What is the purpose of porcelain dental bridges for patients in Arden, NC?
Missing teeth can have a negative impact. It can affect the function and the beauty of the smile, as well as oral health. Dr. Christopher Port of the Family Dental Health of South Asheville in Arden, NC uses porcelain restorations such as dental bridges to repair the smile to restore functionality and appearance, and ensure that the existing teeth do not shift out of place. Patients often ask how dental bridges work and are pleased to find they can be an effective and affordable solution.
Understanding dental bridges
Dental bridges are just one of several ways to replace missing teeth. Patients often have several options to choose from:
- Dental bridges
- Dentures
- Dental implants
At the Family Dental Health of South Asheville, we find dental bridges to be a wonderful middle-of-the-road option. These restorations are fabricated from porcelain and include false teeth fused to crowns on each end. The bridge “bridges the gap” between the teeth where the tooth has been lost, and uses the crowns on each end for placement over the adjacent teeth for support. This entire restoration is fabricated by a dental laboratory. They create the restoration with impressions of the smile and specific instructions from our dental team in terms of the color, shape, and size the bridge. The entire process from preparation of the teeth to bonding the final restoration in the smile can be approximately one week.
Who is a candidate for dental bridges?
Patients who are interested in a dental bridge will need to have teeth adjacent to the gap to support the restoration. The crowns on the ends need support. Patients who are missing support may ask about the use of a dental implant to stabilize the bridge.
What is the purpose of a dental bridge?
The purpose of bridges is to provide a permanent restoration within the smile that does not need to be removed, as a partial denture would, to replace a missing tooth. Bridges can replace one or several teeth in a row with one restoration. They are long-lasting and more affordable than alternatives such as dental implants.
How do I care for a dental bridge?
Dental bridges do require particular care to ensure that plaque, tartar, and bacteria do not build up underneath the bridge. Also, the teeth that are underneath the crowns may still be susceptible to decay and disease, so brushing, flossing, and routine dental visits are key to the success of the treatment and the health of the smile as a whole.
What are the advantages of a dental bridge?
Dental bridges are:
- A more affordable option than dental implants
- A permanent, non-removable solution
- Made of porcelain, a strong and durable material used in dentistry
- Long-lasting when properly cared for
- Natural in appearance
- Often covered in part or in full by dental insurance plans
How is the smile prepared for the placement of a dental bridge?
To place a bridge, the adjacent teeth supporting the bridge need to be prepared for the dental crowns. This means that a portion of the natural tooth enamel needs to be filed down. Once this is done, impressions are taken to ensure the bridge fabricated fits in place. This eliminates bulk added by the restoration once bonded onto the natural teeth. The entire piece is seamlessly integrated into the smile thanks to the great care our team takes in matching the porcelain to the same color as the natural teeth, while ensuring the size of the dental bridge is in line with the dental arch.
Take the time to speak with our team today to find out more!
Dental restorations are a common way for patients in the Arden, NC area to achieve a functional, beautiful smile! We encourage patients to learn about the options available to them when replacing or repairing natural teeth. Call the Family Dental Health of South Asheville today to book an appointment with Dr. Christopher Port and discuss the ways in which you can enhance the smile’s function and beauty with porcelain restorations. The practice is conveniently located at 600 Julian Lane, Suite 610 and can be reached by calling 828 585 4049.
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Dr. Christopher Port is a full-time practicing dentist in Asheville, North Carolina. In 2007,Dr. Port founded the Family Dental Health of South Asheville, a dental practice dedicated to helping patients achieve a lifetime of dental health and beautiful smiles.
"Dr. Chris Port, Asheville esthetic dentist and smile rejuvenator, recently signed a publishing deal with CelebrityPress, a leading health book publishing company along with other leading dental professionals from across the country to release the book, "More Than A Mouthful."
Our practice is trained in The Denture Fountain of Youth™ technique. Learn more about how The Denture Fountain of Youth™ work, their costs, and why they may be the right tooth replacement for you.