When one or more natural teeth in a row have been lost, it can make everyday life a little more difficult for patients. Dr. Barry Bartusiak would like to work with you and help you explore your available reconstructive options, including dental bridges. This type of prosthetic is named as such because it actually “bridges” the gap in your mouth securely and functionally with brand-new teeth that will restore the function of your smile. Better yet, we use the highest quality porcelain materials available today for a superior aesthetic result. If you’d like to learn more or schedule a first appointment for dental bridges in Washington, PA, don’t hesitate to give us a call.
A dental bridge is a dental appliance that’s used to replace one or more missing teeth in a row. It has two dental crowns attached to the replacement tooth or teeth between them to help stabilize the replacement. A dental bridge is most often used for missing teeth between two healthy ones, which serve as anchors for the appliance. These healthy teeth must be prepared for the bridge to be put into place. Dental implants can also be used as anchors for bridges if healthy teeth are not available.
There are two different types of dental bridges available to cater to a variety of needs. Here is what each one entails:
Traditional dental bridges are anchored in place by attaching two dental crowns over healthy teeth that are adjacent to the gap in question. These crowns serve as “anchors,” holding the new prosthetic securely in place. While this technique is effective enough in replenishing much-needed dental structure, it does require alteration to the natural teeth on each side of the gap.
For some patients, Dr. Bartusiak highly recommends implant bridges as an excellent alternative to traditional bridges. Instead of relying on the surrounding teeth, two implants are inserted directly into the jawbone on either side of the gap. This promotes better oral health, a more functional fit, and a longer-lasting smile!
Here are some of the more prominent benefits that you can expect to experience:
Are you looking for a way to bridge the gap left by missing teeth? Dental bridges in Washington, PA, are a great solution that we are proud to offer here at Bartusiak Dental Care of Washington. With a dental bridge, you can replace one or even up to three missing teeth in a row to have a fully functional and natural-looking smile again. That said, we understand that you might have a few questions about the details of dental bridges. That is why we’ve answered some frequently asked questions about bridges below.
After your bridge has been placed, it should remain in your mouth at all times for the next several years. In fact, your dentist in Washington, PA is the only one who can remove your bridge. Sometimes, partial dentures are referred to as removable bridges,but this is inaccurate. Partial dentures are similar to bridges in that they can replace multiple missing teeth, but they differ in that partials can be removed at any point, while bridges are fixed in place.
Definitely! We make our bridges from dental porcelain, which can be meticulously shaded to mimic your natural teeth. This material also has many of the same properties as tooth enamel; it even reflects light in an identical way. Therefore, once we have placed your bridge, it should be impossible to distinguish from any of the natural teeth surrounding it.
Technically, no. The bridge itself cannot decay, but that doesn’t mean you can neglect your oral hygiene. The natural teeth supporting the bridge can certainly still develop cavities. Often, this occurs when food debris gets trapped underneath the bridge and attracts bad bacteria. To prevent this, remember to spend two minutes brushing your teeth (including your bridge) twice a day. You’ll also need to clean under the bridge, which could be done with a floss threader, an interdental brush, and/or a water flosser.
More often than not, a traditional bridge costs less than a dental implant. Dental implants must be placed via oral surgery, a procedure that costs more than preparing two natural teeth to support a bridge. You may also need to pay for the implant posts in addition to the artificial teeth that go on top of them. However, implants can last for 30+ years on average, which is two to three times the typical lifespan of dental bridges, making them a more cost-effective choice. If you are unsure which option is best for you, Dr. Bartusiak would be happy to discuss this with you during a consultation.
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Here at Bartusiak Dental Care, we strive to make your visit with us simple, easy and comfortable.
7:30 am – 2:45 pm
7:30 am – 2:45pm
7:30 am – 2:45pm
7:30 am – 2:45pm
212 Wellness Way
Washington, PA 15301
Phone: 724-225-3680
Fax: 724-225-4334
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