Dental bridges are custom-made dental restorations designed to replace one or more missing teeth by literally “bridging” the gap created by tooth loss. At Hazel Dell Dental Care, Dr. Erik Jenson provides high-quality dental bridges in Vancouver, WA, that look natural, feel comfortable, and restore both the function and beauty of your teeth.
Missing teeth can affect more than just your appearance. They can impact your ability to chew and speak properly, cause remaining teeth to shift out of position, and even change the shape of your face over time. Dental bridges are a restorative dentistry treatment that offers a reliable and long-lasting solution to these problems.
Types of Dental Bridges
At Hazel Dell Dental Care, Dr. Jenson offers several types of dental bridges to meet your unique needs. Dr. Jenson will take your number of missing teeth and health into account before he recommends treatment. He’ll also explain how your bridge will work to fit your needs.
Traditional Dental Bridges
The most common type of bridge consists of one or more artificial teeth (pontics) held in place by dental crowns cemented to the natural teeth on either side of the gap. Traditional bridges are strong, durable, and can last many years with proper care.
Implant-Supported Bridges
For superior stability and longevity, Dr. Jenson may recommend an implant-supported bridge. These bridges are anchored by dental implants surgically placed in your jawbone rather than being attached to natural teeth. This option helps preserve jawbone health and doesn’t require altering nearby healthy teeth.
Maryland Bridges
Also called resin-bonded bridges, these are less invasive and consist of a metal or porcelain framework with wings that are bonded to the backs of the adjacent teeth. This type is typically used for front teeth, where chewing forces are less intense.
Cantilever Bridges
If you only have healthy teeth on only one side of the gap, we may recommend a Cantilever bridge. This type is less common and generally not recommended for back teeth where stronger chewing forces could damage the restoration.
Why You Might Need a Dental Bridge
Missing teeth can create significant problems that affect both your oral health and overall quality of life. When you lose a tooth, the surrounding teeth may gradually shift into the empty space, causing misalignment in your bite and potential jaw problems. This shifting can make teeth harder to clean, increasing your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Additionally, the gap left by missing teeth can cause your facial muscles to sag over time, giving your face an older appearance. Many patients also experience difficulty chewing certain foods or speaking clearly when teeth are missing, which can affect nutrition and self-confidence. These issues can worsen over time if left untreated, potentially leading to more tooth loss and complicated dental problems.
Dr. Jenson typically recommends dental bridges when patients need to:
- Replace one or more missing teeth
- Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position
- Restore proper chewing and speaking ability
- Maintain facial shape and appearance
We’ll review your tooth replacement options with you. Our office will also examine your mouth and take your oral health into account before we recommend bridges.
The Dental Bridge Process at Hazel Dell Dental Care
Getting dental bridge treatment in our Vancouver, MA office involves two to three visits. Dr. Jenson will review each part of the process with you.
First Visit
During your initial consultation, Dr. Jenson will examine your teeth and discuss which type of bridge would work best for your situation. If a traditional bridge is selected, the teeth on either side of the gap will be prepared by removing a small amount of enamel to make room for crowns. Precise impressions of your teeth will be taken and sent to a dental laboratory where your custom bridge will be created. Dr. Jenson will fit you with a temporary bridge to protect the exposed teeth and gums while your permanent bridge is being made.
Second Visit
When your permanent bridge is ready (usually within 2-3 weeks), you’ll return to our office. Dr. Jenson will remove the temporary bridge and carefully check the fit, appearance, and bite alignment of your new permanent bridge. Adjustments will be made if necessary to ensure a perfect fit before the bridge is permanently cemented in place.
Follow-Up Visit
In some cases, Dr. Jenson may recommend a short follow-up appointment to check the bridge’s placement and your bite. This ensures long-term comfort and proper function of your new restoration.
Caring for Your Dental Bridge
With proper care, your dental bridge can last 10-15 years or even longer. Dr. Jenson recommends:
- Brushing twice daily and flossing regularly, paying special attention to the area under the bridge
- Using a floss threader or interdental brush to clean under the bridge
- Avoiding hard or sticky foods that could damage your bridge
- Visiting Hazel Dell Dental Care regularly for check-ups and professional cleanings
- Wearing a nightguard if you grind your teeth during sleep
Schedule Your Appointment Today
If you’re missing one or more teeth and want to restore your smile with a dental bridge, contact Hazel Dell Dental Care today. Dr. Erik Jenson and our caring team are committed to providing you with the highest quality dental care in a comfortable, friendly environment.
Missing teeth with dental bridge treatment in Vancouver, WA. Call our office at (360) 233-8831 or use our online request appointment form. We look forward to helping you achieve a complete, beautiful smile!