Dental Bridges in Woburn, MA
Just like a highway bridge spans a river or valley to provide a stable path for travelers, a dental bridge spans the gap left by missing teeth, restoring your bite function and smile aesthetics. With various dental bridges to choose from, we can help you find a solution to tooth loss that fits your needs, goals, and budget.
At Four Corners Dental Care, we offer patient-centered treatment, focusing on providing a genuine, comfortable, and personalized experience for all our patients. Our compassionate and skilled team is dedicated to providing the highest standard of care, taking the time to understand and address your unique dental needs.
What Are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges are an effective tooth replacement method, filling the gap left by missing teeth and providing a sturdy, long-lasting solution to restore your smile. They work by securing a replacement tooth to the natural teeth or dental implants on either side of the gap. If you’re missing one or more teeth in a row, a dental bridge could be right for you.
Types of Dental Bridges
We offer various types of dental bridges, allowing us to tailor your treatment to your needs and preferences:
| Type | Supported by… | Benefits | Ideal for… |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional | Dental crowns on the healthy teeth on each side of the gap | Excellent choice for replacing molars due to their durability | Patients with healthy teeth on both sides of the gap |
| Cantilever | A dental crown on a healthy tooth on just one side of the gap | Placement only affects one healthy tooth | Patients with a healthy tooth on one side of the gap |
| Maryland | A metal or porcelain framework that connects the false tooth to the back of the adjacent teeth | Less invasive placement (most conservative option) | Replacing front teeth where chewing forces are low |
| Implant-Supported | Dental implants secured in the jawbone where the teeth are missing | Remarkably stable and durable, providing long-term outcomes | Patients without healthy neighboring teeth or those seeking the most durable replacement option |
The Dental Bridge Procedure
While all dental bridges share the goal of filling in the space where teeth are missing, the specific procedure depends on the type of bridge you need. Because traditional and cantilever bridges are supported by healthy teeth next to the gap, we start the procedure by preparing these teeth for dental crowns. A dental crown encapsulates the entire tooth, so we need to make space for the crown by removing some of the tooth enamel. This process allows the bridge to fit snugly. After we shape the anchor teeth, we will take impressions so that your custom bridge can be fabricated. We’ll attach a temporary bridge in the meantime to protect the area and maintain aesthetics. When you come in a few weeks later, we will replace the temporary bridge with your final restoration.
Unlike traditional and cantilever bridges, Maryland bridges require little tooth preparation. When you come in for your first visit, we’ll take impressions so the dental lab can create your bridge. When it is ready, we will check that your custom bridge fits perfectly. Then, we will bond the metal or porcelain wings of the bridge to the back of the adjacent teeth. To do this, we will apply an etching solution to ensure the bridge will adhere to the tooth. We then use strong dental cement to attach the bridge.
Implant-supported bridges require additional steps due to their different support structure. To secure the bridge, we must first place dental implants in the jaw. This is a multi-step process that unfolds over a few months. To begin, we will surgically place the implant screw in the jaw, allowing it to heal fully before attaching the connector piece (called an abutment). We can then secure your custom implant bridge when your gums and jaw have fully healed.
Dental Bridges vs. Partial Dentures
Patients often ask us about the differences between dental bridges and partial dentures since both are used to replace multiple missing teeth. One key difference is that a dental bridge is fixed, while a partial denture is removable. Their structures also differ significantly. A bridge is a row of artificial teeth anchored by natural teeth or dental implants. In contrast, a partial denture has a gum-colored plastic base that the false teeth rest on and uses an acrylic or metal framework that hooks onto natural teeth for support.
Because a bridge is fixed in place and doesn’t risk moving, it provides better stability and functionality. It’s also easier to clean since you can treat it like natural teeth. However, it’s important to clean around the bridge thoroughly to remove bacteria that could cause decay in the supporting teeth.
While some patients find removable partial dentures convenient for cleaning and maintenance, they may move slightly when you eat and speak, causing discomfort and functional issues. At your free consultation, we’ll discuss your dental goals, preferences, and budget to help you make the best choice for your needs.
Bridge the Gap in Your Smile at Four Corners Dental Care
At Four Corners Dental Care, our goal is to provide personalized solutions that meet each patient’s unique needs. That’s why we offer a variety of dental bridge options, including implant-supported bridges. If you need to replace missing teeth, we can help. Our experienced team will work with you to determine the best treatment plan for your specific situation, ensuring you regain your bite function and smile confidence!
Don’t let missing teeth hold you back! Contact us today to arrange a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Following tooth loss, it’s important to replace the missing teeth promptly. A dental bridge (no matter the type) prevents neighboring teeth from drifting toward the empty space. Acting as a barrier, the bridge keeps the rest of your teeth in their proper positions, maintaining your bite alignment. The bridge also distributes your bite forces evenly, preventing excess pressure from being placed on the remaining teeth. In addition to improving chewing and biting, bridges help you pronounce words more accurately, enhancing overall speech clarity.
On top of these functional benefits, a custom dental bridge restores your smile, blending seamlessly with the teeth around it. The bridge’s natural look and feel can boost your self-confidence and allow you to share your smile without hesitation.
Implant-supported bridges offer additional advantages since the implant screw replaces the lost tooth roots. This is important because the tooth roots stimulate the jawbone, keeping it healthy and strong. An implant bridge is also the most stable option, given that the restoration connects to dental implants that fuse with your jaw. This unmatched reliability makes implant-supported bridges the gold standard for replacing multiple teeth in a row.
Ideal candidates for an implant-supported bridge are individuals in good general health who have sufficient bone to accommodate the implants. Without the proper bone density and volume, the risk of implant failure is high. Before recommending dental implants, we’ll evaluate your eligibility using digital X-rays that give us insight into the condition of your jawbone. If your jawbone lacks the proper qualities for implant treatment, we may recommend bone grafting or another tooth replacement option, such as a traditional bridge.
Dental bridges last up to 15 years or longer with proper care. However, the type of bridge used can affect longevity. For instance, Maryland and cantilever bridges tend to need replacement earlier than traditional bridges, and implant-supported bridges typically last the longest.
With any dental bridge, consistent care and maintenance are essential for prolonging the lifespan of the restoration. Here’s what we recommend:
- Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Clean around and under the bridge. A water flosser is a great tool for cleaning hard-to-reach areas.
- Use fluoride mouthwash to keep your gums healthy and prevent bacteria accumulation.
- Avoid chewing on ice or using your teeth as tools.
- Visit Four Corners Dental Care every six months for professional cleaning services.
