Dental Bridge
Silver Spring, MD
 A tooth can be lost due to a variety of reasons and whatever the reason, we can rebuild and restore your missing tooth, improving your oral health and your smile. At Metropolitan Dental Specialty Group, we specialize in a number of tooth replacement solutions, including dental bridges. We are happy to review and discuss treatment specific to your needs. Regardless of which restoration you choose, treatment is important.
A missing tooth can lead to more serious complications because it throws the balance of your mouth off. Many patients experience neighboring teeth shifting, bone loss, imbalanced chewing and even changes to their speech.
What Is A Dental Bridge?
This dental appliance is called a bridge because we literally create a bridge of two anchors with a false tooth between. A traditional dental bridge typically consists of two dental crowns that are designed to go over either healthy teeth or dental implant posts, which are then linked together by a false tooth, known as a pontic tooth. Filling in this gap will keep your neighboring teeth in place while restoring your ability to chew and speak better, and improving your overall aesthetic.
A dental bridge can also be supported by a series of dental implants. Each implant post serves as the root component of a missing tooth, making implant-supported bridges ideal for multiple missing teeth adjacent to one another. In some cases, we may also suspend a pontic between two implants.
Dental Bridge Options
Today, our patients have more options than ever before. Traditional dental bridge appliances required a healthy tooth on either side to stabilize it. Today, we can surgically insert a titanium post directly into the jawbone, known as a dental implant, to serve as one or both anchors. With two dental implants and a bridge, this device can now replace up to five missing teeth. Dental implants have changed dental restorations, we can now use them to secure even entire denture pieces using a process known as the All-on-4® Treatment Concept. We are excited to share this information and demonstrate what a difference tooth implants can make for you!
Dental Bridge Process
Depending on the preparatory work needing to be done, the process of receiving a dental bridge is generally done in two office visits. At your first appointment, we will review and discuss the area, along with all of your available options depending on your medical and financial needs. If you decide to move forward with a dental bridge, we will then take steps to prepare your mouth for placement. This will include creating a mold of the area and preparing your anchor teeth.
The impression or mold is then sent to a dental laboratory, where the technicians will fabricate your new appliance. The fabricating process typically takes a couple of weeks to complete, we will contact you to schedule an appointment when the device is ready. In many cases, we provide a temporary bridge in the meantime to protect your newly reshaped teeth.
Once we have received your new bridge, we will bring you in for fitting and securing your new bridge. We will remove the temporary bridge, clean the area again, and fit the new appliance in place. We may need to make some final adjustments to achieve the proper fit checking your bite as we work. Once we are satisfied, we will secure the bridge in place using special dental cement which is then cured in place using a specialized blue light.
Benefits Of A Dental Bridge
Your new bridge will restore your smile, improving your look and function. Most bridges are fabricated using material and coloring that are designed to match your teeth. They are even textured to mimic the appearance of your natural enamel. It also possesses the same light-reflective properties as natural enamel. As a result, your new restoration will be virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth. What’s more, your new dental bridge will prevent your remaining teeth from shifting out of their proper position, while equally distributing the forces of your bite. If you want to restore your ability to chew and speak properly with a beautiful restoration, a dental bridge may be right for you!
Schedule A Consultation
If you are missing one or more teeth, you may qualify for a dental bridge. Call (301) 585-0400 to schedule your consultation appointment now!
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