Do you need a permanent solution to your missing teeth? Dental bridges are good alternatives to partial dentures in replacing a lost tooth or a row of teeth, so you can eat, speak, and smile naturally. Woodall & McNeill offers reliable dental bridges in Raleigh, NC, and we have the information you need to decide whether you should get one.
What Are Dental Bridges?
As the name implies, dental bridges “bridge the gap” left by a missing tooth or a row of teeth. They can be made of porcelain, ceramics, resin, and metals like gold and cobalt. Ceramic is the material of choice for front tooth replacement. It can be tailored to your natural color and imitates the translucency of real teeth.
A dental bridge has two parts: the abutments (anchors) and the pontic (bridge). The abutments or anchors are dental crowns placed over your healthy teeth on either side of the gap. They support the pontic or bridge, a false tooth that fills the gap in your teeth.
The bridge can have one or two crowns and can be supported by one or two abutments, depending on your needs. Your dentist can have the dental bridges customized by technicians so they resemble your natural teeth.
What Are the Types of Dental Bridges?
If you decide to get a dental bridge after a consultation with your dentist, there are four types to choose from depending on your dental condition and desired aesthetics. Your dentist will consider your age, the number of teeth missing, the gap width, the state of your gums and teeth, and your preference, before recommending the kind of bridge you require.
- Traditional – The most common type of dental bridge and applicable if you have two healthy teeth on either side of the gap.
- Cantilever – This can be used if you only have one healthy tooth to support the bridge.
- Maryland – This dental bridge uses metal wings as abutments instead of crowns.
- Implant-supported – The most ideal solution for multiple missing teeth, it uses implants as abutments to support the pontic.
How long a dental bridge lasts depends on the type of dental bridge, but it usually ranges from 5 to 15 years.
Restore Your Missing Teeth With Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are a great way to restore missing teeth and natural smiles. You can get reliable dental bridges in Raleigh, NC, from Woodall & MacNeill by booking an appointment. Call us today to see if dental bridges are right for you.