Missing teeth can affect more than just your appearance—they can also make it difficult to chew, speak, and maintain the alignment of your remaining teeth. Bridges are a common restorative dentistry option we offer to rebuild smiles and improve oral function. At Dr. Teeth in Reno, Dr. Alison Defilippi and Dr. Whitney Bryant offer dental bridges as an effective solution for restoring both the function and beauty of your smile.
Dental bridges are a reliable, long-term option for filling the gap left by missing teeth, allowing you to regain your confidence and enjoy a complete, functional smile once again.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a prosthetic device used to replace one or more missing teeth. It is made up of artificial teeth, known as pontics, that are held in place by dental crowns attached to the adjacent healthy teeth, known as abutment teeth. The bridge “bridges” the gap left by the missing tooth, restoring both the appearance of your smile and the function of your bite.
At Dr. Teeth, we offer traditional dental bridges, which are a durable and natural-looking option for replacing missing teeth. Dr. Defilippi and Dr. Bryant work closely with you to design a bridge that fits comfortably and matches the color and shape of your surrounding teeth so your smile looks and feels natural.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges offer a range of benefits for patients dealing with missing teeth. One of the key advantages is the restoration of your ability to chew and speak properly, which can be difficult when teeth are missing. Bridges also improve the appearance of your smile by filling in the gaps, which can enhance your confidence and make you feel more comfortable in social situations. Another important benefit is that a dental bridge helps to prevent the remaining teeth from shifting out of place, which can lead to misalignment and other dental issues over time. Additionally, while a bridge may not fully prevent bone loss like dental implants, it can help maintain the structure of your jaw by distributing chewing forces more evenly across your teeth, promoting better overall oral health.
The Dental Bridge Process
At Dr. Teeth, we use a personalized approach to ensure your dental bridge fits comfortably and functions properly. Here’s what you can expect during the process:
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Consultation and Examination: During your initial consultation, Dr. Defilippi or Dr. Bryant will examine your mouth, review your dental history, and discuss your goals for treatment. We’ll take X-rays and digital impressions to determine the best way to proceed with your bridge.
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Preparing the Abutment Teeth: To place a traditional dental bridge, we have to prepare the teeth on either side of the gap to receive crowns. Dr. Defilippi or Dr. Bryant will carefully shape these abutment teeth so that the crowns can fit securely over them. This step ensures that the bridge will be stable and long-lasting.
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Creating the Bridge: After preparing the abutment teeth, we’ll take digital impressions of your mouth. These impressions help create a custom bridge that fits your mouth perfectly. The bridge should blend in with your natural teeth, both in color and shape.
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Placing the Bridge: Once your custom bridge is ready, it will be securely placed on the abutment teeth. Dr. Defilippi or Dr. Bryant will check the fit and make any necessary adjustments to ensure that it feels comfortable and functions properly. Once bonding the bridge in place, you’ll be able to enjoy your restored smile right away.
Am I a Candidate for a Dental Bridge?
If you’re missing one or more teeth, a dental bridge may be the right solution for you. Ideal candidates for dental bridges have healthy teeth or dental implants on either side of the gap to support the bridge. During your consultation, Dr. Defilippi or Dr. Bryant will evaluate your oral health, discuss your treatment options, and help you determine if a dental bridge is the best choice for restoring your smile.
For patients who may not have healthy adjacent teeth to support a bridge, we may recommend other options, such as dental implants. Our goal is to provide you with the best solution for your unique needs.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you’re ready to restore your smile with a dental bridge, contact Dr. Teeth in Reno, NV, today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Alison Defilippi or Dr. Whitney Bryant. We’ll work with you to create a treatment plan that meets your needs and helps you achieve a healthy, functional smile.
Don’t let missing teeth hold you back—let us help you restore your smile and confidence with a custom dental bridge.