Restore Your Smile With Dental Bridges in Fort Erie & Ridgeway, ON
Losing a tooth can be a challenging experience that impacts both your smile’s appearance as well as your confidence! Thankfully, dental bridges offer a popular and effective solution for replacing a missing tooth or teeth. Don’t let your dental health deteriorate—replace your missing teeth or tooth at Inigo Dentistry with Dr. Inigo.
To speak with our Ontario dentist, contact our Fort Erie dental office at 905-871-2903 or our Ridgeway dental office at 905-894-5555. We’ll schedule your consultation as soon as possible so you can get your oral health back on track!
Why Choose Inigo Dentistry for Your Dental Bridges?
At Inigo Dentistry, we understand the importance of a healthy, confident smile. Our Fort Erie and Ridgeway dental teams, led by Dr. Inigo, are committed to providing personalized care tailored to your unique dental needs. We utilize the latest techniques and technology to ensure that your dental bridge procedure is smooth and effective.
Our welcoming environment prioritizes patient comfort, and we offer sedation dentistry services for those who experience dental anxiety during appointments. We believe in empowering our patients through comprehensive consultations, where we take the time to discuss your options and answer any questions you may have.
With our focus on ongoing care, we provide regular dental check-ups and maintenance guidance to ensure your dental bridges and overall oral health remain in excellent condition. Choose our Fort Erie and Ridgeway dentists for a compassionate and expert approach to your dental bridge needs!
What Are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges are designed to effectively replace missing teeth. They consist of one artificial tooth or more, known as pontics, which are supported by adjacent natural teeth, called abutments, or by dental implants. This solution not only restores the appearance of your smile but also helps maintain proper bite alignment and overall oral function.
Bridges can be crafted from a variety of materials, including porcelain, ceramic, or metal. Porcelain and ceramic options are particularly popular for their ability to mimic the appearance of natural teeth, providing a seamless blend with your existing smile. Metal bridges, often made from gold or other alloys, offer enhanced durability and strength, making them suitable for areas that require more resilience. The choice of material will depend on factors like the location of the bridge, aesthetic preferences, and the specific needs of the patient.
Dental bridges also help prevent issues such as shifting of healthy nearby teeth and jawbone deterioration, making them a functional and aesthetic solution for tooth loss. With proper care, including regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene practices, bridges can provide a long-lasting restoration that enhances both your smile and your confidence.
Different Types of Dental Bridges
There are several types of dental bridges, depending on how many teeth you need to replace, including:
- Traditional Dental Bridges: The most common type, traditional dental bridges consists of one or more artificial teeth (pontics) anchored to adjacent teeth using dental crowns. The crowns provide a secure base and are typically made from durable materials like porcelain or ceramic for a natural look.
- Cantilever Dental Bridges: Used when there’s only one adjacent tooth available for support, a cantilever bridge has the pontic attached to a crown on the adjacent tooth, allowing it to extend over the gap. Cantilever bridges are suitable for areas with less biting pressure, like the front teeth.
- Maryland Dental Bridges: A Maryland bridge features a metal or porcelain framework that’s bonded to the back of the supporting teeth, making it less invasive than traditional bridges. Maryland bridges are often used for replacing front teeth, emphasizing aesthetic appeal.
- Implant-Supported Bridges: This type relies on dental implants placed in the jawbone for support, providing a stable and long-lasting solution. It’s ideal for patients missing multiple teeth or those without enough natural teeth for a traditional bridge.
Dental Bridge Benefits
When replacing teeth or a single tooth with a dental bridge, patients may experience the following benefits:
- Restored smile
- Improved functionality
- Maintains facial structure
- Prevents further dental complications
- Long-lasting restoration
- Affordable solution
- Boost in confidence
- Minimally invasive procedure
To schedule your consultation regarding any missing teeth or even if you need a temporary bridge, contact Dr. Inigo at Inigo Dentistry by calling 905-871-2903 today!
Dental Bridge Procedure
The dental bridge procedure involves preparing the adjacent teeth, known as abutments, by reshaping them to support the bridge. A custom-made bridge, consisting of the replacement tooth or teeth (pontics) and crowns for the abutment teeth, is then placed over the prepared teeth with dental cement, restoring both function and aesthetics. The bridge is cemented in place, providing a fixed solution for missing teeth. Proper care and regular dental check-ups are essential for ensuring the longevity of your bridge.
The Costs of a Dental Bridge
While costs can vary, you can expect to spend between $2,000 and $5,000 for a dental bridge. Factors influencing the total cost include:
- Geographical location
- Materials used
- The type of dental bridge needed
- Number of teeth to be replaced
- Dentist’s expertise
- Dental insurance plan
- Additional procedures
Can You Get a Dental Bridge?
Eligibility for a dental bridge depends on several factors. Our dentist will consider:
- Location of Missing Teeth: Existing, healthy teeth are required on either side of the gap for support.
- Health of Adjacent Teeth: Supporting teeth must be strong and free of tooth decay or gum disease.
- Number of Missing Teeth: Traditional bridges are suitable for replacing one to three adjacent teeth.
- Oral Hygiene: Good oral hygiene, such as regular tooth brushing, is essential for maintaining a bridge.
- Gum Health: Bleeding gums will not be able to take on dental bridges, and could possibly lead to an infection. Untreated gum disease must be resolved before placement.
- Occlusion Considerations: Proper bite alignment is necessary for success.
- Bone Loss: Significant bone loss may complicate the placement of a bridge.
If a dental bridge isn’t right for you, our Fort Erie and Ridgeway dentist may recommend alternatives for replacing missing teeth, such as a dental implant or partial dentures.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do dental bridges last?
On average, dental bridges last between 5 and 15 years, and even longer with proper care. Implant-supported bridges tend to last longer than traditional options.
Can a dental bridge be whitened if it becomes stained?
Dental bridges cannot be whitened using traditional methods. It’s important to choose a matching shade initially, as staining may require professional cleaning or replacement.
Can I eat normally with a dental bridge?
Yes, once your dental bridge is in place and you’ve had time to adjust, you should be able to eat normally. However, it’s advisable to avoid very hard, sticky, or chewy foods initially to prevent any damage. Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for ensuring the longevity of your bridge.
What should I do if my dental bridge feels loose?
If your dental bridge feels loose or uncomfortable, it’s important to schedule your dental office visits as soon as possible. Only a dentist can determine if there is an issue with the supporting teeth or the bridge itself. Prompt attention can help prevent further complications and ensure your dental health remains intact.
Schedule Your Dental Bridge Consultation With Dr. Inigo Today
Are you ready to replace your lost teeth? Don’t wait any longer! Dental bridges can restore your smile and help you regain the confidence you once had. Our Ontario dental team will be here to answer any of your questions about the process.
To get started, contact one of our Ontario dental offices today. For an appointment in Fort Erie, call 905-871-2903. For Ridgeway, call 905-894-5555.
