributing factors with you before deciding whether a bridge is right for you.
The Health Advantages and Benefits of a Dental Bridge
Dental bridges can provide many benefits to you, including:
- They will restore a natural look to your mouth and smile.
- You will maintain your normal facial structure by preventing bone loss from the jaw at the site of the missing tooth or teeth.
- They restore the ability for you to chew food efficiently.
- They will restore your ability to speak normally, as missing teeth can impede proper enunciation.
- They will prevent the adjacent teeth from moving into the gap, which will cause problems with your bite alignment and lead to other complications.
The Different Types of Dental Bridges
There are four main versions of dental bridges:
- Traditional dental bridge- A traditional dental bridge is a false tooth or pontic being held in place by dental crowns that have been cemented onto each of the adjoining abutment teeth. A traditional bridge is the most popular version of a dental bridge and can be used when you have natural teeth on both sides of the space created by your missing tooth.
- Cantilever dental bridge- Like a traditional bridge, the pontic in a cantilever dental bridge is held in place by a crown that is cemented to only one abutment tooth. You only need one natural tooth next to the missing tooth gap to support the artificial tooth.
- Maryland dental bridge- Much like a traditional bridge, Maryland dental bridges requires one to two natural abutment teeth adjacent to the missing tooth. Instead of adding crowns to the abutment teeth, a Maryland bridge uses a framework or “wing” of either metal or porcelain that is bonded onto the backside of the abutment teeth. This is a great option for congenitally missing front teeth or during orthodontic treatment when space is being created.
- Implant-supported dental bridge- Implant-supported bridges use surgically placed dental implants as opposed to crowns or frameworks. Usually, one implant is placed for every missing tooth, and these implants hold the bridge in position. If one implant for each missing tooth is not possible, the bridge might have a pontic suspended between two implant-supported crowns.
Considered the strongest and most stable system, an implant-supported bridge requires two surgeries: The first step is to surgically place the implants in the jawbone and allow those to heal and integrate. The second step is to place the bridge to replace several missing teeth in a comfortable and aesthetic way.
The Dental Bridge Procedure
The process of having a dental bridge placed in your mouth can be done in just a few simple steps. The first step involves preparing the abutment teeth to support the bridge. The second step consists of making a digital impression of the newly shaped teeth and arch so that the dental lab can create the bridge customized to your bite and smile.
The mold, or digital scan, will be sent to the dental lab, and in just a few weeks a new bridge will arrive at Dr. Crystal Dental and be ready for the final placement. The bridge will be fitted to make sure it is the proper color, shape, size, and texture. Then, we will adhere the new bridge to the abutment teeth using dental bonding cement. This cement is final, and once the bridge is placed, it will not be removed again.
Comprehensive Dentistry
Comprehensive dentistry with Dr. Crystal Schneider, involves the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the teeth, gums and jaw. She believes that preventive care is the most important aspect of comprehensive dentistry. Dr. Schneider aims to identify and treat problems while they’re still small, which can save you time, money and more extensive dental treatment.
Cosmetic Dentistry
An attractive smile can boost your confidence, help you make better first impressions on others, and improve your personal and professional life. We provide several cosmetic dental treatments that can subtly enhance your smile, and there are many other more dramatic treatments, often called “smile makeovers,” that can give you the smile of your dreams.
Specialized Dentistry
Missing teeth can take the joy out of the everyday things we love, from smiling and talking with confidence to eating our favorite foods. All of these things can become easier again with specialized dental care. Dr. Schneider offers advanced treatments that will not just restore your smile to its former health – they’ll make it look and feel even better than before!
Dental Bridge Aftercare
It is important to care for your new dental bridge in the same fashion you would care for your natural teeth. Our team will help you with how to properly care for your bridge and make personalized recommendations to ensure you are able to care for your new dental bridge. Recommendations may be made for special tools to thoroughly clean your new dental bridge including threaded floss, dental picks, and water flossers for good oral health and hygiene. If it is not properly cared for, it can cause irritation, infection and even decay to your teeth. It is essential to schedule and keep your consistent dental appointments with Dr. Crystal Dental following the placement of your dental bridge.
Our Devotion to Family Dentistry is Unparalleled
Our attention to detail is second to none. Either when it comes to your personalized dental care or the array of amenities in the relaxing comfort of our office. The entire team at Dr. Crystal Dental goes the extra mile in providing communication and consultation, realizing that we collectively are committed to developing long lasting relationships with every patient. We find gratification in life changing healthy smiles. Call us now at 440-974-4449 to make an appointment to discuss the benefits of a dental bridge for you. Our office is located at 7223 Center Street, Mentor, Ohio, 44060.